Underwood Kent W

Facing legal challenges, especially those involving criminal accusations or serious traffic infractions, can be one of the most stressful and confusing times in a person's life. For residents across Washington, and particularly in the Tacoma area, understanding where to turn for legal support is a critical first step. When your rights, freedom, or driving privileges are at stake, having experienced and dedicated legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. This article aims to provide an overview of Underwood Kent W, a legal professional serving the Washington community, to help local users learn more about the services offered and how they might assist in navigating complex legal situations.

Underwood Kent W operates as a legal practice focused on providing representation in areas such as criminal defense and traffic-related legal issues. These are fields of law that directly impact an individual's personal life and long-term record, making the choice of attorney particularly important. Whether dealing with a minor traffic ticket, drug charges, or other criminal accusations, the complexities of the legal system require a knowledgeable and strategic approach.

It is common for individuals to feel overwhelmed by the legal process, the unfamiliar terminology, and the potential consequences of their situation. This is where a legal professional can step in to demystify the procedures, explain your rights, and work towards a resolution. For those in Washington seeking assistance with criminal or traffic legal matters, exploring the local legal options available, such as Underwood Kent W, can be crucial for making informed decisions and pursuing the best possible outcome for their specific circumstances. Client experiences, as seen in available reviews, can offer differing perspectives on the level of communication, professionalism, and follow-through, highlighting the importance of thorough personal vetting.

Underwood Kent W is conveniently located in Tacoma, Washington, making the office accessible for clients residing throughout the city and its surrounding communities. The location of a legal office is a practical consideration for individuals who may need to schedule in-person meetings, submit documents, or engage in direct discussions about their legal matters.

The firm’s address is:

705 S 9th St STE 205, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA

This address places the office in a central and well-established area of Tacoma. Being situated on South 9th Street, the location is typically well-connected within the city's street grid, allowing for relatively straightforward access from various neighborhoods across Tacoma and potentially from other parts of Pierce County. For clients who travel by car, downtown Tacoma areas generally offer a mix of street parking options and public parking garages. While specific parking availability can vary, being in a commercial district suggests reasonable proximity to parking facilities.

For individuals who rely on public transportation, the central Tacoma location is often advantageous. Major streets in Tacoma are generally well-served by local bus routes, providing convenient access for those who do not have private vehicles. Proximity to public transit hubs, if applicable, further enhances convenience for clients commuting from slightly further afield within the Tacoma metropolitan area.

Choosing a local attorney with an easily accessible office can help reduce the logistical stress during an already challenging period. It facilitates more convenient in-person interactions, which can be crucial for fostering a strong attorney-client relationship and ensuring clear and timely communication throughout the legal process. The Tacoma location of Underwood Kent W underscores its commitment to serving the local Washington community directly.

Underwood Kent W primarily focuses on providing legal representation in specific areas of law that often require immediate and decisive action. Based on client feedback, the practice appears to concentrate on criminal defense and certain traffic-related legal issues.

• Criminal Defense: The firm assists individuals facing various criminal charges. According to client testimonials, this can include a range of offenses, from "tickets" and "drug charges" to other "run-ins with the police." A criminal defense practice typically covers:

  • Misdemeanors: Representing clients for less severe criminal offenses, which can still carry significant penalties like fines, probation, and jail time.

  • Felonies: Providing defense for more serious charges that can result in substantial prison sentences and long-term consequences.

  • Drug-Related Offenses: Assisting individuals facing charges related to drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing.

  • Arrest and Pre-Trial Representation: Guiding clients from the initial arrest phase, including bail hearings and preliminary proceedings.

  • Plea Bargaining: Negotiating with prosecuting attorneys to potentially reduce charges or sentences, or to secure alternative resolutions.

  • Trial Representation: Defending clients in court if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached or if going to trial is deemed to be in the client's best interest.

• Traffic Violations: The firm also appears to handle various traffic-related legal matters. While "tickets" are explicitly mentioned, this often extends to:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Representing individuals accused of impaired driving, which involves both administrative and criminal proceedings.

  • Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (DWLS/R): Assisting clients in addressing charges related to driving without a valid license.

  • Serious Traffic Infractions: Defending against charges such as reckless driving or negligent driving, which can carry significant penalties and impact driving records.

The emphasis on handling these specific types of cases suggests an in-depth knowledge of the applicable laws and court procedures in Washington State.

Underwood Kent W, as perceived through client feedback, presents several features that potential clients might consider when seeking legal representation in Washington.

• Specialized Focus in Criminal and Traffic Law: A primary highlight is the firm's apparent concentration on criminal defense and traffic issues. This specialization means that the attorney is likely well-versed in the specific laws, court procedures, and potential strategies relevant to these types of cases in Washington State.

