Category: Uncategorized

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 »

So you have just been placed on probation? Has your lawyer advised you on what probation is and what will be required of you? Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence that allows a person convicted of a crime a chance to remain in the community, instead of going to jail. Active probation requires… Continue Reading »

The Seattle Police, as opposed to some other law enforcement agencies, have taken an extra step in combating domestic violence. They have literally dedicated an entire unit to it stomping out domestic violence – the SPD Domestic Violence Unit. The Domestic Violence Unit investigates felony and/or misdemeanor crimes involving family household members and people in… Continue Reading »

Now that Marijuana DUI’s are a bit more prevalent in Washington these days, a thought for defense attorneys to ponder is the value of field sobriety tests on their non-alcohol related DUI’s. Although not binding, a recent Supreme Court case in Massachusetts has shed some light on how courts are viewing FST’s in marijuana cases.… Continue Reading »

So you have just pled guilty and are being sentenced to probation. Has your lawyer advised you on what probation is and what will be required of you? Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence that allows a person convicted of a crime a chance to remain in the community, instead of going to… Continue Reading »

It is virtually a guarantee that when someone is charged with a domestic violence related crime a no contact order will be put in place. The order prohibits the restricted party from having contact with the protected party. It is important to understand that any violation of a no contact order is a gross misdemeanor… Continue Reading »

After a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, a judge will decide on the appropriate punishment during the sentencing phase of a criminal case. This is otherwise known as the sentence. Sentencing for criminal offenses can range from probation and community service to prison and even the death penalty. Sentencing usually takes place almost immediately… Continue Reading »

Are DUI Check Points becoming closer to reality in Washington State? Well, last month an impromptu discussion on the topic arose during a presentation to the Washington State Transportation Commission on traffic fatalities. The issue was raised because one of the Commission’s members had just experienced a checkpoint while visiting Hawaii, and asked if Washington… Continue Reading »

Soon after a defendant explains his or her story to a criminal lawyer, they will probably collaborate with each other to come up with a strategy that will work best in court. Generally speaking, this strategy will be based upon the story that the defendant tells his or her attorney, but in most cases will… Continue Reading »

A domestic violence conviction in the State of Washington can, and often does, result in a myriad of onerous penalties. Convictions for domestic violence often carry more sanctions than convictions for other types of crimes. Like other types of criminal convictions, domestic violence related convictions have the typical sanctions of jail, fines and probation, but… Continue Reading »