Criminal Attorney Spokane Valley

Charged With a Crime in Spokane Valley? Find Answers & Support Here

If you or someone close to you has been accused of a crime in Spokane Valley, you probably have urgent questions and concerns. Who can you trust? What should your next steps be? It is normal to feel overwhelmed at a time like this, and a criminal attorney in Spokane Valley can help you.

At Phelps & Associates, our criminal defense attorneys in Spokane Valley have helped many clients and understand what to expect and how to protect their rights. Our team is led by Attorney Douglas Phelps, who brings over 20 years of combined experience in law enforcement and legal defense. We work hard to give you both reliable legal guidance and practical support from the start.

Criminal charges can affect your freedom, job, and future. We use a blend of compassion, strategy, and an insider's understanding of how cases move through Spokane Valley courts to guide our clients through challenging times.

Call (509) 620-0606 now or contact us online to schedule your private consultation. Our criminal attorneys in Spokane Valley are ready to help you today.

Facing Criminal Charges in Spokane Valley? Here’s What Comes Next

Being arrested or accused is a life-changing event. Most people feel uncertainty about what happens after an arrest, especially if they are heading to Spokane Valley Municipal Court or Spokane County Superior Court. Concerns about your record, job, family, and the legal process itself can be overwhelming.

Every criminal case is unique. The next steps depend on the specific charge, which law enforcement agency is involved, and where the event took place. If you delay reaching out to a criminal attorney in Spokane Valley, you may miss opportunities to build a stronger defense. The sooner you talk to a defense lawyer, the sooner you can make informed decisions about your case and your future.

Why Our Team Makes a Difference for Spokane Valley Clients

Choosing the right representation is a major decision. At Phelps & Associates, Attorney Douglas Phelps’s background as a Washington police officer sets us apart from other firms in Spokane Valley. His firsthand knowledge of police investigations and prosecution tactics provides a unique advantage for our clients.

We understand the ins and outs of Spokane Valley Municipal Court, Spokane County District Court, and Spokane County Superior Court. Our team listens carefully to your story, answers your questions, and works to create a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. We have a record of smart negotiation and creative trial work—a level of service built on local roots and decades of hard-won experience.

We believe communication is key. You can count on our criminal attorneys in Spokane Valley to keep you informed every step of the way.

What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested or Accused in Spokane Valley

What you do right after an arrest or accusation can shape your case. It is normal to wonder where to start, but the following steps can help protect your rights through the legal process.

If you are facing a criminal accusation in Spokane Valley, consider the following important steps:

• Remain calm. Limit what you say to the police beyond providing identifying information.
• Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney, even if you want to clear your name.
• Ask for a criminal lawyer in Spokane Valley before answering any other questions. This is your legal right for all criminal charges.
• Know which agency arrested you—was it the Spokane Valley Police Department or Spokane County Sheriff’s Office? This affects the court location and process.
• Contact a criminal attorney in Spokane Valley as soon as possible to get advice before making any other decisions. Quick action often means stronger legal protection.

Our law enforcement background means we understand police procedures. By involving us early, you gain guidance from attorneys who see every side of the system.

The Defense Services of Our Criminal Attorneys in Spokane Valley

No two criminal cases are the same, but you deserve a team that has handled a wide variety of criminal matters in the Spokane Valley area.

We defend clients in cases involving:

• DUI and drug charges
• Domestic violence accusations
• Theft, burglary, and property crimes
• Assault, battery, and violent offenses
• White collar and financial offenses

Our criminal defense attorneys have experience at the Spokane Valley Municipal Court, the Spokane County District Court, and the Spokane County Superior Court. We have managed pretrial motions, plea discussions with prosecutors, and trials in these local venues.

Every client receives a custom defense plan based on their unique situation and the charges filed. We always explain the process in straightforward language, so you are never left guessing where your case stands.

How We Defend Your Rights—From Investigation to Trial

We support clients at all stages of the criminal process, whether you are under investigation, have been recently arrested, or are preparing for trial.

Our approach includes these key steps:

• Initial Investigation: We gather details, analyze evidence, and assess if police followed required procedures. Attorney Phelps’s law enforcement experience lets us spot issues quickly.
• Early Court Hearings: We prepare for initial hearings, including arraignments and bail, typically held at Spokane Valley Municipal Court or Spokane County courts. Our goal is to help you know what to expect and protect your rights from the start.
• Plea Negotiations: We talk with prosecutors about possible resolutions, always focused on your goals. Our local insight and history offer an advantage in negotiations.
• Trial Preparation & Defense: We construct a thorough defense, conduct further investigation, and represent you in court if necessary. We keep you updated at every step.

You can expect clear communication and honest answers at every stage. Our job is to provide guidance as well as legal defense, so you are prepared for every part of the process in Spokane Valley.

Call (509) 620-0606 today. You can expect straightforward guidance and personal support from our first conversation onward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After Being Arrested in Spokane Valley?

Immediately after an arrest, invoke your right to remain silent and ask for a criminal attorney in Spokane Valley. Do not try to explain your side to the police or discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Write down which law enforcement agency arrested you and the charges, but wait for guidance before sharing details. Contact a criminal defense attorney in Spokane Valley quickly to help you navigate the next steps. Fast action means you can avoid mistakes that might harm your case.

How Does Your Law Enforcement Background Help My Case?

Attorney Douglas Phelps’s years as a police officer give us valuable insight into how investigations are run and how evidence is collected. We know what tactics police and prosecutors commonly use—and can often spot problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. This extra perspective helps us build stronger defenses for our clients. Our understanding of procedures benefits you both inside and outside the courtroom.

How Soon Can I Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney About My Case?

When you reach out, we make it a priority to connect you with an attorney as quickly as possible—usually the same day you contact us. Quick legal advice is essential if you have just been arrested or worry you are under investigation. Whether by phone or form, our team responds promptly so you never have to wait long for support.

Will I Have to Go to Court in Spokane Valley?

Most criminal cases in Spokane Valley start at the Spokane Valley Municipal Court or the Spokane County District Court, depending on the details of the situation and the charges. Felony charges are generally handled at the Spokane County Superior Court. We explain each step and tell you what to expect at court, including typical schedules and standard proceedings. Our attorneys attend all hearings with you to ensure you are prepared and supported at every appearance.

How Do You Keep Clients Informed About Their Case?

We keep our clients updated after every major development—hearings, filings, negotiations, and trial dates. Our criminal attorneys in Spokane explain each stage in plain language and answer questions as they arise. We use phone, email, or in-person meetings as needed. With our team, you will never feel left out of your defense strategy or confused about what is next.

What Types of Criminal Cases Do You Handle in the Area?

Our team handles many types of charges, including DUI, assault, theft, domestic violence, drug crimes, and financial cases. Whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, we adapt our defense strategy to fit your needs. Our experience in Spokane Valley courts lets us offer informed legal counsel to every client, regardless of case complexity.

Getting a defense attorney involved early can ease your worries and ensure nothing important gets overlooked. Reach out to us today.