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 …

5 ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A QUALITY ESTATE PLAN

When people think about estate planning, they generally think about a will or a trust, detailing how they want their assets divided in the event of their death. This is certainly a vital component, but there is much more involved in a complete, quality estate plan. Our recent blog posting described WHEN you might need to modify …

FINANCIAL INFIDELITY AND ITS IMPACT ON RELATIONSHIPS

With wedding season in full swing, partners are looking toward their forever futures together. This Seattle Times article reminds us that prior to saying “I do” it may be wise for partners to have honest discussions around financial infidelity. The article makes important points about financial deception its role in breaking up a rising number of relationships and marriages. …

WHERE ARE THE DUI HOTSPOTS IN SEATTLE?

In a recent article by seattlepi.com, DUI hotspots in Seattle are highlighted, revealing the city’s top 6 intersections for DUI arrests. The data comes from Project Know, which is an organization that helps connect people to addiction treatment resources. Project Know released a study that tracked 2,734 DUI arrests occurring throughout 2015, looking at the locations where DUI arrests …

STALKING AND HARASSMENT IN WASHINGTON STATE

Social media outlets provide an unfortunate, rampant arena for harassment and bullying, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The opposite of “ghosting” is stalking and harassment. Are you a victim or being falsely accused? We can help. The Seattle Times reports another incident this week where online harassment hit a dangerous level. An 18 year old …

DRIVE SAFELY! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS EXPECTED TO SEE RECORD NUMBERS OF DRIVERS ON THE ROAD

Memorial Day weekend symbolically kicks off summer festivities and many people are looking to kick off their summer festivities with a road trip. AAA projects that more than 38 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend, making it the second highest travel volume on a Memorial Day weekend, and the most in over a decade. AAA estimates a …

THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IS NEAR – IS IT TIME TO MODIFY YOUR PARENTING PLAN?

The end of the school year signifies a time of transition. It is a transition into summertime, longer days, warmer nights, a break from homework, and more time to play. Children are thinking about their transition into the next grade level and who their teacher will be next fall. For parents who are separated or …

WATCH YOUR SPEED! I-90 SPEED LIMIT IS NOT INCREASING TO 75 MPH

I-90 drivers will need to continue to watch their speeds, after the rejection of a proposal to increase the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph. The Seattle Times reports that the state decided last week they will not raise the speed limit along rural sections of I-90 in Eastern Washington, as was proposed. The Washington …

IT’S THE DAY AFTER YOUR CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION – DID YOU DRINK RESPONSIBLY?

Cinco de Mayo has come and gone – How did you celebrate?  Historically, “Cinco de Mayo” (May 5th) commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Though the holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, it has evolved in the U.S. to become a celebration of Mexican culture, music, food …

I WAS ROBBED!! ROBBERY LAWS IN WASHINGTON STATE AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROBBERY, THEFT, AND BURGLARY

In Washington State, robbery charges are quite serious. All robbery charges are considered felonies. Stakes are high and penalties are severe. Definition of Robbery: Under the Revised Code of Washington statutes (RCW 9A.56.190), Robbery is defined as follows: A person commits robbery when he or she unlawfully takes personal property from the person of another …

THE AFTERMATH OF MAY DAY MAYHEM IN SEATTLE

Seattle is still reeling in the aftermath of May Day, after a peaceful day of protest erupted in chaos and violence. What is May Day? May Day (May 1st) was originally an ancient pagan holiday, a celebration of Spring and the transition to Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Different cultural groups have designed May Day celebrations or …

TEXTERS BEWARE: THE ‘TEXTALYZER’ MAY BE COMING SOON TO DETECT TEXTING AND DRIVING

Texting while driving remains a commonplace and dangerous practice. The New York Times suggests it is actually getting worse with drivers not only texting, but taking selfies and using other apps and social media sites while on the road. The article estimates road fatalities were up 8% from 2014-2015 due to the increase in distracted driving. Concern …