Monthly Archives: January 2011

Penalties for Drug Offenses

Drug offenses come in many different varieties. Regardless of the offense, penalties may be severe. For even a first offense on a possession with intent to sell, state sentencing guidelines often result in up to 10 years in prison. In the federal system, the penalties may be even more severe. Contact the Seattle Criminal Lawyers… Continue Reading »

Penalties Increased for Pimps and Johns

For eight months now Seattle criminal defense attorneys have been working under the principles of a new prostitution law in Washington State. In June 2010, the new prostitution law increased what a person may face if convicted of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor – minor/teen prostitution. Because of the new legislation, such acts are now… Continue Reading »

Commit a Crime and Get Deported

A criminal conviction can have grave consequences on one’s immigration status, and criminal defense attorneys Washington have a legal obligation to advise a criminal defendant of the immigration consequences of a plea agreement or conviction. Immigration consequences are a collateral consequence to the criminal case, rather than direct, but nevertheless, all criminal charges can impact… Continue Reading »

Medical Marijuana in the Green?

Seattle criminal defense attorneys, medical marijuana patients, and even law enforcement agencies themselves, may soon see things get a tad-bit clearer for those folks who are affected by the Washington State medical marijuana treatment system. State law makers are in the process of debating over many major changes that would give patients greater protections from possible arrest for possessing… Continue Reading »

Shall I Go To Trial?

In a criminal trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. This means that to convict someone of a crime, the prosecution must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person committed the alleged crime. If charged with a crime contact the Seattle Criminal Lawyers at SQ Attorneys. This is an incredibly high burden… Continue Reading »

Failure to Object does not Equal Consent

Washington criminal defense attorneys were pleasantly surprised this week by a Washington State Supreme Court ruling that established that a citizen’s “failure to object” to a police officer’s entry into his home is not the same as “consenting” to a warrantless search of his home. The ruling was made on a case involving a 2004… Continue Reading »

DRUG DUI

DUI cases involving prescription drugs are often dependent on an officer’s subjective assessment of the driver’s intoxication. Police officers often initiate traffic stops for minor traffic violations in order to speak with the driver of the vehicle and look for signs of intoxication. When faced with a drug DUI in Washington, contact the Seattle DUI… Continue Reading »

DUI's without a .080 BAC

How can someone be charged or otherwise cited for DUI in Washington State if they don’t have a blood alcohol level over the legal limit? Just ask State Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos. Santos, a Seattle Democrat, was stopped and cited for DUI on July 20, 2010 after a Washington State Patrol trooper saw her car… Continue Reading »

The ABC’s of Criminal Procedure

A misdemeanor is any offense punishable by up to one year in Jail.Common misdemeanors include: driving under the influence of alcohol/drunk driving (DUI/DWI), shoplifting, domestic violence assault in the fourth degree, driving on a suspended license, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and/or malicious mischief etc. When faced with a misdemeanor, contact your Seattle Criminal Lawyers at… Continue Reading »

Look what 2011 Blew in

The year 2011 has blown in, and with it a new Washington State law. Seattle DUI Attorneys can now advise prospective and actual clients alike, that Washington’s ignition interlock law has expanded the category of drivers who can actually apply for and be granted an ignition interlock license; the ignition interlock device tests for alcohol… Continue Reading »