Online sting operations in Washington involve law enforcement officers posing as minors online to investigate and arrest individuals suspected of illegal sexual communication with minors. These operations are generally lawful when officers provide an opportunity to commit a crime but do not improperly induce it. How Do Online Sting Operations Involving Minors Work in Washington? […]
Continue reading…Should You Talk to Police During a DVPO Call? What You Need to Know
Should you talk to police when they show up about a domestic violence protection order? That depends on why they are there. A DVPO is a civil court order under Washington’s civil protection order statute, and when officers arrive to serve one, they are delivering documents, not conducting an investigation. But if police are responding […]
Continue reading…Facing False Allegations: What to Do If You’re Accused of Harassment or Stalking After a Breakup
After you and a partner break up, you might have a final conversation or two to get closure. Another option is that you may never speak to your ex again after your relationship ends. In either case, you may feel blindsided when your ex falsely accuses you of harassment. Whatever the reasons for your ex’s […]
Continue reading…Is Your Case a Good Candidate for Clemency? Essential Considerations and Professional Case Review
Clemency is a way to reduce or end a criminal sentence, but it’s not an automatic process. You need to know whether your case is a strong candidate for clemency. This requires careful review by an experienced attorney—but this overview can provide helpful information for anyone curious about the process. Understanding Clemency: Commutation vs. Pardon […]
Continue reading…Legal Considerations for Respondents in Anti-Harassment Order Cases
No one ever hears a knock on the door expecting to be served with an anti-harassment protection order. But it happens more often than you might think, and people in your position feel unsure about what to do next. An anti harassment protection order is serious, but it is not the end of the conversation. […]
Continue reading…The Consultation Option: When a Paid Hour Could Save You Thousands
Why do people hesitate to talk to Washington State criminal defense lawyers? Thinking about getting legal advice but not quite ready to call a lawyer? You’re not alone. Many people pause at the idea of contacting an attorney for a variety of reasons. The hesitation usually comes down to three things: Maybe you received a […]
Continue reading…I’m Being Harassed Online – What Are My Options?
Online harassment can feel invisible to others, but its impact is anything but small. If you’re being harassed digitally in the Seattle area—especially by an ex-partner or someone with whom you’ve had a close relationship—you might be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure about what to do next. You are not alone, and you do have […]
Continue reading…What to Do If You’re Contacted by Law Enforcement but Not Yet Charged
Getting a call or knock on the door from law enforcement can be alarming, especially when you haven’t done anything wrong—or at least don’t think you have. If you’ve been contacted by police in Washington State, but you haven’t been formally charged with a crime, what happens next matters a lot. These early moments are […]
Continue reading…Is My Defense Attorney Doing Everything They Can to Defend My Case That Is Set for Trial?
When your case is headed for trial, the stakes could not be higher. You may be wondering whether your defense attorney is doing everything possible to prepare. This question is common, and it’s also an important one. Your attorney’s work before and during trial can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. In Washington, a […]
Continue reading…How to Know If You’re the Target of a Criminal Investigation in Washington
Finding out you may be under criminal investigation can be unsettling. The uncertainty often creates as much stress as the possibility of charges themselves. In Washington, you may be the target of a criminal investigation if law enforcement or prosecutors have reason to believe you committed a crime. Warning signs include being contacted directly by […]
Continue reading…