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The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield

Fife Criminal Defense Attorney

Fife criminal defense attorney, Morgan Fletcher Benfield, is devoted to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your criminal case. He has an expansive knowledge of both the local and state criminal laws and has a dependable track-record of getting charges reduced or dropped.

Are you facing misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony charges in Fife? Contact the Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield today. 

criminal defense fife

Fife DUI Lawyer

If you, like the majority of Fife residents, commute daily for work or school, then you do not want to take any chances with a DUI charge. DUI is most commonly charged as a gross misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. But, if you already have two or more DUIs on your record, then your new DUI has the potential to be processed as a felony. DUI is taken very seriously throughout Washington and even a first time DUI can carry stiff penalties.

Besides fines and jail time, being charged with a DUI can expose you to a host of other consequences including license suspension, an ignition interlock device requirement, probation, increased insurance costs, and potential loss of employment. 

If you are facing DUI charges, don’t gamble with your future by going into court alone. Partnering with a professional Fife DUI lawyer will significantly increase the likelihood of your charges being dismissed, or significantly reduced. 

Morgan Fletcher Benfield is a committed DUI attorney who has a dependable track record of helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their cases. He understands the intricacies of DUI law and knows how to cross-examine State witnesses, check for breathalyzer errors, and probe for police mistakes in your case. 

Drug Possession

Besides recently legalized marijuana, possession of any kind of controlled drug will earn you a Class C felony in Fife. Controlled drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, oxycodone, and oxycontin, among others. The penalty for drug possession is severe and if you are charged with a Class C felony you could be looking at up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. 

As for marijuana, there are still rules and limitations that you are expected to abide by when using and carrying it. There are penalties for breaking these limitations, which can become especially severe if you are under the age of 21 (as minors are forbidden from buying and possessing any amount of marijuana).

Working with a qualified Fife drug possession attorney is your best defense against possession charges. A criminal defense lawyer, like Morgan Fletcher Benfield, will be able to challenge the State’s case on the grounds of your 4th amendment rights, pressure the government on issues of search and seizure, and attack the prosecution’s case using your constitutional rights. 

Assault in Fife

Assault is taken seriously in Fife. Depending on the class of assault, and criminal history, your charges could earn up to life in prison and/or up-to $50,000 in fines from the State. Don’t wait until the last minute to secure quality representation in court. You need to partner with a professional criminal defense attorney in Fife who can protect you from wrongful accusations and protect your name.

Soliciting, Prostitution

Washington State has seen a dramatic increase in anti-prostitution awareness and activity. One result of this is the arrest of many solicitors, or “Johns,” who have been caught up in police stings throughout the state. 

Solicitation is illegal in Washington State and is defined under section 9A.88.110 of the Revised Code of Washington as conduct similar to the following:

  • Paying a fee as compensation for receiving a sexual favor pursuant to a prior agreement.
  • Agreeing to pay such a fee with the understanding that sex will be provided.
  • Soliciting or asking someone to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for a fee.

No sexual act needs to occur for you to be charged with solicitation or prostitution — the act of agreeing to sex in exchange for a fee is enough. If you are charged with either prostitution or solicitation in Fife, you could be punished with 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. 

Having a conviction for solicitation or prostitution on your record is a smear that can follow you for many years and can cause difficulty when it comes to finding future employment. Don’t risk your future by taking these kinds of charges lightly. Contact a Fife criminal defense lawyer today, like Morgan Fletcher Benfield, and take the first step towards protecting your reputation. 

Felony Charges, Gross Misdemeanors, and Misdemeanors in Fife

The penalties for felony charges are significantly more severe than those for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors and range, based on the gravity of the act. The three classes of felony charges include:

  • Class C Felonies: Up to 5 Years in prison and up to $10, 000 in fines.
  • Class B Felonies: Up to 10 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
  • Class A Felonies: Up to life in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.

Gross misdemeanors, while less severe than felonies, can still cause significant damage to your reputation, may result in loss of employment, and can make it difficult to find work and housing in the future. The penalties for a gross misdemeanor include:

  • Jail time between 0-364 days. 
  • Fines between $0-$5,000.

As for misdemeanors, while these are not as severe as felony charges or gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors should still be taken seriously. 

The penalties for a misdemeanor include:

  • Jail time between 0-90 days. 
  • Fines between $0-$1,000.

Get Legal Help in Fife Today

Criminal charges have the potential to severely affect your quality of life both in the short and long term.

Don’t risk your future — if you are being charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony in Fife, Washington, contact the law office of Morgan Fletcher Benfield and start building your defense today.