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Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. Ramirez & Cooper, Inc.
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Criminal Defense Aggressive Representation. Personalized Attention.

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Kitsap, Mason & Jefferson Counties

Facing Criminal Charges in Western Washington? Here's What You Need to Know.

An arrest doesn't have to define your future — but how you respond in the hours and days that follow can make all the difference. At Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., we've spent over 30 combined years defending people charged with everything from first-offense misdemeanors to serious felonies. We know these courts, these prosecutors, and these judges  and we put that local knowledge to work for you from day one.

Call (206) 222-7701 for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7.

Why Local Experience Matters in a Criminal Defense Case

Not every criminal attorney is the right fit for a case in Kitsap County Superior Court or Bremerton Municipal Court. Each courthouse has its own procedures, each prosecutor's office has its own tendencies, and each judge has preferences that shape how cases actually play out.

Our attorneys have appeared in courts across Western Washington including Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, Clallam, and Thurston Counties for decades. That's an advantage you simply can't get from a general-practice firm or a lawyer who doesn't know your jurisdiction.

Criminal Charges We Defend

We represent clients facing the full spectrum of criminal charges in Washington State courts, including: 

Violent Crimes

DUI & Traffic Offenses

Drug Crimes

Property & Theft Crimes

Sex Crimes

Federal & Felony Charges

Other Charges

What Happens After an Arrest in Kitsap County? 

Understanding the local court process can reduce panic and help you make better decisions. Here's a general overview of how criminal cases move through the system in Kitsap County and surrounding jurisdictions:

1. Arrest & Booking After an arrest, you'll be booked into the Kitsap County Jail or a local holding facility. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use both.

2. Initial Appearance / Arraignment Typically within 72 hours, you'll appear before a judge who will inform you of the charges and set bail conditions. Having an attorney at this stage can significantly affect the bail amount and any conditions placed on your release.

3. Pre-Trial Hearings Your attorney will review discovery, file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and build your defense strategy. Many cases are resolved at this stage — before trial.

4. Plea or Trial If a favorable plea agreement can't be reached, your case proceeds to trial. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases — felonies and misdemeanors — in both state and federal court.

5. Sentencing (if applicable) If convicted, the court considers Washington State Sentencing Guidelines, your criminal history, and mitigating circumstances. Effective advocacy at sentencing can mean the difference between prison and an alternative like probation or treatment.

How Washington State Criminal Law Affects Your Case

Washington has some specific legal provisions that directly impact criminal defense strategy:

  • Persistent Offender Law ("Three Strikes"): A third serious felony conviction can result in mandatory life without parole under RCW 9.94A.570. This makes prior conviction review critical in any serious felony case.
  • Mandatory Minimums for Firearms: Certain weapon enhancements under Washington law add mandatory consecutive sentences. Challenging the firearm element of a charge can dramatically affect sentencing exposure.
  • Domestic Violence Special Provisions: DV charges in Washington carry mandatory arrest policies and no-contact orders that activate automatically — even if the alleged victim doesn't want charges filed. Navigating these requires experienced local counsel.
  • Implied Consent in DUI Cases: Washington's implied consent law (RCW 46.20.308) means refusing a breathalyzer has automatic license consequences — separate from any criminal penalties. Both tracks require attention.
  • Expungement (Vacating Convictions): Washington allows certain convictions to be vacated under RCW 9.96.060, which can open doors to employment, housing, and licensing. We can evaluate your eligibility.

Areas We Serve

Our firm serves clients throughout Western Washington, including:

Kitsap County: Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Belfair, Gig Harbor (west)

Mason County: Shelton, Hoodsport, Belfair

Jefferson County: Port Townsend, Sequim area, Brinnon

Clallam County: Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks

Thurston County: Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey

We are positioned to serve clients across the Kitsap Peninsula and the greater Puget Sound region.
 

Why Choose Ramirez & Cooper, Inc.?

  • 30+ years of criminal defense experience
  • Former prosecutor on staff — we know how the state builds its cases
  • 1,000+ DUI cases handled
  • Hundreds of cases taken to verdict in both state and federal court
  • Appearances before the Washington State Supreme Court
  • Free consultations and flexible payment plans
  • Responsive communication — calls and emails returned promptly, always
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Take Every Precautionary Step to Help Protect Your Future

See What Other People Are Saying About Us
    "I would 1000% recommend them to anyone."
    I can't recommend Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. enough! They were very transparent and upfront about what to expect and guided me through the process. They are always on top of their game and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. I would 1000% recommend them to anyone in search of legal counsel. 10/10.
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Why Choose Ramirez & Cooper, Inc.?

At Ramirez & Cooper, Inc., our team has successfully handled thousands of cases across a broad spectrum of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, in both state and federal courts. We understand the anxiety and fear that come with being arrested, and we are here to guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system. The attorneys at Ramirez & Cooper, Inc. have a thorough understanding of the legal proceedings and criminal statutes. We are able to give our clients the resources, advocacy and legal advice they need to be successful inside and outside the courtroom. Our legal team will stand by your side every step of the way and always keep you updated on the status of your case. We handle criminal cases throughout Washington state. Let us build a case strategy for you or your loved one, we may be able to take action before charges are even filed.

  • Over 30 Years’ of Combined Legal Experience
  • Former Prosecution Experience*
  • Thousands of Criminal Cases Handled
  • Over 1,000 DUI Cases Handled
  • Hundreds of Cases Tried to Verdict or Judgment
  • Appeared Before the Supreme Court

Contact Our Offices

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