Yearly Archives: 2019

TOWtally Unconstitutional

Last week the Washington State Supreme Court elected to uphold citizen privacy rights and struck down “Hailey’s Law” (RCW 46.55.360) as an unconstitutional invasion of privacy. Prior to this landmark decision, anyone arrested in Washington State for driving under the influence (or physical control) automatically had their car impounded for a minimum of 12 hours.… Continue Reading »

Alternative Sentences

Sentences for a criminal conviction can take many forms, and a conviction doesn’t always mean a trip to jail or prison. Alternative sentences are sometimes offered and include different combinations of the following: a suspended sentence, probation, fines, restitution, community service and deferred adjudication/pretrial diversion. As an alternative to imprisonment, a judge can issue a… Continue Reading »

WSP Going Green

‘Go Green’ has been a big push in Washington State for years now, and at least one law enforcement agency is actively joining the movement. The Washington State Patrol has announced that it is buying three 2020 Ford Interceptor hybrid SUVs at approximately $45,850 a pop. The purchase is the first of its kind for… Continue Reading »

Acts of Collusion that Can Result in Crime

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines collusion as “secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose.” According to Black’s Law Dictionary, collusion is “a deceitful agreement or compact between two or more persons, for the one party to bring an action against the other for some evil purpose, as to defraud a third party of his right.” Definitions… Continue Reading »

Seattle Crime on the Clmb

It is no secret that the City of Seattle is having a heck of a time battling crime within its borders. In fact, a recent report commissioned by business associations in Ballard, Sodo and Downtown evidences that now – more than ever – Seattle workers and residents are being harmed by failures of Seattle’s criminal… Continue Reading »

Overview of Murder 2

Second degree murder is defined as intentional murder that lacks premeditation and is intended to only cause bodily harm while demonstrating an extreme indifference to human life. The exact legal definition of this particular crime varies by the State and jurisdiction in which the offense is committed. While some states don’t use the term “second-degree… Continue Reading »

It is All in the Pose

Some people pose for photos. Others pose as something they are not, but perhaps wish they were. It should go without saying, but … the latter ‘posing’ can sometimes get a person in trouble, as one man in New York recently found out. On a steamy day this past August, the aforementioned man was posing… Continue Reading »

107 – An Unlucky Number for SPD

As tv shows like 20/20, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours and Dateline have all proven over the years – DNA solves cases, both recent and ‘cold’. Heck, 20/20 just had a show about the notorious Mandy Stavik murder case in Whatcom County, Washington. That 1989 cold case was solved with DNA. The guilty culprit, Timothy Forrest… Continue Reading »

Federal Child Pornography Laws

Federal and state laws make it a crime to produce, distribute, or even just possess pornographic materials that portray a minor (someone under the age of 18). Increasingly, child pornography laws are being relied on to punish individuals who use the internet to share or obtain pornographic images and videos involving children. Federal laws addressing… Continue Reading »

The Right To A Speedy Trial

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees a criminal defendant the right to a speedy trial by an “impartial jury.” This means that a criminal defendant must be brought to trial for his or her alleged crimes within a reasonably short time after arrest, and that before being convicted of most crimes, the defendant… Continue Reading »