The judge got innovative, however, and sentenced the customer to work at a fast-food job to avoid serving further jail time on the assault charge. Continue Reading »
What is Ineffective Assistance of Counsel?
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees numerous rights to criminal defendants. One of the most important is the right to an attorney and the right to adequate representation. These rights whether the defendant is indigent and received a public defender or they hired their own attorney. The right to adequate representation doesn’t mean perfect representation, but… Continue Reading »
Body Cams in Kitsap County?
On December 4, 2023, The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners – like so many other Washington governmental bodies – approved a contract authorizing the Kitsap County Sheriff to purchase and deploy body-worn and in-vehicle cameras for all Kitsap County Sheriff’s Deputies. Continue Reading »
What Can a Judge Do at Sentencing?
State and federal courts can not impose a random, arbitrary sentence out of thin air. Criminal statutes provide sentencing guidelines to serve as a baseline. These statutes will usually classify different criminal offenses and include scales of severity, along with suggested punishments. Sometimes, the statute defining a given crime also provides a required minimum sentence.… Continue Reading »
First time DUI Offense?
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 »
What Are Cell Phone Laws?
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 »
What can an Ignition Interlock License do for You?
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 »
What Happens to My Suspended License if I Move to Another State?
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 »
What is Legislative Privilege and When Does it Apply?
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 »
What Motions Can I File on My DUI Case?
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 »
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