Category: Uncategorized
The grand jury plays an important role in the criminal process, but not one that involves a finding of guilt or punishment of a party. Instead, a prosecutor will work with a grand jury to decide whether to bring criminal charges or an indictment against a potential defendant — usually reserved for serious felonies. Grand… Continue Reading »
2020 has begun and there has been no shortage of DUI arrests since the beginning of the new year. New numbers released by the Washington State Patrol show that as of last week 200 drivers have been arrested for suspicion of DUI in just King, Pierce, and Thurston counties alone; and those numbers are only… Continue Reading »
A DUI conviction, or even an impaired driving charge that does not end in a conviction, may negatively impact one’s career, particularly if an offender holds a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is required to drive as part of his or her job. An employer may choose to conduct background checks on current or prospective… Continue Reading »
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, the judge will formally state the charges against you the first time you enter the courthouse. This step in the criminal justice process is called an arraignment and differs according to the laws of your state. Some states combine this step with the bail hearing but… Continue Reading »
It is a well-known fact that in Washington State ignition interlock devices (IID) are required if a person is convicted for DUI. The amount of time an IID must be on a vehicle depends on whether the driver does (or does not) have a prior offense. For first time offenders, they must maintain an IID… Continue Reading »
One of the cardinal rules in all criminal cases is that the parties must not ‘hide their cards’. In other words, there is a ‘discovery’ process … and each side must let the other side know their game plan. Prosecutors must disclose all evidence in their possession whether it is helpful to their case or… Continue Reading »
The Miranda warnings should be read to you any time you are arrested. A police officer or other official must, by law, tell you the full “Miranda warning” to warn you about your rights to not say anything that might make you look guilty. The Miranda warning gives you the following rights: 1) You have… Continue Reading »
It is the end of the year, and the start of a new decade. Let us review the laws pertaining to search and seizure. Whenever law enforcement is engaging in a search and seizure, there are a number of rules, and exceptions, that apply to minimize the risk of an illegal search and seizure. These… Continue Reading »
The Washington State Supreme Court has spoken – always use your turn signal to change lanes or make a turn. There are no exceptions, period. Failure to use your turn signal when required is a traffic infraction. Of course, the issue arose when someone was stopped and later cited for DUI. The driver had signaled… Continue Reading »
Can police officers abuse their authority? Well, at least one Bellingham man sure thinks so. He is electing to sue the City of Bellingham because two of its finest arrested him for confronting a meter maid about parking in a bike zone and impeding his ability to use the lane. The law suit was filed… Continue Reading »
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