Category: Uncategorized

Last Tuesday the Seattle City Council voted 6-3 to allow the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute knowing possession and public use of illicit drugs. In doing so, the council adopted a state bill (which took effect on July 1, 2023) into the city’s criminal code that allows the city to pursue new state charges for… Continue Reading »

The crime of stalking is the unwanted harassment or pursuit of another person that places a reasonable person in fear or causes them mental distress. Stalking behaviors include following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, and making harassing phone calls. It may also involve leaving written messages or objects or vandalizing a… Continue Reading »

  Oregon is set to decide, at least in one court, whether Oregon’s gun law approved by Oregon voters last November violates Oregon’s constitution. This is of importance because Oregon passed one of the strictest gun laws in the United States after the US Supreme Court, last year, issued a ruling that changed guidance for… Continue Reading »

If you have a controlled substance in your car, hand bag, or pocket, you could be charged with possession of drugs. Depending on the situation and the amount, you could face the more severe charge of possession with the intent to distribute, in violation of Washington’s drug distribution laws. State law prohibits an individual from… Continue Reading »

A recent incident in North Seattle reconfirms that it is rarely a good idea to take matters into your own hands. Often prosecutors may look beyond the basis of why you may feel an act was valid and find that under the law it simply wasn’t. This is exactly what happened when a man confronting… Continue Reading »

Have you ever pondered why some people seem to get intoxicated faster than others? The answer relies upon the science behind the metabolization of alcohol. This can be confusing, especially if you’re facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge or trying to avoid one. Even a single drink can impair your driving ability. Here… Continue Reading »

Will Washington follow California’s lead in creating a digital driver’s license? Currently California has implemented a pilot program where 1.5 million authorized residents can download a CA DMV (Washington is DOL) Wallet app. There are many locations – such as the Los Angeles International Airport – that now accept mobile/ digital driver’s licenses. Since things… Continue Reading »

The United States government can deport any immigrant if they violate U.S. immigration laws. This applies to all immigrants, including: green card holders, Naturalized U.S. citizens, Lawful permanent residents and Non-Immigrant visa holders. The most common violations that result in deportations are usually criminal convictions. Many can stem from misdemeanor criminal charges, including possession of… Continue Reading »

Another good district court judge is moving up to Superior Court. Recently King County District Court judge E. Rania Rampersad was appointed to the King County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee. She will take the place of Judge Catherine Shaffer who retired this month. Judge Rampersad has a wealth of experience and knowledge. She… Continue Reading »

Law enforcement agencies can tap your phone under specific circumstances. You probably will not know if law enforcement begins to target you for an investigation. Understanding your rights and law enforcement’s tools to tap your phone can help you protect your privacy. Of course, any action within public view is available to law enforcement. The police… Continue Reading »