MALICIOUS MISCHIEF: UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS AND PENALTIES

What is Malicious Mischief? If you are accused of willfully and maliciously causing physical damage to someone else’s property in Washington State, you may be facing charges of the property crime Malicious Mischief. This can include graffiti, vandalism, or other modes of destruction. It may also include erasing records, information, or other computer-related files, or …

SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTNER WITH NEXTDOOR TO REDUCE CRIME

Seattle police are taking a tailor-made approach to crime reduction, as reported by King 5 News. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is seeking to connect to Seattle communities on a micro level, with the aim of diminishing crime. This week, the Seattle Police Department revealed its Micro Community Policing Plans(MCPP). They have divided up Seattle into 55 communities, …

DEFERRED PROSECUTION – IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Deferred Prosecution is one of the options for keeping a DUI off of your long-term record and avoiding penalties associated with a DUI or other misdemeanor conviction.  (Chapter 10.05 RCW)  If you are charged with a DUI in Washington State and diagnosed as alcohol or drug dependent in your mental health evaluation (or suffering from …

FORGERY 101: UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS AND PENALTIES OF FORGERY IN WASHINGTON STATE

Forgery allegations can be potentially life changing. Forgery is considered a felony in all 50 states and Washington is no exception. Immediate consequences may include jail or prison time, significant fines, probation, or restitution. A forgery conviction on your record may also impact your ability to obtain housing or employment! Given the significant, devastating consequences …

HIGHLIGHTED CASE SUMMARY: AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE IN DUI CASE YIELDS FAVORABLE RESULTS

Description:   Our client was charged with a DUI with a BAC of .20 and hit and run. Thorough investigation of the circumstances and evidence yielded evidentiary issues damaging the prosecution’s case. Negotiation with the prosecutor got the client a very favorable result in what once felt for client a desperate situation. Client avoided DUI conviction, jail …

WHAT IS DISORDERLY CONDUCT?

Disorderly Conduct Laws and Penalties: Disorderly Conduct is one of the most common offenses in the United States. In Washington State, Disorderly Conduct is a misdemeanor. In comparison to other crimes, many people don’t see it as a serious crime. However, this misdemeanor does carry a potential sentence of up to 90 days in jail …

APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which a good opportunity for reminders about the legal, health, and social problems that excessive drinking can contribute to. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) has been sponsoring Alcohol Awareness Month since 1987 and seeks to boost public awareness about the significant impact that alcohol-related problems has …

UNDERSTANDING PROTECTION ORDERS IN WASHINGTON STATE

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 …

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM CONVICTED OF A FELONY IN WASHINGTON STATE?

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. …

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM ARRESTED IN WASHINGTON STATE?

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, …

HOW CAN I CLEAR MY CRIMINAL RECORD?

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 …

EXTRA DUI PATROLS TO HIT STREETS FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND

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 …