Milios Defense is a full-service Seattle criminal defense firm dedicated to protecting the rights of the “citizen accused” through zealous advocacy on behalf of those facing criminal prosecution. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake when you’ve been charged with a crime: loss of your freedom, costly fines, restrictions on your rights, and long-lasting damage to your career, reputation, finances, family, and future opportunities. That is why we use our experience, skill, and tireless efforts to defend clients throughout Washington against all state and federal criminal charges. Over more than two decades, we have built a lengthy track record of acquittals and other favorable outcomes, helping clients put their ordeals behind them and move forward with their lives.
We provide robust, aggressive, and strategic defense representation for every criminal charge, including:
Judges, jurors, and prosecutors are human, which means they can and do make mistakes that can be the basis for overturning an adverse verdict in a criminal case. Our attorneys have the insights and experience to determine whether an appeal is the right approach. If so, we will develop and implement the strategies most likely to yield a positive result.
Given the damage caused by intentionally or maliciously set fires and the frequent result of harm or death to people, the crimes of arson and reckless burning are aggressively prosecuted in Washington and come with severe penalties upon conviction. We provide aggressive and strategic defense against all degrees of arson charges.
An argument that gets out of hand, a road rage incident, a fistfight in a bar – all these somewhat common incidents and many more can lead to an assault charge and conviction in Washington. In fact, prosecutors can convict you of assault, and you can face serious penalties even if you never made physical contact with or hurt the alleged victim. Milios Defense will work tirelessly to obtain an acquittal or a reduction in charges.
Burglary
Contrary to what many people believe, you don’t actually need to steal or attempt to steal anything to be charged and convicted of burglary. Just entering a home or business unlawfully is enough, and Washington law presumes that by doing so, you were there with the intent to commit a crime. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers provide a robust defense against all burglary charges.
Disorderly Conduct
“Disorderly conduct” is a common criminal offense that police and prosecutors use to charge individuals for engaging in a wide range of behaviors, from abusive language to blocking traffic to making too much noise. The somewhat subjective nature and “catch-all” use of disorderly conduct mean plenty of people are charged for acts that should not be and are not, in fact, criminal. Milios Defense can help you fight such charges and save you from hefty fines, possible jail time, and a criminal record.
Domestic Assault/Domestic Violence
Washington law and Washington prosecutors treat domestic violence charges with the utmost seriousness. Few offenses result in such swift and wide-ranging consequences as domestic violence. It involves mandatory arrest, limitations on rights and contact with family, and the potential for significant jail time. Given the upheaval and trauma caused by such charges and the complexities involved, retaining experienced defense attorneys is critical. Since 1993, our Seattle attorneys have successfully defended those charged with domestic violence in Seattle and throughout Washington.
Drug Offenses
Cannabis possession may be legal in Washington, but police and prosecutors have not throttled back their efforts to enforce both state and federal drug crime laws involving other illicit substances, many of which come with severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers have a long record of success defending against every type of drug charge and can help you avoid or minimize the consequences of a drug crime conviction.
DUI/DWI
Given that drunk driving injures and kills tens of thousands of people each year, there is no such thing as a “slap on the wrist” if you are arrested and charged with DUI in Washington. Even a first-time DUI conviction carries severe penalties that can put you behind bars, keep you off the road, disrupt your life, and stain your reputation for years to come. Given the consequences, you need the best possible defense against DUI charges. Tim Milios is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and a nationally ranked “superior” DUI attorney who has favorably resolved over 1,000 Washington DUI cases during his two decades of criminal defense practice.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a form of theft that involves stealing money or property you have been entrusted to hold secure. This crime often happens in workplace settings when employees have access to their employer’s funds and transfer money to themselves without the company’s knowledge or consent. It can happen in many other circumstances as well. The penalties upon conviction largely depend on the amount of money or goods stolen, but make no mistake; you can face life-altering consequences even if you embezzle relatively small amounts. We have the experience to mount a powerful defense against all embezzlement charges.
Expungement
One of the longest-lasting consequences of a criminal conviction is the criminal record that comes with it. Even charges that don’t result in a conviction can appear on your criminal history. A criminal record can deprive you of employment, financial, housing, and other opportunities and be a burden that follows you around for years or decades. Fortunately, Washington law allows for the expungement or vacating of certain convictions so they will no longer appear on background checks or otherwise be visible to the public. If your conviction is eligible for expungement, we can help you remove it from your record and get you the fresh start you deserve.
Federal Crimes
Many crimes violate federal law, meaning you will be prosecuted in federal court and subject to the often harsher penalties that come with a conviction. Certain drug and financial crimes, crimes committed on federal property or against a federal employee, and a host of other offenses can result in federal charges. The rules and procedures that govern federal criminal cases are distinct from cases in state court and require attorneys who understand the nuances of federal law and proceedings. We have ample experience defending clients against federal crimes and have established a solid track record of favorable outcomes in federal court.
Felonies
While every criminal charge should be taken seriously, some are undeniably more serious than others. Like most states, Washington divides criminal offenses into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies. If prosecutors charge you with a felony, you face the very real possibility of spending years in Washington state prison, paying thousands of dollars in fines and penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for decades. If you face felony charges, your freedom and future are very much on the line. Milios Defense provides aggressive and strategic representation for all felony offenses and will fight tirelessly to defeat the charges or minimize any possible penalties.
Fraud
Identity theft, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, forgery, writing bad checks, welfare fraud, and insurance fraud are just a few of the activities that can result in a Washington fraud conviction. Fraud involves obtaining money or property from another using lies, deception, or concealment and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances, the amount involved, and the victim. Not only are prison time and significant fines distinct possibilities, but having a fraud conviction on your record can be particularly damaging. We can help you avoid or minimize such consequences through our skilled and experienced fraud defense representation.
Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter
There are no crimes more serious and no consequences more severe than those involving taking a human life. A homicide means a person’s life has ended wrongfully or violently. But a homicide can also quite literally end the life of the person convicted of such a crime. Just being charged with homicide can end your life as you know it, as your family, friends, colleagues, and community distance themselves from you or convict you in their own minds. If you face any type of Washington homicide charge, you can make no more important choice than your choice of a defense attorney. The homicide defense attorneys at Milios Defense are more than up to the task, having defended clients in homicide cases throughout the state.
Juvenile Crimes
We all make mistakes or poor choices when we’re young, but some of those errors in judgment can lead to criminal charges. While juvenile crimes are treated differently than those committed by adults, they are no less serious and can quickly derail a promising young life if not handled properly. If your child is in the crosshairs of Washington’s juvenile justice system, you need to take immediate action. Whether your child’s legal troubles result from a lapse in judgment, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or a serious misunderstanding, we can help. We will work tirelessly to protect your child and preserve their future.
Kidnapping
When people think of kidnapping, they may picture a victim being violently restrained, thrown into a vehicle, taken to an unknown location, and held for ransom. While that would certainly constitute kidnapping, you can be charged with this serious offense in several other circumstances that may not look or sound like what is portrayed in the movies or on TV. Depriving someone of their freedom is a serious offense, and the penalties are accordingly harsh. It is imperative that you retain an experienced Washington kidnapping defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged.
Misdemeanors
Sometimes thought of as “minor” crimes, misdemeanors in Washington can have major consequences. You could end up behind bars for months and pay thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and restitution. They can damage your career and educational opportunities and stain your reputation for years or decades to come. Don’t mistakenly treat misdemeanor charges lightly. Milios Defense can defend you against any misdemeanor charge and obtain the best possible result.
Probation Violations
Judges don’t like it when their orders are ignored or violated, and neither does the law. The terms of probation after a conviction are a judge’s orders. If you fail to follow the restrictions and requirements of your probation, you could wind up back in court and potentially in jail, along with other potential consequences such as extending the length of your probation, house arrest or electronic monitoring, and additional conditions and restrictions to your probation. Given these harsh penalties, you should retain an experienced Seattle probation violation defense attorney the minute you are advised of your alleged violation.
Sex Crimes
You will be tarnished with the stigma of a sex crime charge from the minute police arrest you. It can destroy your reputation and cause upheaval in your career and family. If you are convicted, incarceration and registration as a sex offender will likely follow, making your ordeal even more catastrophic. The Seattle sex crimes defense attorneys at Milios Defense will take every possible step to defend you and protect your future, no matter the charges against you.
Possession of Child Pornography
Few criminal offenses will earn you the wrath of society and the fury of prosecutors like those involving the sexual exploitation of children. Child pornography is considered abhorrent and deviant, and those convicted for possessing such images will face severe consequences beyond a lengthy prison sentence. Lifetime registration as a sex offender, ongoing limitations to your rights and freedoms, and losing family, friends, colleagues, and others will change your life forever. At Milios Defense, we will develop a full understanding of the facts involved and develop a strategy to obtain the best possible outcome.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a type of theft, and convictions for theft in Washington can come with severe penalties, especially if what you shoplifted is worth a lot of money or you have a previous theft conviction on your record. You could also face shoplifting charges even before trying to leave the store. If you were detained by store security and subsequently charged with shoplifting, call us as soon as possible so we can begin working on your defense.
Reckless Driving
Because it puts so many people at risk and leads to countless crashes and injuries, reckless driving is a serious traffic offense under Washington law. Anyone who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving, a gross misdemeanor that can result in up to a year in jail. Don’t face this serious charge on your own. Contact us so we can help prepare the best defense.
Robbery
The defining characteristic of a robbery that distinguishes it from other theft crimes is the use or threat of force. Since robbery involves violence or the threat of violence, it is often treated more harshly than other theft crimes and can result in severe penalties upon conviction. Milios Defense can defend you against these serious charges and give you the best chance of an acquittal or favorable plea arrangement.
Solicitation
Given the increased focus on the harms caused by human trafficking, prosecutors have become more aggressive in seeking convictions against those who solicit prostitution. Just an arrest for solicitation can do untold damage to your reputation, relationships, and career. We will work tirelessly to protect you from such consequences.
Theft
Several offenses fall under the crime of theft in Washington. What you stole, its value, and how and from whom you stole it will determine how severe the penalties will be upon conviction. But make no mistake, even minor theft offenses can come with significant consequences. Call us immediately if you have been arrested for theft.
Warrants/Failure to Appear
An order to appear in court is not optional. Failure to show up when required can result in a warrant for your arrest, making a bad situation even worse and resulting in additional criminal charges. If there is an arrest warrant out for you, let us help you navigate the case and defend your rights.
Weapons Charges
Possessing a gun or other weapon in violation of Washington law can be a serious criminal offense, and it can be easy to find yourself unknowingly or intentionally on the wrong side of the law. A complex set of statutes covers gun and weapons possession in Washington, so it is vital to have experienced defense counsel in your corner if you’re charged with a weapons offense of any kind.
White-Collar Crimes
Criminal offenses committed in an office or behind a desk can be just as serious as those committed on the street or with a weapon. Federal and state prosecutors aggressively seek convictions for white-collar crimes. The earlier you secure experienced white-collar crime defense representation, the better your chances are of protecting your rights, avoiding costly missteps, and developing an effective defense strategy.