MALICIOUS HARASSMENT: EVEN AS WE CELEBRATE EQUALITY, HATE CRIMES ARE ALIVE AND WELL

The Seattle Times reported three unrelated hate crimes over the weekend, targeting gay men and a transgender victim. On the same day thousands of people were celebrating the Pride parade in downtown Seattle and celebrating Friday’s Supreme Court victory in marriage equality, victims were being targeted, harassed, and attacked for their sexual orientation and gender identity. There is …

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING: LAW & PENALTIES

We have all seen these signs!  However, we may not have all stopped to consider the law and potential consequences involved of ignoring them. In Washington State, criminal trespassing is classified into two degrees. Criminal Trespass in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor and Criminal Trespass in the second degree is a misdemeanor. Under RCW …

LGBT FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS AT DELLINO LAW GROUP

LGBT Family Law Dellino Law Group fervently supports marriage and relationship equality. Regardless of sexual or gender orientation, we believe in each family’s right to exceptional legal representation. LGBT family law is rapidly changing both federally and in Washington State. We are dedicated to remaining up-to-date and knowledgeable with the evolving nature of the law, …

DON’T LET YOUR PRIDE FESTIVITIES COME CRASHING TO A HALT: CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY!

It is a weekend to celebrate! Seattle’s LGBT Pride events seek to create unity, celebrate culture, and honor diversity. With big celebrations, there is often an abundance of alcohol. We wish you a joyous weekend but urge you to take precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember that a DUI is more than just a party …

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! IN ESTABLISHING PARENTING RIGHTS, FATHERS ARE ON EQUAL GROUND WITH MOTHERS IN WA STATE

As we enter Father’s Day weekend, it seems appropriate to highlight the topic of fathers’ rights in Washington State. Many people don’t realize that fathers are on equal ground with mothers in Washington State. Until a court determines otherwise, each parent has the same rights and responsibilities to their children. When Parenting Plans are determined, the …

IDENTITY THEFT: UNDERSTANDING THE LAW AND PROTECTING YOURSELF

Identify theft is a criminal offense. It is a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, your credit, and even your reputation. It can take time, money, and patience to resolve, but it is essential to act quickly to limit the damage and set things straight.  This article will explain Washington State identity …

SEAFAIR IS COMING! FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH WASHINGTON STATE BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (“BUI”) LAWS

Seafair festivities kick off in Seattle next week. Hundreds of thousands of people will come together to participate in this summer-long festival of events and Seattle tradition. For many, alcohol is a big part of the celebration. Local police will increase their presence be on the lookout for drunk drivers, minors in possession, and violators of …

UNDERSTANDING VEHICULAR ASSAULT & VEHICULAR HOMICIDE IN WASHINGTON STATE

Vehicular Assault: Vehicular Assault, including hit and run, is a serious crime and comes with potentially severe penalties. Under Washington State Law, Vehicular Assault in Washington State is classified as a class B felony and can result in a $20,000 fine and a prison sentence up to ten years. Under RCW 46.61.522, a person is guilty …

“BUYER BEWARE”: UNDERSTANDING PATRONIZING LAW & KING COUNTY’S INCREASED EFFORTS TO PROSECUTE

“Buyer Beware” is an initiative that launched in King County in October 2014. This recent Seattle Times article details early success, with the overall goal of reducing local demand for prostitution. According to the article, data historically shows that women involved in prostitution have been arrested at a rate 10 times higher than the men who pain …

WASHINGTON STATE NEGLIGENT DRIVING CHARGES: UNDERSTANDING THE LAW & CONSEQUENCES

Negligent Driving in the First Degree (Negligent Driving 1 aka “Neg 1”): In Washington State, Negligent Driving 1 is a criminal traffic offense. This offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. “A person is guilty of negligent driving in the first degree if he or she operates …

ASSAULT CHARGES IN WASHINGTON STATE: CATEGORIES & PENALTIES

Assaults vary greatly in terms of situation and seriousness. Being charged with assault can be confusing, upsetting, and life-changing. Whether it is self-defense, defense of another person, a lapse in judgment, or something else that led to the assault charge, you will need strong legal representation to navigate your charges, defend your rights, and fight …

COMMITTED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS: UNDERSTANDING WHAT “LIVING TOGETHER” MEANS IN WASHINGTON STATE

In Washington State, “common law marriage” does not exist. However, Washington courts do recognize “committed intimate relationships.” These relationships were formerly known as “meretricious relationships” and exist when an unmarried couple lives together for a significant period of time. In Washington State, these relationships have property rights similar to those had by married couples. It …