As Labor Day weekend symbolically brings summer to an end, there will be many people on the road heading out for one last summer getaway. The long weekend means heavy traffic statewide. King 5 News reports an increase in traffic deaths nationwide in 2016. Washington state is no exception, with traffic fatalities up 8% in the …
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 …
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 …
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 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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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. …
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 …
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 …
