Sex Crime Attorney in Spokane
Support & Defense When You Are Accused Of A Sex Offense
Being accused of a sex offense can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be getting calls from law enforcement, facing a court date, or hearing damaging rumors. In this moment, you need clear guidance and a criminal defense firm of sex crime attorneys in Spokane that knows how these cases work and will listen to you.
Freedman Law Office is a woman-owned criminal defense firm serving people in Spokane County. Led by Attorney Sarah L. Freedman, a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, we defend clients facing serious sex crime allegations with strategic planning and compassionate care. We work to protect your rights, your future, and your privacy at every step.
Contact our sex crime attorneys in Spokane or call us at (509) 215-2569 to schedule a confidential consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about our role, our approach, and how we communicate during the case.
Facing A Sex Crime Allegation In Spokane
If you are reading this, you might already know that something is wrong. You may have been contacted by a detective, served with a search warrant, or arrested after a report to law enforcement. For many people in this position, the scariest part is not understanding what happens next in Spokane County courts.
Sex offense charges in Washington can carry long prison terms, strict supervision conditions, and possible sex offender registration. A conviction can affect where you work, where you live, and how you interact with family. Even an accusation can damage your reputation in Spokane and within your own household.
Felony sex crime cases in this area are often handled in Spokane County Superior Court by the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The process can involve an investigation, possible arrest, first appearance, arraignment, and a series of pretrial hearings. During all of this, you may be under no contact orders or release conditions that affect every part of your daily life.
Feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, or angry in this situation is common. The role of our sex crime defense attorneys in Spokane is to step in, provide calm direction, and help you understand your options before you make decisions that cannot be undone. When you sit down with us, we focus on your side of the story and the specific facts of your case.
Why Work With Our Sex Crime Attorneys in Spokane
Choosing the right lawyer for a sex offense case is not simply about finding anyone with a criminal defense background. These cases involve complex evidence, sensitive personal histories, and high stakes in Spokane County courts. We built our practice to address those realities.
Attorney Sarah L. Freedman previously served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. That experience gives our firm an understanding of how the state evaluates sex crime allegations, decides what charges to file, and prepares for trial. When we review your case, we do it with a prosecutor’s playbook in mind, looking for weaknesses in the evidence and opportunities to challenge the narrative.
As a woman-owned firm, we bring a distinctive perspective to an area of law that is often dominated by male attorneys. Many clients want a space where they can talk openly about highly personal allegations, past relationships, and sensitive details. The goal of our sex crime attorney in Spokane is to provide that environment, while still fighting firmly in court when your rights are on the line.
We do not apply one standard approach to every sex offense. Allegations involving adult relationships, online activity, or accusations related to minors all raise different legal and factual issues. Our team takes time to understand those differences, review discovery carefully, and develop a defense strategy that matches your circumstances instead of fitting you into a preset path.
Throughout your case, our sex crime attorney in Spokane balances aggressive advocacy with compassionate client care. That means we work to challenge the state’s case where appropriate, file motions when needed, and negotiate from a position of preparation. At the same time, we stay focused on explaining what is happening in plain language and helping you prepare for each hearing in Spokane County Superior Court.
How Sex Crime Cases Move Through The System In Spokane
Understanding the process can make a frightening situation feel more manageable. Sex crime allegations in Spokane usually begin with an investigation by a local law enforcement agency. Detectives may conduct interviews, collect digital evidence, and seek search warrants for phones, computers, or homes. You might learn about the investigation early or only after charges are filed.
If prosecutors decide to file charges, felony sex offenses typically go to the Spokane County Superior Court. You may have a first appearance where the court considers bail or release conditions. An arraignment usually follows, where the formal charge is read and a not guilty plea is typically entered with your attorney present.
After the arraignment, the case often moves into a series of pretrial hearings. During this time, the state turns over discovery, which can include reports, statements, digital records, and medical or counseling records when applicable. A sex crime defense attorney Spokane clients work with can review that information, identify legal issues, and decide when to pursue motions to suppress evidence or limit what the jury might hear.
No contact orders and release conditions can seriously affect your daily routine. You might be ordered to stay away from certain people, schools, workplaces, or neighborhoods in Spokane County. These restrictions can create housing challenges and employment issues. We work to help you understand these conditions and, when appropriate, request changes from the court.
