A first time DUI in Washington State is considered a gross misdemeanor, not a felony. A Washington DUI carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. In all cases where a conviction is entered, there is a mandatory minimum sentence, which a judge is required to impose and cannot reduce. Continue Reading »
Texting and social media have become popular ways to communicate. Unlike a conversation with someone sitting next to you, though, they require your hands and eyes. That’s why texting behind the wheel is generally illegal. Laws on texting while driving prohibit using electronic devices to write, send, or read messages. These messages can include emails… Continue Reading »
If you a person loses her license because of a DUI conviction or because of a Washington State Department of Licensing suspension, the Washington state ignition interlock lock license law allows her to continue driving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Continue Reading »
Driving while license suspended can be an extremely serious offense in Washington state, depending on the degree (first, second and/or third degree). Having a suspended driver’s license can further complicate an out-of-state move. In most states, the suspension will follow you to your new state. Although there are exceptions, in general, you cannot get a… Continue Reading »
Ruling essentially allows the government to decide what information they are going to give to the public and what information they are not going to give to the public. Continue Reading »
After a Driving Under the Influence case has been filed, the matter can proceed in many different ways. A case can proceed to trial, or be resolved by way of a guilty plea and/or a diversion after negotiations. Prior to a case proceeding to trial, the defense can set the matter to a motion hearing.… Continue Reading »
The officers apparently elected to enter the home because they were convinced that there was a report of someone attempting to jump or push someone else out of a fourth-floor window, amounting to a life-threatening emergency — arguably, an exception to the warrant requirement for entry into the apartment without permission. Continue Reading »
In the State of Washington, disorderly conduct laws are in place to make unruly or obnoxious conduct illegal in public. These types of laws can include anything from disturbing the peace to public intoxication. Under Washington state law, disorderly conduct falls under the umbrella of a “public disturbance” and can arise out of many different… Continue Reading »
tackling and arrest of a health care worker during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. Continue Reading »
The right to a fair trial is an essential aspect of the justice system. This fundamental right applies to both civil and criminal cases. But what does a “fair trial” truly mean? To answer this question, it is vital to understand what the U.S. Constitution establishes as “fair” regarding a trial. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to… Continue Reading »
Recent Comments