STING OPERATIONS TARGET PROSTITUTION IN SEATTLE

Police are cracking down on prostitution activity throughout Seattle, using undercover operations. The Seattle Times describes some of the venues for covert police presence, including an Aurora strip club, a “swanky Belltown condo”, and a large yacht on Lake Union. These locations have been part of a recent targeted approach by Seattle police. The article explains how the …

VUCSA: DRUG POSSESSION LAWS IN WASHINGTON STATE

Drug offenses in Washington State are referred to as VUCSA: Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. The Uniform Controlled Substance Act is outlined in Chapter 69.50 RCW. In Washington State, the term “controlled substance” is applied to all illegal drugs. Marijuana Offenses: Marijuana has indeed been legalized in Washington State, but it is important to be cognizant of …

TIPS FOR A DUI-FREE ST. PADDY’S DAY

St Patrick’s Day commonly involve shades of green, shamrocks, good luck, and fun, festive celebrations. However, this holiday also brings some of the HIGHEST rates of drunk driving. Many St. Paddy’s Day festivities will occur this weekend, and more next week on March 17th. During this period, from March 12-17, extra law enforcement will be out …

TOUGHER DUI STATUTES AND PENALTIES IN WASHINGTON STATE

Tougher DUI statutes and penalties are on the horizon in Washington State, if proponents of pending bills have their way. Legislature in Washington passed a bill last week that would raise penalties for DUI convictions at the felony-level, per King 5 News report. The news report explains that in Washington State, a person’s first four DUIs are gross misdemeanors. The …

LEGISLATION WOULD ALLOW SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS TO OBTAIN PERMANENT PROTECTION ORDERS

As it stands currently, sexual assault protection orders expire after two years (RCW 7.90.120).  This has long been opposed by advocates for sexual assault victims. Victim advocates argue that when victims are forced to petition repeatedly for these protection orders, it intensifies their already painful experiences and forces them to relive trauma. To petition for …

10 REASONS NOT TO TALK TO THE POLICE

Don’t talk to the police! Whether you are being pulled over, approached on the street, or officers arrive at your door, it is never a good idea to talk to the police. Whether you are guilty or completely innocent, it is never a good idea to talk to the police. Whether you ready to come …

PROTECTION ORDERS IN WASHINGTON STATE

“I need a Restraining Order!” This is commonly heard when one is seeking a court order for protection, but it is a frequently misused term. A “Restraining Order” is one kind of court order, but there are a number of different types of protection orders used to prevent contact that may be harassing or abusive. Protection …

MORE POT SHOPS COMING TO SEATTLE – REFRESH YOURSELF ON THE BASICS OF MARIJUANA LAWS

City Council approved rules this week that would allow more legal pot shops in Seattle. The Seattle Times describes the new proposal, driven by Mayor Ed Murray. Seattle will reduce some of the buffer zones, which are state-imposed and restrict pot businesses’ proximity to sensitive areas (parks, arcades, etc.). City Council agreed to reduce these buffers from …

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOW TO RING IN 2016 DUI-FREE

Happy New Year! It’s time to celebrate the end of 2015 and the start of a new year! Enjoy your celebration this evening but remember to drink responsibly. DUI patrols are out in increased numbers, perhaps more than any other night of the year. You do not want to start out 2016 with a DUI charge. …

TIPS FOR AVOIDING A HOLIDAY DUI

With holiday parties and festivities in full swing, many people will take the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry. ‘Tis the season, right? It’s a festive time of year. Many people are out to enjoy themselves over a glass of eggnog or a holiday martini. Others are drinking due to holiday stress and pressure, …

REDUCE THE STRESS OF HOLIDAY DRIVING

Our post last month indicated that lower gas prices are leading more and more Americans to choose road travel for their holiday plans. Whether you are out doing last minute Christmas shopping or embarking on a holiday road trip, you need to be prepared. Hazardous road conditions, heavy traffic, and anxious drivers out in droves are inevitable. …

PRISON DESIGNED FOR 18-25 YEAR OLDS – FIRST OF ITS KIND

An article in the Seattle Times describes a prison being designed in Connecticut specifically for inmates between 18-25 year old, addressing their unique issues. This prison, designated by a Connecticut state initiative, will reportedly be the first in the country of its kind. The theory behind this model is based on research involving youth brain development, specifically …