What is rendering criminal assistance

Our office has successful experience representing clients charged with Rendering Criminal Assistance in Snohomish and Skagit counties, including in Everett, Lynnwood and Marysville, Washington. Such results include dismissals and reduction of charges. Please read below for information about these charges, and the various degrees of seriousness. If you or someone you care about has or is have been, or are about to be, charged with a Rendering Criminal Assistance charge, call our office at for a free, no-pressure consultation to see how we can help.

The Washington State legislature passed a law modifying the First Degree elements, scheduled to take effect and be applied to crimes allegedly committed after June 10, What is Rendering Criminal Assistance?

A person renders criminal assistance if the person, with the intent to prevent, hinder or delay the apprehension or prosecution of another person who he or she knows a has committed a crime OR b is being sought by law enforcement officials for commission of a crime or escape from a detention facility. Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree — a person allegedly commits this crime if he or she knowingly assists a person who has committed or is being sought for murder or any Class A felony or equivalent juvenile offense.

Perhaps the co-defendant was a relative. Lapses in judgment or lack of intent are also factors. A person is guilty of Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree if he or she renders criminal assistance to a person who has committed or is being sought for murder in the first degree or any class A felony.

This charge is a Class B Felony. A person is guilty of Rendering Criminal Assistance in the Second Degree if he or she renders criminal assistance to a person who has committed or is being sought for a class B or class C felony or to someone being sought for violation of parole, probation, or community supervision.

This crime is a gross misdemeanor. A person is guilty of Rendering Criminal Assistance in the Third Degree if he or she renders criminal assistance to a person who has committed a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor.

The crime is a simple misdemeanor. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.