Our Approach to Defending Against Sex Crime, Child Abuse, and Domestic Violence Allegations

At Marshall & Saunders, our decades of combined experience defending clients accused of sex crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, and other serious allegations have shaped our unique approach to these complex cases.

We understand the life-altering impact of such accusations and are dedicated to providing the effective, compassionate representation you need to protect your rights, freedom, and future. We see you as a whole person, not just a suspect.

Tell Us About Your Situation

Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney defending from sex crimes accusations

You’re Not Alone

Facing criminal charges can be isolating and overwhelming. We at Marshall & Saunders want you to know that we see you and we’re here for you. From our very first meeting, we’ll take the time to listen to you, understand your situation, and develop a strong attorney-client relationship built on trust, respect, and open communication.

Our team approach ensures that you have the collective knowledge and experience of our entire firm behind you. We’ll collaborate closely with one another and with carefully-selected expert witnesses to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

Developing a Winning Defense Strategy

With every case, our primary goal is to present the whole picture of who you are to the legal system. We want to learn everything about you — your history, the challenges you’ve faced, and more. We develop a compelling theory, a narrative that explains the evidence in a way that supports your innocence or raises reasonable doubt about your guilt. We’ll thoroughly investigate the allegations, challenge assumptions, explore alternative explanations, and work tirelessly to uncover evidence that others may have overlooked.

As we prepare for trial, we constantly re-evaluate our theory of the case based on new information and adjust our strategy accordingly. Our meticulous method of case development has been praised by expert witnesses and opposing counsel alike.

two men in suits sitting at a table with a laptop

Child Interviewing

In cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse, the way in which the child is interviewed can make all the difference between a wrongful conviction and a successful defense. Our attorneys have honed their skills in forensic interviewing and are adept at identifying the suggestive, leading, or coercive techniques that can lead to false allegations.

We know how to create a non-threatening environment that allows children to speak freely and honestly about their experiences. At the same time, we’re skilled at exposing flaws in the prosecution's interviews and presenting expert testimony on best practices in child interviewing. These qualities have been critical to our success in many cases.

Vigorous Courtroom Advocacy

Should your case proceed to trial, you can count on our attorneys to provide the strongest courtroom defense possible. We’re known for our ability to connect with jurors, challenge questionable evidence, and present compelling arguments on behalf of our clients.

Our approach to jury selection is based on this simple fact: some persons called to jury duty could never be fair to a sex crime or child abuse defendant because of their own background or biases. We focus on identifying those persons during the questioning session called voir dire, and then removing them from the jury pool in a respectful way.

Throughout the trial, we use our mastery of the facts and the law to expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case and present a persuasive defense. Whether through skillful cross-examination, expert testimony, or powerful opening statements and closing arguments, we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Protecting Your Rights and Reputation

Sex crime or child abuse allegations affect far more than your legal interests. That's why we also consider your reputation, your relations with family and friends, and all your interests in advising you on what course to follow.

From our first meeting through the resolution of your case and beyond, we’ll offer reliable guidance and support to help you overcome whatever challenges may arise. Whether you need assistance with employment or housing, referrals to counseling or treatment services, or advice on how to repair your reputation and move forward with your life, we’re here for you.

Compassionate Representation for Everyone

At Marshall & Saunders, we believe every person accused of a crime deserves skilled, compassionate representation, regardless of their guilt or innocence. The truth is often in shades of gray, and that’s what we emphasize to juries. Those who have committed a crime, like those who have not, have a story for us to tell and liberty for us to defend.

When we accept a case, we make an effort to understand the full context of the situation and work to achieve the best possible outcome. Our firm has a reputation for treating all of our clients with respect and for championing their rights in and out of the courtroom. It's a reputation we realize must be earned anew every day, with every client.

Flexible Consultation Options

Feel free to tell us the kind of case you have and the kind of charge you’re facing, but don’t tell us here your response to the charge or any facts of the case. Don’t share any information that you think might be confidential.

While the best consultations are done face-to-face in our office, we understand that it might not be convenient for everyone to visit. We are flexible with technology and offer consultations via Zoom as well.

Contact a Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer

Put The Marshall Defense Firm's Proven Approach to Work for You

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime or child abuse, you need a legal team with the knowledge, experience, and unwavering resolve to stand up for you. Reach out to Marshall & Saunders today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward mounting an effective defense.

Call us at (206) 826-1400 or fill out our convenient online contact form to get started. We’re here to listen, to help, and to fight for you every step of the way.

Marshall & Saunders
901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800
Seattle, Washington 98164

You will receive a response from us within 1 - 2 business days.

Please do not share any confidential information until we have confirmed there are no conflicts of interest. We will contact you to discuss your situation further.

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