Yearly Archives: 2010

Navigating Through the Criminal Process

Comprehending the basics about the criminal justice system in Washington is probably one of the most important ways for you to protect your rights. Criminal laws involve prosecution by the state or a city, of a person for an action that has been deemed as a crime. Civil cases, on the other hand, include people… Continue Reading »

When a Minor isn’t Minor

A Washington State Minor in Possession (“MIP”) conviction can be (and usually is) very impactful on a youth’s ability to pursue his dreams and aspirations – especially during these trying and difficult economic times. Job competition is tight. Competition to get a quality education is tough. A MIP conviction can impact a minor’s admission into college,… Continue Reading »

Got a D.V. call SQ Attorneys

Domestic violence related crimes in Washington State invariably have a very harsh and very negative impact on the people they are leveled against. Washington citizens charged and/or convicted of domestic violence related crimes can be removed from their home, and have their right to bear firearms taken away; in fact, those folks charged with a… Continue Reading »

A “Penalty” for Your Thoughts

In Washington State DUI cases there isn’t just one criminal penalty a person can face, and the penalties suffered can actually be increased if the person convicted of DUI has prior DUI/ DUI related convictions. A first-time DUI offender whose blood-alcohol concentration is deemed to be at least 0.08 faces the following, if convicted of… Continue Reading »

DUI Reality

A few commonly asked questions that arise when a person is facing a driving under the influence charge in Washington State are: (1) “If I only had one drink, can I be guilty of DUI?; (2) If my breath test result was below the legal limit (.08), can I be guilty of DUI?; or (3)… Continue Reading »

The ABC's of NCO's, PO's and TRO's

When it comes to no contact orders (“NCO’s”) protection orders (“PO’s”) and temporary restraining orders (“TRO’s”), the law is pretty darn clear — if a restraining order of any type has been issued and is in full force and effect, the person it is imposed against must abide by its terms, notwithstanding the person’s relationship… Continue Reading »

Tests Are In!

In 2008 a panel of King County, Washington judges (the “Panel”) ruled that breath test results were not admissible in DUI cases filed in King County District Courts because there were so many pervasive problems with the Washington State breath-testing procedures and protocols. An audit of the Washington State Toxicology Lab (the “Lab”) found at… Continue Reading »

King County DUI Breath Tests Admissable — Again

In 2008 a panel of King County, Washington judges (the “Panel”) ruled that breath test results were not admissible in DUI cases filed in King County District Courts because there were so many pervasive problems with the Washington State breath-testing procedures and protocols. An audit of the Washington State Toxicology Lab (the “Lab”) found at… Continue Reading »

Commit a Crime, PAY the Time!

The cost of a hiring a Seattle criminal defense lawyer or a Seattle DUI attorney can vary significantly depending upon the jurisdiction, and the nature of the charges which have been filed against the defendant. A Washington criminal defense lawyer will typically require a greater retainer fee for a complex and/or more serious case than… Continue Reading »

What are Your Search and Seizure Rights?

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution reads: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched,… Continue Reading »