Many sex offense cases resolve before trial through discussions with the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Those conversations can involve complex questions about charges, sentencing ranges, and registration requirements. Our familiarity with how these decisions are made helps us give you clearer advice about the risks and potential outcomes, so you can choose a path that reflects your priorities.
Our Approach To Defending Sex Crime Charges
Every case at Freedman Law Office starts with listening. Our sex crime attorney in Spokane sit down with you in a confidential setting, reviews what has happened so far, and talks through your concerns. We know these conversations can be difficult, and we work to create an environment where you can speak openly without fear of judgment.
Once we understand your perspective, we study the discovery with a critical eye. We look at how the investigation was conducted, how statements were gathered, and how digital or physical evidence was preserved. Our goal is to identify legal issues, inconsistencies, or gaps that can be used to challenge the state’s theory of the case.
Defenses in sex crime cases are highly fact-specific. Some matters center on questions of consent between adults. Others involve mistaken identity, unreliable memory, or disputes over online communications. We consider whether witnesses have motives to exaggerate, whether forensic processes were followed, and whether the evidence actually supports the charges filed.
Throughout this process, we stay in communication with you. We explain what we are seeing in the evidence, how Spokane County court settings are likely to unfold, and what options may be on the table at different stages. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about negotiations, motions, and the possibility of trial with a sex crime lawyer, not to push you toward a single outcome.
If you have just been accused or contacted by law enforcement, there are several immediate steps to protect yourself:
- Do not explain your side to the police without counsel. Anything you say can be used later, even if you are trying to clear things up.
- Avoid contacting the accuser or potential witnesses. These contacts can be misunderstood and may create additional allegations.
- Preserve messages and potential evidence. Save texts, emails, social media communications, and other information that may relate to the accusation.
- Write down what you remember. Make a private timeline of events while details are still fresh in your mind.
- Reach out to a sex crime lawyer Spokane residents can consult confidentially. Early legal advice can shape how the investigation and charging decisions unfold.
To speak confidentially with a sex crime attorney at Freedman Law Office, call (509) 215-2569.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if the Spokane Police Want to Question Me?
You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. We generally recommend that you speak with counsel before answering any questions. A lawyer can assess your situation, advise you about risk, and communicate with investigators on your behalf when appropriate.
Will Anyone Find Out That I Contacted Your Firm?
Conversations with our firm about potential representation are confidential. We do not share what you tell us without your permission, except as required by ethical rules. Our goal is to create a private space where you can talk openly so that we can advise you effectively.
How Does Your Former Prosecutor Experience Help in Sex Crime Cases?
Ms. Freedman’s background as a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney gives us insight into how the state evaluates evidence, chooses charges, and approaches negotiations. We use that perspective to anticipate prosecution strategies and to develop defense plans that address likely arguments in Spokane County courts.
Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender if I am Charged?
Registration typically depends on the specific Washington statute you are convicted under, not simply being charged. Some offenses require registration and others do not. We can explain how registration rules might apply in your situation and discuss options that may affect those consequences.
Can I Talk Openly With a Woman Attorney About My Situation?
Yes. As a woman-owned firm, we understand that many clients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in that setting. We work to provide a respectful, nonjudgmental environment, so you can share information honestly and receive guidance tailored to your circumstances.
When you contact our firm, your conversation is confidential. You can ask questions about the investigation, court process, and potential consequences without worrying that the information will be shared.
What Sets Freedman Law Apart? An Unstoppable Force in the Courtroom
Aggressive Advocacy. Fighting for Your Freedom.
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Aggressively On Your Side
We genuinely care for every client and each unique case, and employ fierce strategies on your behalf.
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We Speak Plainly
You won't get lost in the legal jargon here; we explain complicated legal issues in plain English at every step.
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We Stay A Step Ahead
Utilizing all of our resources, we anticipate the opposition's arguments and employ creative strategies.
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Powerful Trial Attorney
Sarah L. Freedman's cunning skills in the courtroom are well-respected throughout the local legal community.
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"Great Insight & Advice"
Sarah was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about Spokane, WA law. She is an experienced and helpful attorney with great insight and advice.- Christine R. -
"She Helped Me Navigate"
Sarah was my lawyer and did an excellent job at listening to what I wanted and helped me navigate the right way to do so.- Alyssa K.