Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Services

Having been a former criminal prosecutor, Michelle Scudder has invaluable insight into defending those charged with a crime and a superior understanding of how the system works.

Although primarily based in Seattle, Scudder Law Firm provides criminal defense throughout the state of Washington. Below are some of the legal services provided for defendants facing or potentially facing Washington state criminal charges:

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, it is imperative that you be pro-active and speak with someone who understands the process and can properly advise you of your rights. Call Michelle today for a free one hour consultation at (206) 658-2411, or email her for more information at [email protected].

PRE-FILING INVESTIGATION AND NEGOTIATIONS

It’s important to know that if you have been accused of a crime or are contacted by the police, you still have important rights that you should not waive. This can be a crucial time. Our firm represents people who are being investigated or have just been accused but not charged, of a crime. Getting ahead of the accusations can help your case down the road by preventing the filing of charges, conducting an early investigation, or contacting police on your behalf.

NOTABLE CASES

State of Washington v. Jarred Ha (2016)

Jarred Ha was a 22-year old economics student at the University of Washington when, after an altercation at an off-campus party, he was chased down by a 240 lb. body builder who began to beat him mercilessly. In desperation, Jarred pulled out a knife and used it to stop by the assault. In the process, Jarred inflicted serious wounds on his assailant. Because he used a knife to defend himself Jarred was charged with Assault in the First Degree and faced a prison sentence of 10-12 years. He was also summarily suspended from the University of Washington due to the incident.

Along with co-counsel, Zach Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com), I successfully defended Jarred during a two-week trial after which a jury found him not guilty of all charges and entered a special verdict finding that he acted lawfully in defending himself. As a result of the special verdict the judge ordered the State to reimburse Jarred for all of his attorney’s fees and the University of Washington dropped the suspension allowing him to return to school.

See links to the News Coverage:
WATCH THE VIDEO: UW Student Acquitted of First Degree Assault, State Must Pay Legal Fees
UW Student Cleared by Jury (Seattle Times)
Judge Orders State to Reimburse Defendant (Seattle Times)
UW Student Cleared and Ordered to be Reimbursed by State (Q13 News)
UW Student Acquitted of Assault (Kiro 7)

STATE V. L.G. (2015)

In 2014 L.G. was accused by his then-stepdaughter of sexually abusing her over the course of several years. The allegations cost L.G. his marriage, his employment, and most of his personal possessions. Eventually he was charged by the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office with eight counts of child molestation and rape of a child. Facing the very real possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison but knowing he had not done what he was accused of, L.G. set his case for trial.

Along with co-counsel, Zach Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com), I successfully defended L.G. against the false allegations. After a three week trial the jury found him not guilty of all eight counts and L.G. was finally free to pick up the pieces of his life. He has now moved out of the state and regained employment.