Criminal Defense Practice
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tacoma
DUI, domestic violence, felonies, drug charges, and juvenile offenses. Melvin & Torrone provides aggressive defense representation in Pierce County courts, fighting to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.
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Why Choose Melvin & Torrone?
When your family, your freedom, or your future is at stake, you need experienced attorneys who understand Washington law and fight for your best interests.
Whether you're facing a divorce, custody battle, criminal charge, or DUI arrest, Melvin & Torrone brings decades of combined courtroom experience to every case.
We know the local courts, prosecutors, and judicial officers, and we know how to get results.
Get Your Free ConsultationLocal Experience
We practice daily in Pierce County Superior Court and Tacoma Municipal Court. We know the prosecutors, the judges, and how cases move through the system.
Trial-Tested Attorneys
We don't just negotiate. We win at trial when negotiations break down. Prosecutors know which attorneys will actually go to trial, and that knowledge influences every plea offer.
Dual-Practice Advantage
Criminal charges often affect family law matters. DV arrests trigger protection orders that impact custody. Our firm handles both, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Immediate Response
Criminal cases move fast. We act quickly to preserve evidence, file motions, arrange bail, and protect your rights from the moment you retain us.
Personalized Attention
Direct attorney communication, not paralegals or answering services. Your attorney handles your case personally.
Transparent Pricing
We have clear fee agreements and flexible payment plans for some clients. You understand the cost of your defense upfront.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
DUI Defense
A DUI charge carries mandatory minimum penalties—jail, license suspension, ignition interlock, and fines. But DUI cases are built on evidence that can be challenged: field sobriety tests, breathalyzer calibration, blood draw procedures, and the legality of the stop itself. You have only 7 days from arrest to request a DOL hearing.
Read MoreDomestic Violence Defense
A DV conviction triggers mandatory no-contact orders, firearm prohibitions, and can permanently affect your custody rights and immigration status. The 'domestic violence' designation enhances penalties and makes the conviction ineligible for vacation. We defend against DV assault, no-contact order violations, and handle protection order hearings on both sides.
Read MoreMajor Felony Defense
Felony charges range from Class A (life in prison) to Class C, with Washington's sentencing grid determining the standard range based on offense seriousness and offender score. We defend clients facing assault, robbery, homicide, sex offenses, burglary, kidnapping, and weapons charges in Pierce County Superior Court.
Read MoreMisdemeanor Defense
A misdemeanor conviction still creates a criminal record on background checks. Simple misdemeanors carry up to 90 days in jail; gross misdemeanors up to 364 days. Both affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. We defend against theft, trespass, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and harassment charges.
Read MoreJuvenile Defense
Washington's juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation, but consequences are still serious—detention, probation, and possible transfer to adult court. We represent minors in Pierce County Juvenile Court, working to protect their future through diversion programs, deferred dispositions, and aggressive defense.
Read MoreDrug Possession & Drug Crimes
Since the Blake decision, simple possession is a misdemeanor with diversion options. But possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking remain serious felonies. We handle possession charges, drug court referrals, distribution defense, and prescription fraud cases.
Read MoreProtection Orders
Protection orders restrict your freedom, appear on background checks, prohibit firearms, and affect custody. Whether seeking protection or defending against an order, we represent both petitioners and respondents in DVPO, anti-harassment, sexual assault, and stalking protection order hearings.
Read MoreTraffic Offenses
Serious traffic offenses—reckless driving, driving suspended, hit-and-run—carry criminal penalties including jail time and license revocation. Even infractions can accumulate to trigger suspension. We represent clients facing criminal traffic charges and contested infractions.
Read MoreUnderstanding Washington's Sentencing Grid
Washington State uses a sentencing grid that determines criminal penalties based on two factors: the seriousness level of the offense (I through XVI) and the defendant's offender score (calculated from prior criminal history). Where these two factors intersect on the grid determines the standard sentencing range.
