Seattle Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys
Starts Here
Compassionate advocacy for individuals accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence in Washington.
- 100Years Total Defense Experience
- 1000+of Clients Successfully Defended
- 250+Criminal Trials Conducted
A Proven Track Record of Success in Sex Crimes Defense
Our Seattle criminal defense law firm has a history of achieving positive outcomes for our clients. We have successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Our attorneys have won numerous dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges for clients facing criminal charges in state and federal courts.
Student Accused Of Assaulting Girlfriend
When a college relationship ended, a student faced escalating assault accusations. Our strategic defense navigated both campus proceedings and criminal court to protect his future.
Daycare Provider's Reputation at Stake
When a daycare operator faced molestation charges, a second trial vindicated them by showcasing decades of professional childcare excellence and unblemished service to hundreds of families.
False Memory Through Suggestion
A college student faced devastating accusations of molesting his mother's friend's son. Our cross-examination exposed how adult anxiety and suggestive questioning had created false beliefs in the child's mind.
Breaking Cycles of False Memory
A father faced historical abuse claims from his son. Investigation revealed how current relationships had reshaped old memories, creating accusations without factual foundation.
Visitation Rights Under Fire
A father's visitation rights were threatened by assault allegations from his son. Our interviews revealed an increasingly unreliable narrative, leading to case dismissal before trial.
Defending Family Bonds
Using advanced interview techniques, we exposed how the daughter's accusations grew increasingly unreliable over time, leading to case dismissal.
Sleep Memory Allegations Put Stepfather's Life at Risk
A dedicated stepfather's freedom hung in balance when accused of abuse during nap times. We demonstrated how impossibly detailed "sleep memories" from a decade ago, plus affectionate family photos, proved these accusations false.
Nurse Accused Of Shaking Baby
A young nurse, caring for her foster son, confronted allegations of shaking baby syndrome. Expert medical testimony and character evidence proved these serious accusations were misdiagnosed medical conditions.
Father Accused Of Molesting His Son
Strategic timing of our defense interview revealed the absence of abuse memories in the young boy's testimony, resulting in dismissal of both criminal and dependency cases.
Neighborhood Trust Destroyed
A neighbor's life was upended by molestation accusations. Our analysis of the child's interview language patterns convinced a jury of his innocence in under an hour.
A Teen's Life Disrupted
A 14-year-old's future hung in balance when accused of molesting a friend's sister. Through careful competency testing, we revealed critical flaws in the young accuser's testimony. Case dismissed before trial.
Service Member's Career at Risk
An enlisted man's military career and freedom were threatened by allegations from his niece. We exposed how unintentional adult coaching had created detailed but false accusations.
Man Accused Of Raping Fiancée's Daughter
Through thorough investigation of the accuser's father, we revealed crucial context that led to case dismissal before trial.
False Allegations in Shared Spaces
When a father was accused because his child attended the same daycare where abuse allegedly occurred, we demonstrated how improper questioning techniques had manufactured false memories.
Criminal Defense Lawyers with a Sex Crimes Focus in Seattle, WA
At Marshall & Saunders, our skilled Seattle criminal defense attorneys have been providing representation for clients facing criminal charges throughout Washington State and beyond since 1997.
- In-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and criminal law, especially related to sexual offenses.
- Proven track record of success in criminal cases across Washington State.
- Trusted by other lawyers who seek advice on defending complex criminal cases.
Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Sex Crimes Defense
We have extensive experience defending clients accused of various sex crimes. Our experienced sex offense attorneys have successfully defended clients against a wide range of sex crime charges, including sexual assault allegations, child pornography accusations, and sexual misconduct claims involving adults and children.
- Sex Offenses Against Adults:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Indecent liberties
- Voyeurism
- Prostitution-related offenses
- Internet sex crimes
Child Physical Abuse Defense
Allegations of child abuse can have devastating consequences for the accused, including mandatory sex offender registration in some cases. Our attorneys have the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to handle these challenging cases, including:
Domestic Violence Defense
If you are facing criminal charges related to domestic violence, our experienced criminal defense attorneys can provide the strong representation you need. We handle all types of domestic violence cases, including:
- Assault
- Harassment
- Violation of protection orders
Other Legal Services
In addition to our primary practice areas, Marshall & Saunders also provides representation for:
You Deserve a Strong Defense!
