Category: Uncategorized

What warrants the police and/or a prosecutor to pursue an arrest or a criminal charge? Apparently that is a good question; it is amazing how seemingly arbitrary and discretionary it all can be. Case in point, the recent physical altercation at the Pacific Fishermen Yard outdoor event celebrating the new Nordic Museum. During the celebration,… Continue Reading »

It is, of course, never a good idea to knowingly or intentionally hit and run other cars, property or people. In fact, it is a crime that carries with it stiff penalties, including jail time, fines and a possible loss of privilege to drive. But committing a hit and run to ‘get out of work’?… Continue Reading »

Whether it’s the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial or the Donald Trump Russia investigation, each day the media reports on high profile criminal trials and investigations that make for great TV drama. We watch movies and TV shows depicting intense, exaggerated trials but the beginning of a trial is often left off of the script.… Continue Reading »

A criminal defendant’s right to an attorney is found in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which requires the “assistance of counsel” for the accused in all criminal prosecutions. This means that a defendant has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney during every aspect of a criminal proceeding from the arraignment… Continue Reading »

One of the most common objections used in a criminal trial is the rule against hearsay. The rule against hearsay is complex and full of exceptions. Hearsay is an out of court statement, made in court, to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In other words, hearsay is evidence of a statement that was… Continue Reading »

It is April 20, 2018, and that means one thing – “4/20”, a cannabis culture holiday of sorts, is upon us. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by law enforcement either. The King County Sheriff’s Office is letting it be known – emphasis patrols will be on the lookout for impaired drivers; extra deputies in southeast King… Continue Reading »

Certainly no one ever wants to have an encounter with a police officer when his red and blue lights are flashing. These are pretty colors to be sure, just not when atop a police cruiser. But if ever in such a situation, you should be aware of your rights, and don’t be shy … exercise… Continue Reading »

One of the most important constitutional rights a defendant has is the right to have a jury of his or her own peers decide whether they are guilty or innocent of an alleged crime. Taking a case to trial is a risky proposition for those participating, especially for the criminal defendant involved in the case.… Continue Reading »

The attorneys at SQ Attorneys handle a broad range of cases from simple misdemeanor offenses to serious felony matters. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence is an important aspect to many serious felony offenses such as murder and/or rape charges. Many have heard of DNA, and may have a basic understanding, but what exactly is DNA? DNA… Continue Reading »

In criminal trials although some evidence may be relevant it may also be unfairly prejudicial. If the evidence is deemed more prejudicial than probative, the court is required to exclude it. Procedurally the court balances the probative value of the evidence against the risk that it is too prejudicial; if the court finds that the… Continue Reading »