Areas of Practice

Below is a list of areas and explanations of where we focus our expertise at representing our clients in legal matters. If you have any questions not answered here please do not hesitate to call (253) 845-2711 or email us.

Military Law (Courts-Martial):

Our office is one of the few in the Pacific Northwest qualified and certified to represent military accused at courts-martial. Roger relies upon his 17 years of experience in the Army as a Judge Advocate - where he spent six years on active duty prosecuting cases. He has also spent a considerable amount of his military career - both active and in the reserves - defending the rights of soldiers at courts-martial and administrative separation boards. Roger is currently serving in the US Army Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA), assigned to the OJA, US Army Europe. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon being retained we represent the accused - from all military branches - from beginning to finish. Our office handles independent investigation of charges, motions, court appearances at Article 32 Hearings, arraignment, motions, and trial. We also handle post-trial matters and appeals when necessary. We also represent military personnel (active, reserve, and retired) at the following:

• Administrative Separation Boards
• Physical Evaluation Boards
• Security Clearance Appeals

Criminal Law:

We represent defendants at all stages of the criminal process - from arraignment through trial. Our office handles independent investigation of charges, motions, court appearances at arraignment, pre-trial conferences, and trial. A large amount of our practice is devoted to defending misdemeanors (e.g., DUI, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, Assault 4th Degree (DV), MIP, Possession of Marijuana, Shoplifting, etc.) We also represent defendants charged with felony crimes.

Expungement/Vacate Judgments:

In this area of practice - we represent clients who have been convicted of a crime and want to have the conviction expunged or vacated from their record. This is a very fact specific area of representation - that can be handled expeditiously - so long as all time requirements have been met. (i.e., three years have passed since conviction, and no criminal law violations have occurred.) Only certain types of criminal convictions are eligible for this process.

Personal Injury:

A large amount of our practice is devoted to representing people that have been injured in automobile accidents - as well as other types of accidents. With these types of cases - there is no charge for the initial consultation, and a contingency fee retainer agreement is available.

Estate Planning/Probate:

Cartwright Law Offices produces the full array of estate planning documents - including - but not limited to: wills, powers of attorney, community property agreements, health care directives (living wills), and prenuptial agreements. Our office also handles the probate of an estate - representing the personal representative/executor before the court - up until and through the disbursement of the estate and the closure of the estate.

Adoption:

We represent adoptive parents from all walks of life - looking to adopt. From the beginning of the process - up to and including termination of biological parent rights - and ultimately the final order granting adoption - we stand by our clients and vigorously represent their interests.

Civil Litigation:

We represent both plaintiffs and defendants with civil claims ranging from property dispute/easement rights to discrimination cases.

Garnishment:

After obtaining a judgment against an opposing party, our office handles the next step of garnishing wages from the responsible parties. This too is a very fact specific area of representation - that can be handled expeditiously - so long as all certain requirements have been met.

Corporate Representation:

Cartwright Law Offices currently represents the following corporations: Bartelson Transport Co., Paulson's Jewelry, Mountain View Roofing, Kitsap County Corrections Officers Guild and the Shelton Police Officers Guild. We also advise potential corporate entities on the process associated with forming a corporation - and drafting Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Collective Bargaining:

Our office currently represents two employee guilds that are recognized collective bargaining representatives for their respective employee groups. (e.g., Kitsap Corrections Officer Guild and the Shelton Police Officers Guild.) We handle contract bargaining, grievance arbitration, and the filing of unfair labor practice complaints. We also assist potential guilds/unions with the formation of their organizations. In addition, our office is registered as a member of the Legal Defense Fund for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).