An inquest is an open, public administrative hearing in which the County Coroner gathers information about suspicious deaths. Inquests are not adversarial proceedings. On June 11, 2020, by Executive Order, King County, Washington expanded its inquest program to include any death that involves a member of law enforcement of King County when carrying out official […]
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What to Expect at an Arraignment
After you get arrested or charged with a crime, you will have an arraignment, which is the first time that you go to court. The arraignment could happen as soon as the day of your arrest or the next day. A Seattle criminal defense attorney can advocate for you at the arraignment and throughout the […]
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Penalties for Rioting and Property Damage During a Protest
A person can get arrested and charged with violations of state or federal law for rioting and property damages during a protest in Seattle. The penalties can be severe, and under Washington law, some activities are felonies. If you face criminal charges as the result of a protest, a Seattle federal criminal defense attorney can […]
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Do We Need To Be Married For an Offense To Be Considered “Domestic Violence?”
No, you do not have to be spouses to fall under Washington State’s domestic violence laws. The offense can be “domestic violence” if you are a current or former intimate partner or a family or household member of the accuser or alleged perpetrator. A Seattle domestic violence defense attorney can help if someone accuses you […]
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Federal White Collar Crime Overview
White collar crime is not a legal term. It is a term used to describe a group of crimes that are non-violent and motivated by profit. Even though these crimes may sound more innocent than murder or assault, white collar crimes can cause severe damages for victims. The punishment for white collar crimes can be […]
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Understanding Clemency
Clemency, also called a pardon or commutation, is a form of relief that a person convicted of a crime can receive from the Governor of the state of Washington or the President of the United States. The appropriate person to grant clemency or a pardon will depend on whether the conviction was for a federal […]
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What Is the Double Jeopardy Law and How Does it Apply to My Seattle Criminal Case?
Being accused of a crime is not the same as being guilty of a crime. The state must prove every legal element required for the crime for a defendant to be found guilty. In many cases, there may be one or more legal defenses that apply in your case. Working with a Seattle criminal defense […]
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Charged as an Adult vs. Charged as a Juvenile: How Judges Decide
The justice system for adults in Washington has the goal of punishing offenders found guilty of crimes. However, the goal of the Juvenile Justice System in Washington is to provide treatment for the rehabilitation of minors found guilty of a crime. Thus, the punishments in juvenile court are less severe for many of the same […]
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Do I have to Give Up My Guns if I have a Restraining Order or No Contact Order Against Me?
Many people in Washington value their right to own firearms. However, if you are involved in a domestic dispute, the other party may request a restraining order or a no contact order. Both orders could restrict your right to own and possess a gun. To protect your legal rights, you may want to contact a […]
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Can the Police Search My Cell Phone Records Without a Warrant?
As with most questions of law, it depends on the facts and the circumstances in your case whether the police could search your cell phone records without a warrant. If your arrest was based on a search of your cell phone, contact a Seattle domestic violence defense attorney immediately to discuss your options. If the […]
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