Practice Areas

When you are faced with serious financial difficulties or criminal charges, you may feel isolated and embarrassed. It is important to retain an experienced attorney so that you can consider all of the possible legal solutions to your problems. Longview bankruptcy lawyer Kevin R. Vibbert is committed to providing people with sensitive and comprehensive legal services so that they can get back on their feet. He can also help you vigorously fight criminal charges under Washington law.

We guide individuals and businesses through the challenging process of filing for bankruptcy. Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies provide different approaches to financial struggles. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that is only available to those who pass what is called "the means test." This is a formula designed to determine whether you have the capacity to pay off your debts, given your disposable income. If you do not have the ability to pay back your creditors under the means test, you may file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Debtors that do have the financial ability to repay their creditors may file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This is a form of bankruptcy that allows you to reorganize your debts and develop a repayment plan so that you can repay your debts over a period of 3-5 years. At the end of this period, assuming that you stick to making your monthly payments in a timely fashion, your dischargeable debts may be discharged. There are a number of benefits to filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, such as the ability to strip any unsecured junior mortgages and have liens removed.

We can defend people who are charged with driving while under the influence, assault, possession of marijuana, and other offenses. Kevin R. Vibbert has represented people charged with misdemeanors since 1999. Generally, for gross and simple misdemeanors in Washington, you may be eligible for a disposition that does not result in a conviction, assuming that it is your first offense.

Misdemeanors are offenses that may not be punished by more than 90 days in jail and fines of more than $2,050.00. Gross misdemeanors are offenses that entail the possibility of up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $10,250.00. Some charges carry mandatory jail time. Generally, both misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors are considered less significant than felonies. However, it is still important to obtain legal representation rather than simply plead guilty. Over time, you may end up facing serious penalties for other charges simply because you have a prior conviction. Moreover, once you have a criminal record, you may find it more difficult to secure work, housing, or a professional license.

An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to attack the prosecution's case. For example, most police searches require search warrants supported by probable cause, unless you consent to a search or unless another exception to the warrant requirement applies. If the police do not have probable cause or a warrant, your attorney may be able to get evidence found during an illegal search suppressed, which may be critical to defeating the charges against you.

Experienced Longview bankruptcy attorney Kevin R. Vibbert provides personal attention to each of his clients, walking them through each step of the legal process. Our office is a comfortable environment that puts clients at ease. Kevin R. Vibbert also represents people who need a bankruptcy or criminal defense attorney in Castle Rock, Kelso, Woodland, Vancouver, Centralia, Chehalis, Raymond, South Bend, Cathlamet, and other cities in Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties. Contact us at 360-423-0242 or via our online form to set up an appointment.