Kent Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Kent Criminal Defense Lawyer Attorney

Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience. Depending on the severity of the allegation, a conviction may mean serious penalties and financial hardship. At ARK Law, you’ll find an experienced Kent criminal defense lawyer prepared to stand by your side.

About Us

For over 10 years, Andrea Kim has been helping ensure the rights of Kent residents are respected. Since 2020, ARK Law has garnered a reputation for compassion and building a comprehensive defense for each client. With ARK Law by your side, you can have peace of mind in a dedicated advocate and sound legal counsel.

When Should You Contact a Kent Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been arrested or are under investigation, the moment to contact a lawyer is before you answer any questions from police — not after. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning, and exercising that right is not an admission of guilt. Many people unintentionally harm their own case by giving statements, agreeing to a search, or accepting an early plea offer before speaking with an attorney who can evaluate the charges against them.

Contact ARK Law as soon as possible if any of the following apply to you:

• You have been arrested or booked into King County Jail or the Kent Municipal Court jail
• You have been contacted by a detective or investigator and asked to “come in for a conversation”
• You have received a summons or citation for a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor
• You believe charges may be filed against you even though you have not yet been formally charged

The earlier a defense attorney is involved, the more options are typically available — including negotiating with the prosecutor before charges are formally filed.

Crime in Kent

While criminal allegations can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that defense attorneys help thousands of defendants through the criminal process every year. In 2024 alone, there were over 12,000 reported criminal offenses in Kent. Criminal allegations are broadly divided between misdemeanor and felony charges. These categorizations are articulated in RCW 9A.04.040 and RCW 9A.20.010.

Charges We Defend Against in Kent

ARK Law represents clients across the full range of misdemeanor and felony charges filed in Kent, including:

• DUI and Underage DUI — first offenses through repeat-offender cases
• Drug crimes — possession, possession with intent to distribute, and drug trafficking charges
• Domestic violence and protection order violations
• Assault — from fourth-degree misdemeanor assault through Class A felony assault charges
• Juvenile crimes handled in King County juvenile court
• Theft, shoplifting, and property crimes
• Gun and weapons charges, including cases affecting firearm rights

Each of these charge types carries its own procedural rules and potential defenses — see the dedicated pages linked above for charge-specific guidance, or contact ARK Law to discuss your specific situation.

Misdemeanors and Felony Charges in Washington

In general, misdemeanor crimes are minor offenses, while felonies are more serious. Misdemeanors may include a range of activities. Simple misdemeanors, such as shoplifting, carry the potential of 90 days in jail with a $1,000 fine. If a charge is more serious, a defendant may face a gross misdemeanor. Driving while under the influence, for example, may carry a maximum fine of up to $5,000 and one year in prison.

Felonies cover a broad range of serious crimes that have harsher penalties. In Washington, felonies are divided into three classes:

• Class C felonies. These are the least severe and include allegations like theft in the second degree and third-degree assault. Penalties may include up to five years in prison, as well as the potential of fines totaling $10,000.
• Class B felonies. These charges include more serious allegations, including possession of drugs with intent to distribute and second-degree assault. Consequences for a conviction could include up to 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 in fines.
• Class A felonies. These are the most serious allegations. Criminal defense cases that deal with class A felonies often include examples such as first- and second-degree rape, homicide, and first-degree assault. Penalties vary depending on the circumstances, but can include life in prison and fines of $50,000 or more.

In Kent, misdemeanor charges are typically litigated at the Municipal Court at 1220 Central Avenue S., while felonies are handled by the Maleng Regional Justice Center at 602 West James St.

Common Defenses

While there is no single way to defend against criminal allegations, a skilled Kent criminal defense attorney may take one of the following approaches:

• Necessity. At times, a person inadvertently commits a crime in order to prevent a greater harm from occurring. An example is if a person trespasses onto private property in order to avoid someone chasing them with the intent to hurt them. If the defense can show that a crime was committed in the act of preventing something more serious from happening, this can bolster their case.
• Self-defense. In instances of violent allegations, a defendant may admit to the crime but qualify it by justifying the use of force to protect themselves. If a person reasonably believed there was an imminent threat and that their response was proportionate to that threat, it may mitigate the charges filed against them.
• Alibi. This defense is made when a defendant claims they were not at the location of the crime when it occurred. This argument is supported with witness testimony, documentary evidence such as photographs or videos, or other kinds of records that can show the claim to be true.