Schedule a confidential consultation with our nationally recognized attorneys today.
How Do You Build a Defense for a Sexual Abuse Case?
This video gives you a sneak peek into the essence of our work and how exactly we build a strategic defense through court trials, cross-examination, and expert testimony. We're sure you have other questions. The best way to get them answered is by consulting with one of our attorneys about the particulars of your situation. Meanwhile, you can read our answers to questions that many of our clients have asked us.
Meet Our Team
We’re a team of dedicated legal professionals who vigorously defend those accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence. Giving you back your life is our business. We’ve been defending persons accused of these crimes for decades. We’ve developed an approach that works. Let it work for you!
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David S. Marshall
Partner- Focused on defending individuals accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence for more than 25 years
- Lectures other attorneys on trial advocacy techniques
- Sought out by accused individuals up and down the West Coast
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Joshua R. Saunders
Partner- Impressive record of trial victories, including acquittals in cases of child molestation, child abuse, domestic violence, manslaughter, and others
- Over a decade of experience as a supervisor for other attorneys in public defense
- Has handled over 3,000 cases as a criminal defense lawyer
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Serving Clients Throughout Washington State & Federal Courts
While our main office is located in Seattle, our criminal defense attorneys serve clients across Washington State, including King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Kitsap County, and beyond. No matter where you are in the state, our legal team is ready to fight for you.
You Are Not Alone. We’re Here to Answer Your Questions
Defending against an accusation of a sex crime, child abuse, or domestic violence is not easy. If you’ve been accused, you need to contact an attorney immediately.
901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800
Seattle, Washington 98164
You will receive a response from us within 1 - 2 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Offense Defense
What are the most serious sex offenses in Washington State?
The most serious sexual offenses in Washington include first-degree rape with forcible compulsion, first-degree child molestation, and child pornography distribution. These sex crime charges carry life imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. Our experienced attorneys build a strategic defense, understanding the three degrees of severity. The devastating consequences of these charges can extend beyond jail time to collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, and relationships, making experienced legal counsel essential to avoid wrongful convictions.
How do false accusations of sexual assault happen?
False accusations of sexual assault arise from consent misunderstandings, relationship disputes, custody battles, or misidentification. Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation of digital records, texts, DNA evidence, forensic evidence, and witness statements to raise reasonable doubt. We examine inconsistencies in testimony, timeline gaps, and motives for fabrication. Our criminal defense lawyers ensure individuals accused of sexual misconduct receive a vigorous defense that protects their constitutional rights through effective cross-examination and challenging prosecutors' claims.
What is the difference between various sex crimes charges in Washington?
Washington criminal law distinguishes various sex crimes by the complaining person's age, allegations of forcible compulsion, and sexual contact type. Rape charges range from third-degree to first-degree rape. Statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with minors. Indecent liberties and sexual misconduct involve different sexual contact or exposure. Our sex offense attorneys have extensive experience defending criminal charges in King County and throughout Washington State.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of sex crimes?
Mandatory sex offender registration depends on the offense. Convictions for rape, child molestation, child pornography, and certain sex offenses trigger automatic registration under Washington law. Individuals convicted can face lifetime registration with restrictions. During your confidential case evaluation, our experienced attorney team explains the registration implications and how legal defense strategies, including appeals, expert testimony, and the presentation of forensic evidence, can help avoid these collateral consequences. Our legal representation aims for the best possible trial or negotiation outcome.
Can Marshall & Saunders help with sex crimes cases outside Seattle?
Yes. From the Seattle area, our Seattle sex crimes attorneys represent clients facing charges of sex crimes, sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse throughout Washington State - King County, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties, plus state and federal courts. Our legal team defends individuals accused of sexual offenses with local expert witnesses and investigators. If you've been accused anywhere in Washington, contact us for a confidential case evaluation.