A law passed in Washington in 2021 as part of a law enforcement reform package has led to a series of high-speed pursuits in the Evergreen State. The law prevents police from pursuing suspects unless they are suspected of driving under the influence or may have...
Criminal Defense
Setting sentencing guidelines for federal crimes
Federal sentencing guidelines determine the type of punishment for federal crimes in the U.S. The guidelines are not mandatory in federal courts but judges often consult them. Different factors affect how serious federal crimes are classified in Washington....
Drug possession in Washington State
In a 2020 study, respondents to an interview by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that 21.4% of people over 12 had used illegal drugs in the previous year. That same survey also revealed that 37.3 million people in that age range were current...
Facial recognition technology and eye witnesses
Facial recognition technology is one of the most controversial topics in law enforcement in places like Yakima, Washington. Supporters believe that it is essential to putting more criminals in jail. Opponents are concerned about its biases and the possibility of false...
Why eyewitness testimony may be flawed
Prosecutors in Washington and elsewhere may use eyewitness testimony as part of a strategy to prove that you committed a crime. This is because most people will give significant weight to the words of someone who saw an incident. However, the truth is that such...
Possession charges and ways to defend them
If you're charged with drug possession in Washington state, you might think it's an open and shut case, especially if there is any physical evidence. However, there are a few defenses to consider that could result in your charges being dismissed or reduced. Search...
Washington State shoplifting laws and penalties
When an individual is charged with shoplifting in Washington State, that crime could be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of what's taken and other factors. This means a simple mischievous act of taking something off the shelf and slipping it in your...
Understanding the crime of burglary
When you get arrested for burglary in Washington, it's easy for you to think that your fate is sealed. You may have seen movies or television shows where the criminal is sentenced to years in prison, and you think that's what will happen to you. However, it's...
Washington offers mental health sentencing alternatives
Washington is one of the states that offers clear mental health sentencing alternatives. This is due to the fact that the state recognizes that putting a felon in prison is not always the best solution. If a person has shown clear signs of needing help, it's better to...
What offenses extend your ignition interlock restriction period?
When Washington authorities levy a charge of driving under the influence against you and that charge leads to a conviction, you must install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period once you regain the legal right to drive. How long the device...