Monthly Archives: December 2016

DUI's, CPS and the Law

DUI’s are no doubt serious, but getting a DUI with a minor under the age of 16 in the vehicle is even more serious. Not only do the punitive consequences increase significantly, Washington’s Child Protective Services (CPS) will also get involved. This is so because RCW 46.61.507 requires that any time a person is arrested… Continue Reading »

Going to Trial

Coming up with a defense strategy is not as simple as telling the truth in a way that shows the defendant’s innocence. Instead, it will involve weighing witness credibility, figuring out the reputation between the community and the police as well as various other legal factors. The very first aspect of preparing a case for… Continue Reading »

The Deterrence Effect

As is becoming seemingly clearer by the day, DUI’s are a real ‘hot button’ in Washington State; the State of Washington is uber serious about reducing incidents of impaired driving. In fact, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission has specifically stated that it is working on ways to “increase impaired driving arrests” and “improve prosecution” of… Continue Reading »

Can I Get a Criminal Charge Off My Record?

Whether or not a person is eligible for expungement will usually depend on a number of factors, which includes: 1) the amount of time that has passed since the arrest or conviction; 2) The severity and nature of the event for which expungement is sought (i.e. a conviction for a sex offense may lead to… Continue Reading »

Mandated Arrest and RCW 10.31.100

What many unassuming folks seem to be invariably shocked to find out is that, pursuant to RCW 10.31.100(2)(c), police officers responding to an incident of domestic violence are mandated by law to make an arrest if the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic violence assault or other serious domestic violence offense took… Continue Reading »

Appeals and Writs

Appeals judges generally defer to trial court findings, particularly findings of fact as opposed to matters of law. Courts rarely overturn lower court decisions and “perfect” trials are not guaranteed, although certain safeguards do exist in order to account for errors and oversights. An appellate court will overturn a guilty verdict only if the trial… Continue Reading »

DV 101

As is well known by Seattle domestic violence attorneys, law enforcement agents, in certain domestic violence situations, are required to make an arrest. In these situations, an officer will arrest the person whom he believes is the primary aggressor. Once the person is formerly charged with domestic violence, a judge often imposes a no contact… Continue Reading »

Your Right To An Attorney

The defense attorney’s role is of paramount importance in almost every criminal case. While specific duties of an attorney vary depending on the nature of the charges and the case, key responsibilities of any criminal defense lawyer include advising the defendant of his or her rights and explaining what to expect at different stages of… Continue Reading »