Yearly Archives: 2023
What is Double Jeopardy?
In criminal law, “double jeopardy” refers to protections that prohibits the government to not prosecute someone in criminal court more than once for the same offense. Double jeopardy protects defendants from the constant threat of prosecution after a court decides a case. Double jeopardy has a long history in criminal law. It is based on the Fifth Amendment to the U.S.… Continue Reading »
Ghost Guns Legal?
The United States Supreme Court again reiterated what it had said just two short months ago – while appeals rage, President Biden’s administration can continue to regulate ‘ghost guns.’ Continue Reading »
What is a No-Contact Order?
No-contact orders typically belong between family law and criminal law. A no-contact order is usually the result of allegations of domestic violence, although they can arise in other circumstances such as stalking, harassment and/or during a pending divorce. The recipient of a no-contact order may not fully understand what it entails. Does no contact include… Continue Reading »
Ticket Expired?
Nearly 100,000 automatic (camera) traffic tickets issued in Seattle for school zone and at red light violations were never reviewed by the Seattle Police Department. Continue Reading »
What is a Right to a Speedy Trial?
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees each and ever criminal defendant the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury. Criminal defendants must be brought to a public trial for their alleged crimes within a reasonably short time after a police officer arrests them. The Sixth Amendment also guarantees that, before being convicted of most crimes, the defendant… Continue Reading »
Why did SPD drop Body Camera Footage Program?
Seattle Police Department canceled their contract with a firm that analyzes body camera video footage Continue Reading »
Military DUI v. Civilian DUI?
If you’re facing a military or civil DUI, the charges could impact you in both worlds. When a service member is charged with a DUI on a military base, they may be subject to an Article 15 or court martial process. Being charged with drunk driving off base could impact you on base as well.… Continue Reading »
Changes in Seattle’s Drug Enforcement?
Last Tuesday the Seattle City Council voted 6-3 to allow the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute knowing possession and public use of illicit drugs. In doing so, the council adopted a state bill (which took effect on July 1, 2023) into the city’s criminal code that allows the city to pursue new state charges for… Continue Reading »
How Can I Be Charged with Stalking?
The crime of stalking is the unwanted harassment or pursuit of another person that places a reasonable person in fear or causes them mental distress. Stalking behaviors include following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, and making harassing phone calls. It may also involve leaving written messages or objects or vandalizing a… Continue Reading »
Second Amendment in Peril?
Oregon is set to decide, at least in one court, whether Oregon’s gun law approved by Oregon voters last November violates Oregon’s constitution. This is of importance because Oregon passed one of the strictest gun laws in the United States after the US Supreme Court, last year, issued a ruling that changed guidance for… Continue Reading »
Recent Comments