Criminal Defense Attorney in Pierce County

Facing Criminal Charges In Pierce County? Put 130 Years of Combined Experience in Your Corner

If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by law enforcement in Pierce County, you are likely worried about your future. You may be asking whether you will go to jail and how a record could affect your job and family. This is the moment when a criminal defense attorney in Pierce County can make a real difference.

Hester Law Group is a Tacoma-based criminal defense firm that represents people in Pierce County courts. We know how quickly a case can move and how confusing the process feels when you have never been through it before. Our role is to step in, protect your rights, and guide you through each decision.

Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience to each case we accept. With more than 130 years of combined legal experience on our team, along with honors such as 10.0 Superb Avvo Ratings and listings in Best Lawyers in America, we work to provide steady representation when everything else feels uncertain.

The state has a team of prosecutors working against you—you need a team of your own. Reach out to Hester Law Group for a free consultation on your criminal defense matter. We are available 24/7 at (253) 300-3034 to protect your rights. You can also fill out our online form.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Pierce County

Criminal charges in this area range from first-time misdemeanors to serious felony allegations. No matter the circumstances, working with a criminal defense lawyer in Pierce County who handles a broad spectrum of cases can make a meaningful difference.

Types of criminal cases we handle:

• Assault and Violent Crimes: Defense in cases involving conflicting accounts, self-defense claims, and significant potential sentencing exposure.
• DUI and Driving Offenses: Representation in cases that may affect your driver’s license, employment, and insurance rates.
• Domestic Violence Charges: Cases often involve protective orders, no-contact orders, and complex family dynamics.
• Drug Offenses: Allegations of possession, distribution, or related controlled substance crimes.
• Property Crimes: Defense against charges such as theft, burglary, and related offenses.
• White Collar and Fraud Cases: Representation for professionals and business owners facing financial crime allegations, regulatory scrutiny, or investigations involving digital and financial records.
• First-Time and Repeat Offenses: Strategic planning for individuals with no prior record as well as those concerned about how prior history may affect sentencing or future opportunities.

In every matter, we focus on understanding the details of your case and what matters most to you before advising you on the available legal options and next steps.

What To Expect In Pierce County Court

Facing criminal charges in Pierce County can feel overwhelming, but most cases follow a similar path. Proceedings often begin with an arrest or formal notice of charges. Felony cases are generally handled in Superior Court, while misdemeanors are heard in District or municipal courts, depending on where the alleged incident occurred.

One of the first key hearings is the arraignment. At this appearance, the court formally advises you of the charges, addresses release conditions, and schedules future court dates. A judge may set bail, release you on personal recognizance, or impose restrictions such as no-contact orders or travel limitations.

After the arraignment, the case enters the pretrial phase. During this stage, evidence is exchanged, motions may be filed, and plea negotiations can take place. If no agreement is reached, the matter proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout each step, your attorney explains options and helps you weigh potential risks and benefits.

After an arrest or police contact in Pierce County, helpful steps include:

• Stay calm and avoid making statements about the incident, especially to law enforcement, without a lawyer present.
• Attend all scheduled court dates and keep copies of any paperwork you receive from the court or jail.
• Write down what you remember about the events leading to your arrest, including names of any witnesses and locations.
• Avoid discussing your case on social media or with people who do not need to know the details.
• Contact a criminal lawyer in Pierce County as soon as you can so you can receive advice before making further decisions.

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and give your attorney more tools to work with. When you meet with our team, we review the status of your case in the Pierce County system and talk through what to expect over the coming weeks and months.

How Our Defense Lawyers Work With You

When you contact our firm, the process begins with a free consultation designed to understand your situation and identify any immediate concerns. From upcoming court dates to no-contact orders or employment issues, we assess what needs attention right away. If you decide to move forward with us, we conduct a detailed review of the evidence and work closely with you to develop a strategy that reflects your goals, responsibilities, and priorities.

What you can expect when working with us:

• Free Initial Consultation: A confidential conversation to hear your side of the story and identify urgent legal issues.
• Early Case Assessment: Review of charging documents, discovery, police reports, recordings, and other evidence provided by the prosecution.
• Goal-Oriented Strategy: Discussion of your objectives, including protecting your job, professional license, or family responsibilities.
• Confidentiality and Discretion: Careful handling of sensitive information, especially important in close communities like Tacoma and Pierce County.
• Clear Communication: Preparation before court appearances, explanation of potential consequences, and review of any documents requiring your signature.
• Informed Decision-Making: Guidance at every stage, whether challenging evidence, negotiating a resolution, or preparing for trial.
• Early Intervention: Prompt legal advice if you are charged or under investigation, as early action can significantly influence the direction of a case.

Our focus is to ensure you understand the process, feel supported, and are equipped to make informed decisions from start to finish.

To schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal lawyer Pierce County, contact us today online. Call (253) 300-3034 to speak with our team.