Yearly Archives: 2023

What Happens If I Have Drugs in My Possession?

If you have a controlled substance in your car, hand bag, or pocket, you could be charged with possession of drugs. Depending on the situation and the amount, you could face the more severe charge of possession with the intent to distribute, in violation of Washington’s drug distribution laws. State law prohibits an individual from… Continue Reading »

Is it Self Defense?

SQ Attorneys

A recent incident in North Seattle reconfirms that it is rarely a good idea to take matters into your own hands. Often prosecutors may look beyond the basis of why you may feel an act was valid and find that under the law it simply wasn’t. This is exactly what happened when a man confronting… Continue Reading »

Am I Over the Legal Limit?

Have you ever pondered why some people seem to get intoxicated faster than others? The answer relies upon the science behind the metabolization of alcohol. This can be confusing, especially if you’re facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge or trying to avoid one. Even a single drink can impair your driving ability. Here… Continue Reading »

Digital Licensing on the Horizon?

SQ Attorneys DUI-E

Will Washington follow California’s lead in creating a digital driver’s license? Currently California has implemented a pilot program where 1.5 million authorized residents can download a CA DMV (Washington is DOL) Wallet app. There are many locations – such as the Los Angeles International Airport – that now accept mobile/ digital driver’s licenses. Since things… Continue Reading »

Can I Get Deported because of Criminal Charge?

The United States government can deport any immigrant if they violate U.S. immigration laws. This applies to all immigrants, including: green card holders, Naturalized U.S. citizens, Lawful permanent residents and Non-Immigrant visa holders. The most common violations that result in deportations are usually criminal convictions. Many can stem from misdemeanor criminal charges, including possession of… Continue Reading »

Moving on Up

SQ Attorneys

Another good district court judge is moving up to Superior Court. Recently King County District Court judge E. Rania Rampersad was appointed to the King County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee. She will take the place of Judge Catherine Shaffer who retired this month. Judge Rampersad has a wealth of experience and knowledge. She… Continue Reading »

Is My Phone Wiretapped?

SQ Attorneys

Law enforcement agencies can tap your phone under specific circumstances. You probably will not know if law enforcement begins to target you for an investigation. Understanding your rights and law enforcement’s tools to tap your phone can help you protect your privacy. Of course, any action within public view is available to law enforcement. The police… Continue Reading »

What are my Obligations?

What are a person’s obligations if they happen to hit someone else’s property with their car? The answer lies in RCW 46.52.010. Under subsection (2) of that Washington statute, a driver involved in an accident which results in damage to property (whether fixed or placed upon or adjacent to any public highway; regardless of how… Continue Reading »

What are Elements of a Crime?

SQ Attorneys

When facing a criminal charge, many do their own research in order to understand what they are facing. It can help a defendant gain clarity about the statute under which a person been charged. Lawyers are trained to read statutes and determine the “elements” of an offense. But you don’t have to go to law… Continue Reading »

What is the Status of Ghost Guns?

SQ Attorneys

Untraceable “ghost guns” are illegal again. Why? Well because the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay last week of a district court judgment that had invalidated the Biden Administration’s ban on untraceable firearms. The stay temporarily gave the rule new life, but the question is for how long because the legal challenge continues.What are “Ghost… Continue Reading »