Yearly Archives: 2022
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 »
What is Stop Hate Crime?
With the increasing volume of hate crimes occurring in-and-around King County, the county has created a new community based hate crime hotline called the Stop Hate Hotline. The hotline should help victims of hate crimes access services more quickly and efficiently than in times past. It should also improve the county’s ability to collect relevant… Continue Reading »
Can I Buy a Gun from a Pawnshop?
Purchasing a firearm from a pawnshop can be a cost-effective way to purchase a gun for those who feel the need to own a firearm. Prior to making this transaction, there are things that you one should know before buying from a pawnbroker. Every gun dealer including pawnshops, must be federally licensed. Under the Federal… Continue Reading »
SMC Traffic Ticket? You Best Respond!
Tickets, tickets, tickets – Seattle Municipal Court (‘SMC’) again wants its stipend of money. Hence, the time has come to pay all those parking, red-light camera and other miscellaneous traffic tickets that have being doled out in-and-around the City of Seattle. Late fees are again going to be charged by SMC. The pandemic induced… Continue Reading »
What is Corporal Punishment?
In the State of Washington, corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment refers to the use of physical force such as slapping, spanking, or hitting as a means of discipline. Many states still allow public school teachers and administrators to use corporal punishment. In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed the legality of disciplinary corporal punishment… Continue Reading »
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