Monthly Archives: May 2021

Washington Weed Law

Washington was one of the first states along with Colorado to legalize the possession and recreational use of marijuana, but the state still prohibits private cultivation of the plant. While private use is legal, consumption of marijuana in public places remains illegal and subject to a civil penalty of no more than $100. Possession of… Continue Reading »

Criminal Lawyers – A Pay Day on the Horizon?

SQ Attorneys

Rough treatment of a black man at the hands of King County Department of Corrections (‘KCDC’) deputies has resulted in not only an acquittal in a criminal trial for assault, but also a civil-rights lawsuit against KCDC and the Kent Police (the arresting agency). If it were not for a video that was finally disclosed… Continue Reading »

Criminal Lawyer – White Collar Crimes

White collar crime describes non-violent criminal activity in the commercial or business realm, typically committed for financial gain. This type of criminal enterprise can describe a wide variety of illegal acts and schemes. The one common denominator is crime committed through deceit and in pursuit of monetary gain. The most common white collar crimes are… Continue Reading »

Criminal Lawyer – Timing is Everything

SQ Attorneys

Word to the wise, even if you are seemingly acting in self-defense, you may initially be facing criminal charges. This is so because often after a violent incident a full investigation must take place before a prosecutor decides whether the standards outlined in RCW 13.40.077(2) & (4) have been met, or not. A perfect example… Continue Reading »

Criminal Lawyer – Driving While License Suspended Explained

In order to  drive a car in the United States, you are required to have a valid driver’s license. Driving without a valid driver’s license is illegal in each state in the United States. In every state, traffic laws make it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle when: 1)  The vehicle operator has never been… Continue Reading »

Criminal Attorneys – Doors Reopen at DOC Facilities

SQ Attorneys

This week the Washington State Department of Corrections resumed in-person visitations at all of its facilities for spouses, parents, children and other loved ones. Approved visitors must go online to schedule their visit. Initially the visits will be limited to one hour, once per month. The purpose of this limitation is to allow as many… Continue Reading »

DUI Lawyer – Implied Consent Warnings Explained

When a motorist is stopped on suspicion of DUI, the officer typically checks for signs of impairment and may ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer test to determine his or her blood-alcohol concentration or also known as a BAC. Not everyone willingly provides a breath sample and police officers cannot force DUI suspects… Continue Reading »

Criminal Lawyer – A Restart at SMC

SQ Attorneys

  As the pandemic winds down some courts are starting to reopen for in-person hearings. Case in point, and in accordance with General Administrative Order 2021-02, on May 21, 2021, Seattle Municipal Court (“SMC”) intends to allow in-person appearances for all out-of-custody criminal cases and contested infraction hearings. Of course, unless directly ordered to appear… Continue Reading »

Policing to Change, Or is it?

SQ Attorneys

  During this past legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed several bills focused on policing. The bills are as follows: (1) HB 1054; (2) HB 1310; (3) HB 1267; and (4) SB 5055. HB 1054 imposes restrictions on the use of tear gas, bans choke-holds and neck restraints, bans vehicular pursuits excepting specific scenarios,… Continue Reading »

Hates Crimes Explained

Hate crime is the violence of intolerance and bigotry, intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. A hate crime (also known as a bias crime) is a criminal offense where the purveyors of hate can use explosives, arson, weapons, vandalism, physical violence, and verbal… Continue Reading »