This system means your sentence depends not just on the current charge, but on your entire criminal record. An experienced defense attorney can challenge how your offender score is calculated, negotiate reduced charges to lower the seriousness level, and argue for exceptional sentences below the standard range when the facts support it.
What We Fight For
Dismissals
Challenge the evidence. Suppress illegal searches. File motions to dismiss when the state cannot prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charge Reductions
Negotiate reduced charges that lower the offense seriousness level, reducing your sentencing exposure and protecting your record.
Diversion Programs
Drug court, mental health court, and pretrial diversion programs that can result in charges being dismissed upon completion.
Alternative Sentencing
Work release, electronic home monitoring, community service, and treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration.
FTOW / DOSA
First-Time Offender Waiver and Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative programs that allow sentences below the standard range for qualifying defendants.
Stipulated Orders of Continuance
SOC agreements where charges are dismissed after a period of compliance with agreed-upon conditions, keeping your record clean.
Serving Tacoma & Pierce County
Cities We Serve
Courts
- Pierce County Superior Court
- Tacoma Municipal Court
- Lakewood Municipal Court
- Puyallup Municipal Court
- Pierce County District Courts
Tacoma Neighborhoods
- North End
- South Tacoma
- Hilltop
- Stadium District
- Lincoln District
- Eastside
- West End
- McKinley Hill
- Proctor
- Old Town
Office: 950 Pacific Ave, Suite 720, Tacoma, WA 98402
Criminal Defense FAQ
Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney under both the U.S. Constitution (Fifth and Sixth Amendments) and the Washington State Constitution. Clearly and politely invoke these rights: "I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions." Anything you say to police can and will be used against you. Even statements you believe are exculpatory can be taken out of context. Contact an attorney before making any statements, signing anything, or agreeing to searches.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
In Washington, crimes are classified as felonies, gross misdemeanors, or simple misdemeanors. Felonies carry prison sentences of over one year and are further classified as Class A (up to life), Class B (up to 10 years), or Class C (up to 5 years). Gross misdemeanors carry up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Simple misdemeanors carry up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine. The classification determines not only penalties but long-term consequences for your record, employment, firearm rights, and voting rights.
Can I get my criminal record vacated in Washington?
Washington uses the term "vacation" rather than "expungement." Under RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies) and RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors), many convictions can be vacated after completing your sentence and a waiting period. Misdemeanors typically require 3 years; felonies require 5 to 10 years depending on offense class. Some convictions cannot be vacated, including most DUI convictions, violent sex offenses, and certain domestic violence offenses. Once vacated, the conviction is withdrawn and dismissed.
What is a Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC)?
A Stipulated Order of Continuance is an agreement where the defendant agrees to comply with certain conditions (community service, treatment, classes, staying out of trouble) for a specified period. If completed, the charges are dismissed. An SOC is not a guilty plea and does not result in a conviction. It is a powerful tool for first-time offenders who want to avoid a criminal record.
How does a criminal charge affect my custody case?
Criminal charges—especially domestic violence, DUI, and drug charges—can significantly affect custody proceedings. The family court considers criminal history when evaluating the "best interests of the child," and certain findings trigger mandatory restrictions under RCW 26.09.191. A DV no-contact order may prevent you from seeing your children. This is precisely why our dual-practice model matters: we coordinate your criminal defense with your family law strategy.
What happens at my first court appearance (arraignment)?
At arraignment, the judge reads the charges, advises you of your rights, and asks you to enter a plea. The judge also sets bail and conditions of release. Having an attorney at arraignment is critical—your attorney can argue for reasonable bail, identify issues with charging documents, and begin building your defense strategy from day one.
Next Steps
Your Freedom Is Worth Fighting For
Criminal charges do not wait, and neither should your defense. Evidence degrades. Witnesses forget. Deadlines pass. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney protecting your rights, the stronger your case.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationThe information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. If you are facing criminal charges, contact Melvin & Torrone immediately for a consultation.