Category: Uncategorized

At the time of a DUI arrest in Washington State there are two separate and distinct cases that begin against the person arrested for DUI — a district/ municipal court “criminal” case, and a Department of Licensing “administrative” case. The criminal case includes, among other things, possible jail time, fines and a life time stigma… Continue Reading »

Comprehending the basics about the criminal justice system in Washington is probably one of the most important ways for you to protect your rights. Criminal laws involve prosecution by the state or a city, of a person for an action that has been deemed as a crime. Civil cases, on the other hand, include people… Continue Reading »

A Washington State Minor in Possession (“MIP”) conviction can be (and usually is) very impactful on a youth’s ability to pursue his dreams and aspirations – especially during these trying and difficult economic times. Job competition is tight. Competition to get a quality education is tough. A MIP conviction can impact a minor’s admission into college,… Continue Reading »

Domestic violence related crimes in Washington State invariably have a very harsh and very negative impact on the people they are leveled against. Washington citizens charged and/or convicted of domestic violence related crimes can be removed from their home, and have their right to bear firearms taken away; in fact, those folks charged with a… Continue Reading »

In Washington State DUI cases there isn’t just one criminal penalty a person can face, and the penalties suffered can actually be increased if the person convicted of DUI has prior DUI/ DUI related convictions. A first-time DUI offender whose blood-alcohol concentration is deemed to be at least 0.08 faces the following, if convicted of… Continue Reading »

A few commonly asked questions that arise when a person is facing a driving under the influence charge in Washington State are: (1) “If I only had one drink, can I be guilty of DUI?; (2) If my breath test result was below the legal limit (.08), can I be guilty of DUI?; or (3)… Continue Reading »

When it comes to no contact orders (“NCO’s”) protection orders (“PO’s”) and temporary restraining orders (“TRO’s”), the law is pretty darn clear — if a restraining order of any type has been issued and is in full force and effect, the person it is imposed against must abide by its terms, notwithstanding the person’s relationship… Continue Reading »

In 2008 a panel of King County, Washington judges (the “Panel”) ruled that breath test results were not admissible in DUI cases filed in King County District Courts because there were so many pervasive problems with the Washington State breath-testing procedures and protocols. An audit of the Washington State Toxicology Lab (the “Lab”) found at… Continue Reading »

In 2008 a panel of King County, Washington judges (the “Panel”) ruled that breath test results were not admissible in DUI cases filed in King County District Courts because there were so many pervasive problems with the Washington State breath-testing procedures and protocols. An audit of the Washington State Toxicology Lab (the “Lab”) found at… Continue Reading »

The cost of a hiring a Seattle criminal defense lawyer or a Seattle DUI attorney can vary significantly depending upon the jurisdiction, and the nature of the charges which have been filed against the defendant. A Washington criminal defense lawyer will typically require a greater retainer fee for a complex and/or more serious case than… Continue Reading »