Monthly Archives: October 2020

What’s in a Definition?

The Seattle City Council recently proposed legislation that would allow for the dismissal of some poverty related misdemeanor crimes. The legislation does so by expanding the definition of duress. If approved, defense attorneys would be allowed to argue that a person’s addiction, mental health disorder or poverty level influenced his criminal act. Offenses covered by… Continue Reading »

Do I have a right to a lawyer??

Each defendant is entitled to represent themselves, if they wish, in criminal proceedings. However, lawyers have long said that anyone who chooses to defend their own case “has a fool for a client,” and even if that seems self-serving coming from lawyers, there is some truth to the idea. The legal system is complicated, and… Continue Reading »

Acronym Acrimony

Is the Caution Against Racial and Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act (otherwise known as, “CAREN”) legislation about to become law in San Francisco? If so, can Seattle be far behind? Today the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will decide. CAREN came about because the people of San Francisco are simply fed up with white people calling 911… Continue Reading »

How Long Can You Be Held in Custody?

SQ Attorneys

Let’s go back to basics. As criminal defense lawyers, we are asked regularly how long can someone be held in custody without charges being filed? Getting arrested is probably one of the most stressful experiences you can go through in life, not to mention the hardship it can put on your loved ones. There is… Continue Reading »

ACLU Challenges Unpaid Ticket Law

Last week the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) took a big step in protecting Washington citizens by challenging the state’s practice of suspending a driver’s privilege to drive when he/she fails to pay their traffic fine(s). The ACLU’s argument is that the suspension unjustly favors the wealthy, and punishes the financially challenged, a huge proportion… Continue Reading »

Murder Murder Murder

Hopefully you will never have to deal with a murder allegation in your lifetime. We hear about murder trials and charges each day. There are several different types of murder charges that a defendant can be charged with. In order to help make sense of the degrees of murder, lets start with the most serious… Continue Reading »

Legislative Change Afoot?

Under Washington Law officers can only be decertified under a very narrow set of circumstances. Often the process drags on for years and years. This is so regardless of how egregious the misconduct may have been, and officers generally get to maintain their badge during the process. Clearly that is problem and may inhibit timely… Continue Reading »

Drugs and DUI

The charge of driving under the influence, or DUI, typically relates to alcohol intoxication. Nevertheless alcohol is just one of countless substances that can impair one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of drugs, ncluding prescription medications as well as illegal drugs can also result in DUI charges. Mixing drugs and… Continue Reading »