About the firm:

Ms. Swain specializes in both prosecution, defense as well as sitting on the bench, at the misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor level. Her practice covers all district and municipal courts in King and Pierce Counties. The most common types of cases she handles are DUIs, domestic violence assault, and criminal traffic matters. She also handles all other misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes.

The firm's philosophy is to help people survive with as little anxiety as possible through what may be one of the most challenging situations of their lives. This applies to victims, defendants and all those whose lives are affected by criminal behavior. When a person is charged with a criminal offense, it can be very serious, even at the misdemeanor level. Mandatory jail time, license revocation and fines, along with treatment requirements and probation or even limitations on where one is able to reside, can be extraordinarily imposing on a person who has never seen the inside of a courtroom before. Ms. Swain counsels each individual through this difficult time with empathy and care, offering a holistic approach to each individual circumstance. She truly cares for everyone involved in the court system, and works to guide them through the criminal justice system as painlessly as possible.

Ms. Swain is an experienced trial attorney. Although less than 5% of criminal cases end up in trial, she has taken over fifty cases to verdict before a jury. She has also conducted countless testimonial suppression hearings and bench trials.

By keeping her practice limited to criminal matters since her admission to the Washington State Bar Association in 1996, Ms. Swain has become highly specialized in these matters. She has an excellent knowledge of virtually all misdemeanor laws, including statutes and case law. In addition, she works closely with many treatment providers if alcohol, drug or mental health counseling is suggested as part of resolution in a case.

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