BACK-TO-SCHOOL: A REMINDER FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT UNDERAGE DRINKING LAWS

It’s back to school season! As students head back to colleges and universities across the country, they are welcomed with social activities galore. Alcohol is a common, recurring theme throughout college festivities. College freshmen are at the highest risk of alcohol misuse and dangerous consequences. Many students are living away from home for the first time. Newfound …

RECENT CHANGES TO WASHINGTON DUI LAWS

DUI laws are often evolving, with frequent legislative changes that may affect sentencing and licensing. NWSidebar describes 4 important changes to Washington DUI laws. These changes stem from the implementation of House Bill 2700, which went into effect on June 9, 2016. 1) Sentencing Alternative:  Under House Bill 2700, a 24/7 alcohol monitoring program is available as an alternative to …

6 BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR DIVORCED PARENTS

It’s that time of year again. Summer is ending and kids are headed back to school. Back-to-school season is always a stressful time for children and parents, and it can be even more complicated if you are divorced. This time of year is a mixed bag of emotions for everyone involved, with feelings of excitement, anxiety, …

SEAFAIR WEEKEND IS COMING! BEWARE OF BUI AND DUI

Seafair weekend is just a few days away!  This weekend marks the celebratory conclusion of Seattle’s summer-long festival of events and local tradition. Thousands of people will gather on and around Lake Washington, listening to music at Genesee Park and watching the fastest powerboat races in the world, as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly overhead. …

A REMINDER ABOUT RED-LIGHT CAMERAS…

The Seattle Times printed an article this week reporting that traffic deaths are up in cities where they have turned off red-light cameras. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety examined cities that have ended their red-light camera programs over the past 5 years, compared with cities that have continued their programs. Research showed that crashes …

REVIEW THE CRIME STATS & POLICING PLAN IN YOUR SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Seattle Police Department has new policing plans for each city neighborhood based on its Micro Community Policing Plans (MCPPs). This Seattle PI article describes the SPD’s new website, breaking down crime statistics by neighborhoods and detailing how the MCPPs intend to target the neighborhoods’ specified needs. Micro Community Policing Plans are intended to address the fact that each Seattle …

HOW TO AVOID FINANCIAL BLUNDERS DURING DIVORCE

A recent Money Magazine article highlights strategies for avoiding financial mistakes during divorce. Each divorce comes with its own set of emotional struggles and financial risks. Decisions made during the divorce process can have long-lasting effects. Given these significant impacts, it is advised that you avoid making any decisions in haste. When it comes to making financial …

MAJOR STING OPERATION TARGETS SEXUAL EXPLOITATION/PROSTITUTION IN SEATTLE

Buyer, beware!  The Vice & High Risk Victims Unit of the SPD set up a successful sting operation in a Seattle massage parlor – the first of its kind in the city. The Seattle Times describes the sting. Detectives reportedly used a massage parlor in the University District, which they had shut down earlier this year. …

STOP TRESPASSING WHILE PLAYING ‘POKÉMON GO’!

It’s all fun and games until you are charged with trespassing! The new ‘Pokémon Go‘ app has prompted numerous warnings from law enforcement. Since the game launched last week it has become an instant national craze with wild popularity. Players can catch creatures (Pokémon) on their smartphone screens while they move through the physical world. …

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMES IN WA STATE: WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU INTERFERE WITH REPORTING?

Washington state law ardently prosecutes crimes of domestic violence, and conviction can involve very serious and long-lasting consequences. This is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, if you commit a crime of domestic violence and then in any way prevent or attempt to prevent the victim from reporting the crime, you may face an additional …

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! THE CITY OF SEATTLE AND UBER PARTNER TO PROMOTE SAFETY & REDUCE IMPAIRED DRIVING

It’s time for everyone’s favorite summer holiday, a weekend filled with BBQs, fireworks, and red, white, and blue! 4th of July celebrations bring festive energy and a celebratory spirit, as well as an abundance of drivers on the road. The City of Seattle is working with Uber to encourage drivers to plan for safe rides home as they …

A REVIEW OF ASSAULT LAWS IN WA STATE AS SEAHAWKS QB FACES CHARGES IN TEXAS

Seahawks rookie QB Trevone Boykin was charged with assault this week, stemming from his Dec 31st arrest in San Antonio. Boykin was in San Antonio for the Valero Alamo bowl and was arrested after a late night altercation near a bar. He reportedly was arrested after being thrown out of a bar for fighting with employees, and then …