• Strong Positive Recommendation (from one client): One client enthusiastically recommends Kent, stating, "Kent is as good as it gets!" and advises against wasting time with other lawyers, suggesting a high level of satisfaction and belief in his effectiveness, particularly for individuals dealing with police encounters, tickets, or drug charges.

• Perceived Ability to Achieve "Freedom" / Positive Outcomes (from one client): The phrase "Give him one shot and you'll be 'FREE'!" from a positive review indicates a perception that the attorney can deliver favorable results, potentially leading to dismissal of charges or reduced consequences, which is highly desirable in criminal defense cases.

However, it's important to acknowledge that reviews provide varied perspectives, and a second review offers significant counterpoints:

• Concerns Regarding Communication and Responsiveness: A negative review explicitly states, "I never spoke with them unless it was the day of, in person, and he would rush through everything. He never answered my questions without giving me half answers and beating around the bush." This highlights potential issues with communication and accessibility for some clients.

• Issues with Billing and Transparency: The same review alleges that the attorney "will scam you out of everything you have and nickel and dime you," and "threatened to withhold information from me and no longer represent me if I didn't pay him for a fee that was covered by my retainer." These are serious allegations of financial impropriety and lack of transparency regarding fees.

• Allegations of Misinformation and Unfulfilled Promises: The negative review claims incorrect information was given regarding "good time" credit and that promises about court issues and child visitation were not followed through. The client states, "He told me he could get me out of the issues I was having with the court and didn't follow through with a single one. He will lie to you and tell you what you want to hear so that you retain him."

• Professionalism Concerns: Being "late to every court date" and generally perceived as "very unprofessional" are significant concerns raised in the negative feedback.

It is crucial for prospective clients to consider both perspectives and conduct their own thorough due diligence, including direct consultation, when evaluating legal representation.

While the provided information does not explicitly state any ongoing promotions or special offers for Underwood Kent W, it is a common practice within the legal industry, particularly for firms specializing in criminal defense and traffic law, to offer initial consultations. These consultations typically allow prospective clients to discuss the specifics of their case with an attorney, understand their legal options, and learn about the firm's approach and fee structure.

An initial consultation, which may be offered free of charge or at a reduced rate, serves as an invaluable first step for individuals facing legal challenges. It provides an opportunity to assess the severity of their situation, understand the potential consequences, and determine the best course of action. It also allows clients to gauge the attorney's expertise, communication style, and overall suitability for their needs before making a commitment to full legal representation. It is highly recommended to directly contact Underwood Kent W to inquire about their specific policies regarding initial consultations and any associated costs. This direct communication will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their services for new clients.

For residents of Washington seeking legal assistance in criminal defense or traffic law matters, Underwood Kent W can be reached through the following contact details:

Address: 705 S 9th St STE 205, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA

Phone: (253) 627-2600

Mobile Phone: +1 253-627-2600

It is advisable to call during standard business hours to schedule an appointment or to speak with their office about your legal needs. Direct communication is the most effective way to begin the process of seeking legal counsel.

For locals in Washington, particularly within Tacoma and its surrounding areas, Underwood Kent W presents itself as a legal option for individuals navigating the complexities of criminal defense and traffic-related legal issues. These are areas of law where the consequences can be significant, impacting one's freedom, financial stability, and future, thus making the choice of attorney crucial.

The suitability of Underwood Kent W for locals stems, in part, from the firm’s specialized focus. By concentrating on criminal and traffic law, the practice aims to offer in-depth knowledge of Washington State's specific legal statutes, court procedures, and potential defense strategies relevant to these types of cases. For individuals facing charges, this specialized understanding can be beneficial in formulating an effective legal approach within the local judicial system.

The firm’s central location in Tacoma also offers practical advantages for local residents. Easy accessibility helps alleviate the logistical burdens associated with legal proceedings, making it convenient for clients to attend meetings and engage in direct communication with their legal team. This local presence can also mean familiarity with local court personnel and community dynamics, which can sometimes be an asset in navigating specific cases.

However, prospective local clients should carefully consider all available feedback. While one review expresses strong satisfaction and recommends the attorney for specific types of cases, particularly those involving police encounters and minor charges, another review raises significant concerns regarding communication, billing practices, professionalism, and the fulfillment of promises. For locals, this underscores the importance of thorough due diligence, including personal consultation and asking detailed questions about fee structures, communication protocols, and expected outcomes.

Ultimately, the suitability of Underwood Kent W for locals depends on the specific nature of the case and the individual's comfort with the firm's operational style, as perceived through the varying client experiences. For those seeking representation in criminal or traffic matters, a direct conversation to clarify expectations and discuss specific needs will be paramount in determining if this firm is the right fit to advocate for their rights within the Washington legal system.