No Contact Orders – How to Navigate them and Avoid Getting Charged with a Violation
So, you’re the restrained person in a no-contact order. How do you avoid getting charged with violating it? No contact orders mostly come in two flavors: Domestic violence (DVPOs) and anti-harassment orders (AHOs). They are imposed to prevent contact between the protected party (the petitioner or victim) and the restrained party (respondent or defendant). When […]
Firearm Restoration
Restoring firearms is a complicated, intricate business with exceptions that almost outnumber the rule. Not only is the process complicated, but it differs for state and federal law, meaning you might be able to restore rights in your state, but are stymied in the Federal context. RCW 9.41.040 lists three ways that a person can […]
State v. Blake and What it Means
In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the current language in RCW 69.50.4103 was unconstitutional and would no longer be sufficient as grounds for conviction. The possession of a controlled substance (PCS) statute did not have an adequate mens rea to the charge and was therefore, overbroad and insufficient. Mens rea, or “guilty […]
Charges for Domestic Violence Penalties
Charges for Domestic Violence Penalties Domestic violence is one offence that is now strongly frowned at the world over. Both state and federal laws have been put in place to ensure that victims are protected and perpetrators prosecuted to a measure commensurate to the offence. What is Domestic Violence? This subject is actually a lot […]
DUI in 2019? Get your DoL Hearing Request in ASAP!
DUIs are always complicated, difficult and expensive and, of course, the best advice is DON’T GET ONE! There is no Uber, taxi or hotel room as expensive as a DUI. But, thanks to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), its about to get a little more complicated, or at least a little more rushed. That’s […]
Canadians Charged with Driving While License Suspended in the 3rd Degree
Being located close to the Canadian border, I get a lot of calls from Canadians who have somehow run afoul of the law down here in the States. Many Canadians are surprised at how vigorously some laws are enforced and how ubiquitous law enforcement is here. But one of the most common problems are Canadian […]
Miranda Warnings
Hey! They Didn’t Read me my Rights! As a criminal defense attorney, I hear that a lot. And sometimes it’s really important. Other times, not so much. I’ll explain. The Constitutional Rights that should be read to every arrestee, the ones we’ve all heard read on cop shows on TV, are commonly known as “Miranda […]
No New Jail Tax 2017
DACA Decision – NODAPL FB Warrant
Special Guests. DACA recipient Jose-Manuel Carillo and Rosalinda Guillen, direct from WA AG Bob Ferguson’s press statement in Seattle. They talk about why DACA is important, and how the advocacy on the left might be getting it wrong. In a groundbreaking case,Whatcom Superior Court’s Judge Snyder has granted permission for WA State to access users […]
Administrative Licensing Hearings with the Department of Licensing (DoL)
Most folks know that when they get charged with a DUI they could end up with their driving privilege suspended if they are convicted or plead guilty. But did you know that you could have your privilege to drive suspended even if your criminal case is resolved with a reduced charge or dismissed altogether? That’s […]