Tacoma Theft Lawyers Build The Best Case To Get The Best Results

Shoplifting attorneys in Pierce County, WA provide creative defense strategies

Tough economic times have led to increased incidences of shoplifting and theft — and increased vigilance by store security and loss-prevention teams. And with 30 percent of losses caused by shoplifting and 45 percent of losses caused by employee theft, retailers are more likely to prosecute to send a message to both shoppers and employees that they mean business.

While being publicly apprehended or charged with a crime is humiliating, it is nothing compared to the penalties you may face. Depending on the value of the item, you could be looking at felony charges that may include imprisonment and steep fines — and may affect your job options, ability to obtain student loans and more.

Don’t let a shoplifting or theft charge ruin your life. criminal law attorney Doug Woods of The Woods Law Office, PLLC in Pierce County is an attorney who provides strategic representation against shoplifting charges with the goal of helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Misdemeanor and felony theft

Do you know the top five things you should do if you are charged with a crime? At the top of the list is to get competent, experienced legal representation before you talk to anybody — particularly store loss prevention staff or the police. Do not assume that you will just be able to return the merchandise and walk away.

As your Tacoma theft and shoplifting lawyer, we are here to help you fight the charges leveled against you — including avoiding prosecution and possibly expunging your record. Contact us immediately if you have been charged with:

  • Third-degree theft of an item valued at less than $750
  • Second-degree theft of an item valued between $750 and $4,999
  • First-degree theft of an item valued at $5,000 or more
  • Misdemeanor theft of an item valued at $250 or less
  • Identity theft
  • Possession or receipt of stolen property
  • Trading in stolen property

Learn more about your rights when you schedule a free consultation with Tacoma theft lawyer Douglas Woods

To find out about your legal options, please contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Weekend or evening appointments can be arranged, and we offer flexible, affordable payment plans.

Tacoma Repeat DUI Offense Lawyers Offer Experienced, Focused Legal Advocacy

If this isn’t the first time, you need a felony DUI attorney in Pierce County

The penalties for DUI are bad enough. The penalties for a second, third or fourth DUI charge become increasingly more severe. At The Woods Law Office, PLLC, it is, of course, our goal to have your case dismissed. By challenging evidence, field sobriety tests, Breathalyzer® results and police actions — even by showing that you may have a certain medical condition or are using a physician-prescribed medication — we can give you a fighting chance.

As a former City of Auburn and Thurston County prosecutor, repeat DUI attorney Doug Woods knows what to expect. He also knows that you are counting on our skills to minimize DUI/DWI penalties and to keep you out of jail.

The third time is not a charm

When clients in Tacoma come to us for legal counsel and representation for a repeat DUI charge, one of the first things they often ask is, “What’s going to happen…and how bad is it?” Washington State DUI penalties for a repeat offense include:

  • Between 30 days (minimum mandatory) for a second offense and 90 days (minimum mandatory) for a third offense, with a maximum of 364 days in jail for both second and third offenses
  • EHM (electric home monitoring) of 60 to 120 days — and you are responsible for the expense!
  • Loss of driving privileges from two years (for a second offense) to three years (for a third offense)
  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • The need to use an Ignition Interlock device, at your expense, for up to five years
  • You may also be required to submit to an alcohol or drug dependency assessment.
  • You may be required to complete alcohol or drug dependency treatment.

Note that these are penalties assessed of those whose BAC (blood alcohol content or blood level) was under .15. Penalties for drivers who have been charged with or arrested for a repeat DUI and whose BAC was above .15 are even more severe — making the need for a repeat DUI attorney in Tacoma imperative for your defense.

If you have been charged with a repeat DUI offense, contact Tacoma felony DUI attorney Doug Woods for a free consultation
We are here to help and have a track record of success. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and concerns with our repeat DUI lawyer, please contact us online. We can arrange to meet with you on weekends or evenings, and we offer affordable, flexible payment plans.

Tacoma Fraud Lawyers Are Proactive In Your Defense

Forgery attorneys in Pierce County that deftly handle state and federal charges

For more than a decade, The Woods Law Office, PLLC has offered sound legal solutions to clients charged with forgery, fraud and other financial crimes throughout the Puget Sound area. These are among the fastest growing areas of crime in Washington State and across the United States and may be tried at either the state or the federal level. Fraud and forgery are terms applied to conduct intended to cheat or defraud another. Fraud includes making false statements to apply for benefits, credit or a license. Forgery is the false making of writing with intent to defraud. A “writing” does not mean just something handwritten, as it includes typewritten and printed material. Fraud and forgery are felonies and can involve long terms of imprisonment and very high fines.

As an experienced white collar lawyer, Doug Woods is familiar with the tactics that the government uses in prosecuting fraud or forgery crimes. In fact, as a former prosecutor, he used those very strategies to convict white collar felons in Pierce County. Today, he is an experienced lawyer who makes use of his experience to create solid defenses for our clients.

Complex fraud laws require a skilled Tacoma fraud lawyer

Laws against fraud are often written for specific industries or purposes and may be drafted at the state or federal level. Many of these statutes are complex, and the question of whether the law was violated is often highly technical and subject to interpretation. Many times these cases are built during many months of investigation and evidence-gathering. If brought in early enough, criminal attorney Doug Woods can help influence the course of the investigation, including the prosecutor’s interpretation of the law and which, if any, charges are filed.

As your fraud lawyers, we can help you with fraud defense matters, including:

  • Consumer fraud
  • Business fraud
  • Securities fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Check fraud
  • Welfare fraud
  • Wire fraud
  • Bank and loan fraud
  • Identity fraud

If you have been charged with or believe you are being investigated for fraud, contact our Tacoma fraud attorney

Prosecutors are vigorous in pursuing fraud and forgery charges. To make sure that your rights are protected, never talk to law enforcement officials without first talking to us. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with Doug Woods, please contact us online. Weekend and evening appointments are available. We also offer affordable payment plans.