TOP CRIMES COMMITTED DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season is well underway! Decorations are up, stores are crowded with an abundance of shoppers, and holiday parties have commenced. For many, it is a time of happiness and cheer. It’s a time to celebrate and appreciate time with family and friends. For others, the holidays are particularly challenging, bringing up difficult emotions …

HIGHLIGHTED CASE SUMMARY: LIFE CHANGING CONSEQUENCES WHEN A DOMESTIC DISPUTE ESCALATES OUT OF CONTROL

Practice Area:  Criminal Description:   Our client was charged with Domestic Violence Assault in the 4th degree (DV Assault 4) in District Court. This client held a professional license and was in jeopardy of losing her job and marriage. This was a highly stressful situation for our client, with so much on the line. After investigation identified …

10 TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING HOLIDAY TRAVEL

In increasing numbers, Americans are opting to forgo crowded airports and long lines and travel by car for their Thanksgiving plans. AAA Travel projects that 42 million Americans are expected to take a holiday road trip this Thanksgiving, with gas prices lower than they’ve been since 2008. Driving can be convenient and less costly than air travel, …

WASHINGTON DEPT. OF LICENSING HEARINGS: DON’T MISS THIS STEP IF YOU ARE ARRESTED FOR DUI!

If you experience the often traumatizing and upsetting event of being charged with a DUI in Washington State, your focus will likely turn to concern about criminal penalties. You will find yourself thinking about jail time, fines, and other potential consequences. Most people do not realize that there are actually two parts to your DUI …

HIGHLIGHTED CASE SUMMARY: LOST IN TRANSLATION – DUI CHARGES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED

Description: Client was charged with DUI in District Court with blood alcohol level above .15. Investigation revealed client was not properly advised of his rights and warnings by law enforcement. Client was an English speaker but English was his second language. He was not asked if English was his first language and was not offered …

POLICE CRACKDOWN IN THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

The Seattle Police Department and the University of Washington are working together to make the University District safer. This partnership, whose current efforts are part of a plan known as the ‘U Way Project’, is seeking to better the neighborhood for students, residents, and businesses alike. The Seattle Times describes the goals of the collaboration and the …

THE SEAHAWKS CELEBRATE A WIN AND CAUTION TRAFFIC SAFETY

It was a sweet victory against the San Francisco 49ers, but the last couple weeks have been rough on the road for the Seattle Seahawks with two separate players making traffic headlines. Running back Fred Jackson crashed into a street sign, driving too fast near the team facility on Tuesday. There were initial news releases that …

HIGHLIGHTED CASE SUMMARY: A SIMPLE DISPUTE AT HOME CAN QUICKLY RESULT IN CRIMINAL CHARGES

Practice Area:  Criminal Description:   A domestic dispute between husband and wife reportedly escalated. During a physical altercation between the couple, the husband’s alleged actions led to charges of Assault 4, Theft 3, and Interference with Domestic Violence Reporting. After thorough investigation, victim interview, and negotiation with the prosecutor, we obtained a resolution for our client …

TRAGEDY FUELS GUN CONTROL CONTROVERSY. UNDERSTAND THE LAWS AS THEY STAND TODAY

In the week following the tragic shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, there has been an outpouring of emotion across the nation, as well as many politicians and public figures speaking out about gun control. Umpqua Community College and the Roseburg community experienced heartbreak and tragedy last week when a 26-year old student open-fired on campus. The New …

HIGHLIGHTED CASE SUMMARY: DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES IN CRIMINAL THEFT CASE

Practice Area:  Criminal Description:   Our client was charged with Third Degree Theft (“Theft 3”) in Municipal court for allegations of shoplifting. This was a repeat offense for client and he faced potential jail time in addition to hefty fines. Thorough investigation yielded evidentiary issues with store surveillance and we were able to negotiate outright dismissal …

WITH TRAFFIC PATROLS IN KING COUNTY ON THE RISE, SO IS THE NEED FOR AN EXPERIENCED TRAFFIC ATTORNEY

Drivers in King County should be aware that increased targeted traffic patrols are coming soon. The Seattle Times reports that Metropolitan King County Council approved funding for increased traffic enforcement last week. $100K in supplemental funding was approved to go toward King County deputy salaries, geared at emphasizing traffic patrols in certain areas throughout the county. This will allow …

DID YOU NOTICE THE BREATH TEST MACHINES IN THE BARS THIS WEEKEND?

As part of a new project, breath test machines have been installed in over 100 bars throughout Western Washington. A King 5 news article describes the project, which is being implemented by retired construction manager Bob Brazel. These machines, which were put in bars over the last several weeks, are estimated to be about 95% accurate. Brazel …