Yes. In Washington and across the United States, police are generally allowed to lie to you during questioning. An officer can claim to have evidence that does not exist, say that a co-defendant already blamed you, or suggest that talking is your only way out. Courts have permitted these tactics for decades, which is exactly […]
Continue reading…What Is Coercive Control and How Is It Charged in Washington?
In Washington, coercive control is not a separate crime you can be charged with. It is a pattern of controlling behavior defined in the state’s civil protection order law, and it counts as a form of domestic violence that can support a protection order against you. The conduct behind it can still lead to criminal […]
Continue reading…Can AI-Generated Images or Deepfakes Be Used as Evidence Against You?
AI-generated images, videos, and audio recordings can potentially be introduced as evidence in a criminal case. However, prosecutors must still demonstrate that the evidence is authentic, reliable, and relevant before a court will consider it. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, concerns about manipulated digital evidence are growing. In domestic violence cases, where allegations may […]
Continue reading…Revenge Porn Laws in Washington: What Defendants Need to Know
Many people associate “revenge porn” cases with former romantic partners, but the allegations can arise in a variety of situations involving text messages, social media posts, emails, and other forms of digital communication. In Washington, sharing an intimate image without consent can result in serious criminal charges, including the possibility of jail time, fines, and […]
Continue reading…What to Do If Police Contact You About a Sex Crime Investigation in Washington
What do you do when the police contact you about a sex crime investigation in Washington? Stop. Do not answer questions. Do not explain yourself. Do not call them back. Your first call should be to a Seattle sex crimes defense attorney, not to law enforcement. A sex crime conviction in Washington can mean years […]
Continue reading…Search Warrants in Washington Sex Crime Investigations: Phones, Computers, and Accounts
Many of the things you’ve typed, searched, or saved on your phone could end up in a prosecutor’s file. In Washington sex crime investigations, detectives move quickly to secure search warrants for phones, computers, and online accounts. They search for messages, images, location history, and deleted data. The consequences of a sex crimes conviction are […]
Continue reading…Can You Be Charged With a Sex Crime in Washington Without Physical Contact?
Can you be charged with a sex crime in Washington without any physical contact? Yes. Washington law includes multiple offenses that require no touching whatsoever, including voyeurism, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, indecent exposure, and cyber harassment. Physical contact is one way to commit a sex offense, but it is far from the […]
Continue reading…Defense Strategies for Protection Order Violations in Washington
Violating a protection order in Washington can lead to criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and long-term consequences. A strong defense often focuses on whether the order was valid, whether the violation was intentional, and whether the evidence supports the accusation. Early legal guidance can shape how the case is investigated and defended. What Are […]
Continue reading…Online Sting Operations in Washington: When Police Pose as Minors
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 […]
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