Evidence & Building Your Defense

A strong defense starts with a thorough review of the evidence. Depending on the facts of your case, Andrea Kim will examine some or all of the following to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf:

• Police reports and body camera footage
• Witness statements and credibility
• Surveillance and security camera footage
• Photographs and physical evidence
• Forensic and DNA evidence
• Phone records and digital communications
• Whether your constitutional rights were respected during the stop, search, or arrest

If evidence was obtained improperly, or if the prosecution’s case has gaps, that can mean reduced charges or a dismissal. ARK Law leaves no stone unturned.

Expanded Common Defenses

• Unlawful search and seizure. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a stop, search, or arrest, evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed — which can significantly weaken or eliminate the prosecution’s case.
• Insufficient evidence. The prosecution must prove every element of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt. When the evidence doesn’t meet that standard, a skilled defense attorney can challenge the case before it ever reaches trial.
• Lack of intent. Many criminal charges require the state to prove the defendant acted knowingly or intentionally. Where intent can’t be established, this can be a powerful defense strategy.

Why Choose ARK Law?

Andrea Kim understands that each case is unique and approaches her clients with a results-oriented strategy when building their defense. A skilled litigator, Andrea has extensive experience with reviewing evidence. She understands the complexities of criminal law and knows the mitigating factors that can bolster each client’s defense. ARK Law is available to discuss your case promptly after you reach out, including outside standard business hours when a case demands urgent attention — because the first 24–48 hours after an arrest are often the most consequential for how a case unfolds.

Negotiating a Plea Deal in Kent

Not every case goes to trial, and not every case should. In many instances, the prosecutor’s initial charge is filed higher than the evidence may ultimately support, anticipating that a reduced charge will be negotiated later. Andrea Kim reviews the strength of the state’s evidence and, where appropriate, negotiates directly with the prosecutor’s office to pursue reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion — while always preparing every case as though it will go to trial. If a fair resolution isn’t offered, ARK Law is prepared to fight the charges in court.

FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Washington State?

How much a criminal defense lawyer costs depends on a wide variety of things. The seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the case, the evidence presented, and how long litigation may last can all affect how a lawyer approaches a case. Defendants should be prepared to speak to a lawyer about fees during an initial consultation. ARK Law offers payment plan options for qualifying clients, and every new client receives a free consultation to discuss fees before any commitment is made.

Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Worth It?

It is worth it to hire a criminal defense lawyer. An experienced attorney can build a defense and provide invaluable counsel when helping you face criminal charges. They can review evidence, witness testimony, and police procedure, among other information, to advocate effectively on your behalf and ensure a successful defense.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

The main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the seriousness with which the crime is treated. Misdemeanors in general are treated as minor crimes, while felonies are considered serious. Misdemeanor charges usually apply to things such as shoplifting or trespassing. Felonies are applied to serious crimes such as assault, and they are divided into the classes of A, B, and C, each with varying degrees of penalties.

What Is a Good Defense Against Criminal Charges?

While there is no one good defense against criminal charges, there are a few strategies that a seasoned criminal defense attorney may use. One is to argue necessity, meaning a crime occurred to prevent greater harm from happening. Another is to reframe the context of an allegation, such as arguing self-defense in cases of violent crime. A third is to have an alibi with evidentiary support to show that the defendant was not where the crime occurred.

Is There a Time Limit to File Criminal Charges in Washington?

Yes. Washington’s statute of limitations varies by offense: most misdemeanors must be charged within one year, most felonies within three years, and there is no statute of limitations for the most serious crimes, such as murder. If you’re concerned about the timing of a potential charge, an attorney can review the specifics of your situation.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

According to a report from the Kent Police Department, there were over 1,800 arrests in the city over a one-year period. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it is critical to have an attorney by your side if you’ve been arrested. Contact ARK Law today to learn how Andrea Kim can advocate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.