If you are like many of our clients, being charged with a crime is something you never expected to have happen. You have a family, a job, a life, and this is not who you are. The shock being arrested and facing a criminal charge comes first, followed by the anxiety of what to expect …
Burglary is a felony offense in Washington State, with very serious penalties and consequences. There are four separate burglary-related statutes in Washington. Violations of these statutes each carry separate, specific penalties. If you are charged with one of these offenses, it is essential that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Given the seriousness of the charges, …
When someone says “I was robbed!” they likely mean they have been stolen from. Whether they were “robbed” may or may not be the case, legally speaking. Often people use the term “robbery” interchangeably with “theft” and “burglary”. However, there are very significant legal differences between these, according to Washington State legal code. In Washington State, …
If you have been charged with a theft offense, we recommend the following key steps: Understand the charges Understand the penalties Involve experienced legal counsel Understand the charges: It is essential to understand the law and the consequences. Theft offenses in Washington State are separated into three different categories. The category/degree is determined by the …
“Sexual Exploitation” in Seattle is the same crime as “Patronizing a Prostitute”, as it remains called elsewhere in Washington State. There is no difference in the law behind sexual exploitation vs. patronizing a prostitute. The only difference is in the name. Seattle’s choice to change the name, according to the City Attorney’s Office in 2015, had to …
Assault charges vary greatly in terms of situation and seriousness. Being charged with assault can be confusing, upsetting, and life-changing. Whether it is self-defense, defense of another person, a lapse in judgment, or something else that led to the assault charge, you will need strong legal representation to navigate your charges, defend your rights, and …
What is BUI? BUI refers to “Boating under the Influence” (RCW 79A.60.040), which is a gross misdemeanor and a significant criminal offense in Washington State. It is important to be aware of the law and potential consequences involved with a BUI conviction. BUI is similar to DUI in theory, but it is its own charge and is …
Violation of underage drinking laws can result in significant consequences. Please be sure you and your minor children are familiar with the laws and the penalties at stake. What are Minor in Possession & Minor in Consumption? Minor in Possession & Minor in Consumption of alcohol (MIP/MIC) are combined into one statute in Washington State. This is a …
What is Negligent Driving in the First Degree? Negligent Driving in the First Degree is also known as Negligent Driving 1 or “Neg 1”. A person is guilty of Negligent driving in the First Degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to …
In Washington State, Reckless Driving is a gross misdemeanor criminal traffic offense. Reckless Driving charges can pose substantial consequences, and it is important to understand the law. Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.500): Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. …
Many people assume that pulling off the road to rest when you have been drinking is not only a safe alternative to driving under the influence but also the takes away the chance of being charged with a DUI. This is not an accurate assumption. From a safety perspective, the wisest move is to refrain …
Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington State in 2012, there have been a lot of attention on it, as well as many misconceptions and mistruths. Just because pot is legal doesn’t mean it is unrestricted. Washingtonians should be aware of the regulations and controls in place around “legalization of recreational marijuana”. Understanding the law: …
