Monthly Archives: February 2017

4 for Felony?

SQ Attorneys

Earlier this month the State Senate unanimously passed SB 5037 which – if it becomes law – would make driving under the influence a felony if the driver has three or more prior offenses on their criminal record within a 10 year period. The bill now heads to the House where it has stalled in… Continue Reading »

Effective Assistance of Counsel

A criminal defendant’s right to an attorney is found in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which requires the “assistance of counsel” for the accused in all criminal prosecutions. This means that a defendant has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney during every aspect of a criminal proceeding from the arraignment… Continue Reading »

HB 1384 Passed

SQ Attorneys

On Monday February 20, 2017, the Washington State House of Representative passed HB 1384.  HB 1384 is a measure that protects victims of sexual assault. The bill now heads to the Senate. The new law would extend sexual assault protection orders beyond two years. Under current Washington law, sexual assault victims can get a protection order… Continue Reading »

Oldest Profession in the world: Prostitution

SQ Attorneys represents people charged with all sorts of criminal charges. From DUI’s, to assault charges, to sex crimes like prostitution. Sometimes called “the oldest profession” in the world, prostitution can take many forms, from streetwalkers and brothels, to sophisticated call-girl or escort services. Prostitution laws make it a crime to offer, agree to, or… Continue Reading »

House Bill1371/ Senate Bill 5289 in the Books

SQ Attorneys

As is well known by now, not only is texting and driving against the law in Washington State, but so is holding a cell phone to one’s ear while driving. Curiously, however, the current law does not prohibit the use of apps while driving, which undoubtedly is just as dangerously distracting as texting or talking… Continue Reading »

New Bias/Hate Crimes Dashboard Unveiled

SQ Attorneys

Always seemingly on the cutting edge of policing, the Seattle Police Department (the “SPD“) recently launched a Bias/Hate Crime Data dashboard, which is, of course, timely considering these heated political times. The data is composed of alleged citywide bias crime reports, and is tracked on three separate levels: 1. Malicious Harassment, which includes the motivation of… Continue Reading »

Do I Qualify for a Court-Appointed Lawyer?

If you have been charged with a criminal offense and you lack the financial means to hire legal representation, you may be entitled to a court-appointed attorney or otherwise known as a public defender. The right to an attorney in criminal proceedings is enshrined within the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, it was… Continue Reading »

I Am About To Be Sentenced

The sentencing phase in a criminal case usually occurs soon after a defendant pleads guilty to a crime or is convicted after a jury trial has concluded. This is otherwise known as the sentence. Sentencing for criminal offenses can range from probation and community service to prison and even the death penalty. Sentencing usually takes… Continue Reading »