King County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Providing Defense of Serious Crimes Since 1977

I practice criminal law exclusively, defending clients charged with crimes of violence, sex crimes, and other serious criminal offenses. I received my law degree from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1977, and my undergraduate degree from San Jose State University in 1974, in the heart of Silicon Valley. In addition to my experience as a criminal defense lawyer, I've also held numerous technology positions in Silicon Valley and Washington State. What makes my practice unique is that I've combined these two disciplines into my practice: criminal defense with a technology focus. My office is located in the technology corridor of the greater Eastside, a few blocks from the Microsoft campus. I am active and licensed to practice in both Washington State and California in both State and Federal courts.

The emergence of technology and digital forensics within the law enforcement community has put a premium on technology expertise. Whether the issue is the effective cross-examination of a digital forensics expert, a complex challenge to DNA profile software algorithms, or the effective use of multi-media courtroom presentations, having a command of technology provides a huge advantage to the modern criminal defense lawyer, providing the ability to challenge faulty forensic evidence on both legal and technological grounds. This dual-discipline translates into a direct advantage for my clients.

A Proven Record of Success

My practice focuses primarily on serious felony cases, including everything from the most serious crimes of violence, including murder, rape and sex crimes, to mortgage fraud and complex federal criminal conspiracies. I have special expertise in murder cases and serious sex crimes, such as child abuse and child pornography, and have taken many of these cases to jury trial when necessary. I fight hard and have won spectacular victories before juries and judges. I enjoy beating the government, and I will take even the most hopeless case to trial when it's the right thing to do. Prosecutors give me the respect that comes from knowing that I fight vigorously and relentlessly. When they see my name on a case, they know it means they're going to have to work.

In one case, I represented a man charged with nine felony counts, including burglary, assault, grand theft, armed robbery (with a firearm) and attempted murder. During jury selection, President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr., requiring an immediate re-examination of potential jurors on the subject of handguns. In this highly charged environment, we went to trial with a self-defense case, even though my client left the scene, armed himself with a handgun, and returned and shot the alleged victim. After a lengthy trial featuring a complex defense, the jury deliberated and came back with Not Guilty verdicts on all nine counts. My client, who was truly innocent and facing an impossibly difficult defense, walked out of the courtroom, vindicated fully in his innocence.

In another case, I represented a young man charged with 1st Degree Murder after he shot and killed a man who had been molesting him since he was 12. After a complex trial following a year of investigation and preparation, including the presentation of expert witness testimony, the jury acquitted my client and then went on to award him attorney's fees for having to go to trial in the first place.

I've had other similar results and, while every case is unique and I cannot promise or suggest that your case will have any particular result, the point is that I know how to conduct a major felony defense and how to strategize and think on my feet in front of a jury when the stakes are high. Juries respect a confident and persuasive presentation of the evidence. Whatever facts are available to your defense, they need to be presented logically and forcefully, with the confidence that comes from experience and comfort in front of a jury.

An Accomplished Attorney Handling Every Aspect of Your Defense

In addition to my practice, I am active in the Criminal Defense community. As a member of the Board of Governors of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL), I am an active participant in statewide efforts to promote sane public policy on matters affecting my clients. I've been published in legal periodicals and books devoted to Criminal Defense, and I have co-chaired and selected course curriculum for legal education seminars for other attorneys. I am committed to the highest standards of professionalism in every facet of Criminal Defense.

Contact the Law Office of Robert Perez at (425) 748-5005.