Commonly, people use the term “restraining order” when they are seeking a court order for protection, to prevent contact that is harassing or abuse. However, this is a frequently misused term. A “restraining order” is one kind of court order, but there are in fact a number of different types of protection orders used to …
Felonies are considered to be the most serious violations and carry the most severe consequences. It is common for felony convictions to result lengthy prison sentences, large fines, or both. Those accused of felonies will need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, who may be able to lessen the charge or the penalty. …
Being arrested for any reason can be an emotional, upsetting, and confusing experience. Unfortunately, this is a situation that many people will encounter in their lifetime, often on repeated occasions. Knowing what to expect in being arrested and navigating the Washington State legal system may make the journey an easier process. If you are arrested, …
Everyone makes mistakes and the hope is that we can learn from our mistakes and from the subsequent consequences. Unfortunately, there are some mistakes that are accompanied by consequences that far exceed the duration of the punishment. This is the case with criminal convictions. A conviction on your criminal record can resurface when you least …
Here is a reminder to those engaging in St. Patrick’s Day festivities to drink responsibly and choose a designated driver. In addition to shamrocks, leprechauns, and good luck, St. Paddy’s Day also brings high rates of drunk driving. Extra law enforcement will be out in Kent and the rest of King County over St Patrick’s Day …
Criminal Defense Description: Our client was charged with Felony VUCSA (Violation of Uniform Controlled Substance Act) in King County. With a professional career and security clearance, this client had a lot on the line. Through investigation, negotiation, and understanding the ins and outs of the client’s situation and individual circumstances surrounding the allegation, we were able …
Washington State police are on the lookout for distracted drivers who are violating texting and cell phone laws. “Distracted drivers” are drivers who are paying attention to something else while driving such as talking on a cell phone, texting, or changing the radio station. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, distracted driver-involved crashes accounted for …
Description: Our client was cited for an enhanced DUI (BAC > .15) after a multi-car accident. The client also had a warrant stemming from a DUI four years prior. After getting the client’s warrant quashed, investigation revealed evidentiary issues. We were able to get the prosecutor to agree to reduce the charge from DUI to a …
Think before you consider shoplifting! Even small items can add up to big problems. Merchants of all kinds throughout Western Washington put significant funding into loss prevention and do not hesitate to encourage prosecution of even the smallest offenses. It is essential to understand the law and the consequences. What may seem like a minor …
Practice Area: Criminal Defense Description: Seattle Police arrested my client in Westlake Park during the 2011 Occupy Seattle protests on obstruction charges. The City refused to dismiss the case as it had done for many other defendants. We brought motions challenging the arrest and police conduct on First Amendment grounds. These motions were granted and the court found the …
This Seattle Times article begins to detail the city’s traffic safety plan for 2015. Seattle drivers should prepare for slower speeds, more school-zone cameras, fewer right turns on red and targeted enforcement. Many of the busy 35 mph corridors will be reduced to 30 mph or lower, and speeds will be reduced from 30 to …
This recent federal study was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Virginia Beach, VA. Not surprisingly, the research indicated that drivers who had been drinking alcohol and who had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 were four times as likely to crash as sober drivers. Drivers with a .16 BAC …
