Tag Archives: criminal defense lawyer

  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 »

What are a person’s obligations if they happen to hit someone else’s property with their car? The answer lies in RCW 46.52.010. Under subsection (2) of that Washington statute, a driver involved in an accident which results in damage to property (whether fixed or placed upon or adjacent to any public highway; regardless of how… Continue Reading »

In an interesting move last week, the United States Supreme Court agreed to consider whether our government may forbid people subject to domestic violence orders to possess firearms. The high court’s decision comes at a time when there is a huge concern – countrywide – about gun violence. The U.S. Supreme Court court has only… Continue Reading »

We here at SQ Attorneys are frequently asked when can an arraignment simply be waived in Seattle Municipal Court. The answer lies in the court’s local rules. SMCLR 4.1 reads: “(i) Arraignments. Arraignments shall be in accordance with CrRLJ 4.1 and 4.2. A lawyer may, pursuant to (e) and SMCLR 8.4.1, enter an appearance on… Continue Reading »

It is done. Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5536, which outlines appropriate penalties for drug possession in Washington. Washington’s new drug possession statute prioritizes treatment, establishes a gross misdemeanor penalty for drug possession and public use of drugs, and offers some local control to municipalities. The bill is not designed to fill jails. It is… Continue Reading »

Oh how the pendulum swings. It was only a few short years ago an officer’s ability to chase people in vehicles was curtailed. That right was slightly expanded last week when Governor Jay Inslee rolled back some prohibitive requirements for police chases. Under the new law, police officers no longer need ‘probable cause’ to initiate… Continue Reading »

On the final day of our Washington State legislative session, the House voted down a last-minute deal to maintain a criminal penalty for drug possession and boost funding for treatment.  Undoubtedly, this leaves Washington’s drug laws in question.  The current law (passed after a significant state Supreme Court ruling) invalidated Washington’s felony drug possession law… Continue Reading »

In 2022, the right to vote was automatically restored to Washington felons upon their release from incarceration. Before this, felons didn’t necessarily have their voting rights restored upon leaving prison. Instead, they could regain their voting rights after finishing the conditions of their sentence, such as community supervision terms. Such periods could last months and… Continue Reading »

Our Washington State Legislature is in the throws of considering a bill that would increase protections for election workers from being harassed. It is House Bill 1241, and it will ensure that threats and harassment suffered by election workers will be handled the same regardless of how they are received, whether by email or directly… Continue Reading »

With thefts on the rise, some retailers have elected to ratchet security measures up a bit. Over the past six months stores such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid and Walmart have resorted to locking up more everyday items like deodorant and laundry detergent in the hopes of curbing the rising number of thefts in their… Continue Reading »