Monthly Archives: October 2022
Freedom of the Press Lives on?
A victory for the freedom of press – which is the right to publish and disseminate information, thoughts, and opinions without restraint or censorship as guaranteed under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – was achieved last week when the DOJ formally banned the use of subpoenas, warrants and court orders to seize reporters’… Continue Reading »
How Can I Get a Restraining Order?
In the State of Washington a restraining order or sometimes known as a protection order, is a legal document issued by a judge to protect the health and safety of someone alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear… Continue Reading »
CyberCrime on the Rise?
Cybercrime is on the rise. Cybersecurity companies have warned that cybercrime in gaming has increased substantially since the start of the Pandemic, as cybercriminals seek to steal people’s personal information through, among other places, virtual gaming sites. Gaming software is vulnerable because developers are not hired to create secure software. They are hired to deliver… Continue Reading »
What is Money Laundering?
Each and every state has its own definition of money laundering but it is generally defined as transferring money that’s been derived from a criminal activity to make it appear as though it’s been earned through legitimate means. Common criminal activities in which money laundering can occur are drug transactions, activities linked to terrorism, and… Continue Reading »
Use of Force Curtailed?
Earlier this year the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (‘AG’) issued a model policy for use of force. The stated intention of the policy is to promote greater safety for peace officers and the public by ensuring that officers use reasonable care when determining whether to use physical force or deadly force. Use-of-force policies are… Continue Reading »
How Does the President’s Pardon of Marijuana Convictions Work?
Recently, President Joe Biden took a major step to overhaul U.S. marijuana policy acting on a campaign promise he made during the elections. President Biden pardoned all people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law between 1992 and 2021, a move that affects at least 6,500 men and women plus several thousand more in the… Continue Reading »
Will I get Arrested for Domestic Violence?
In Washington state, virtually any criminal act against a ‘family/household member’ against another ‘family or household member’ is considered ‘domestic violence‘. Five primary types of abusive behaviors include (1) Physical violence; (2) Emotional abuse; (3) Economic control; (4) Neglect, and (5) Sexual assault. Washington law requires that any law enforcement agent (‘LEA‘) who responds to… Continue Reading »
What Motions Can I File?
When a criminal case is filed, perhaps one of the most important aspects of the criminal process are motion hearings. Pre-trial motions are tools used by the prosecutor and the defense to set the boundaries for a trial, if a trial is going to take place. When an attorney files a motion, they are asking… Continue Reading »
Body Cameras?
This past Monday the US Interior Department launched a set of new policies that will now require thousands of law enforcement personnel to wear body cameras. The new policies also ensure the release of footage in some critical incidents and restrict the use of no-knock warrants. This, hopefully, will build more trust between the public… Continue Reading »
Is there a Marijuana Breath Test?
Breathalyzer tests during traffic stops are often used by law enforcement when they suspect a driver is drunk. As of September 2019, the first marijuana breathalyzers were introduced using carbon nanotubes to test the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC molecules) level in breath samples, but questions remain on the validity of the tests. It took decades for alcohol… Continue Reading »
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