A DUI often has lasting consequences, so you should not take it lightly. In Washington state, police officers usually need to prove that you drove your car while intoxicated to charge you with DUI. However, it is still possible for you to get into legal trouble if...
Criminal Defense
Misdemeanor to a felony: factors that aggravate assault charges
Depending on the circumstances surrounding a case, prosecutors can charge an individual with assault in varying degrees. In Washington state, assault charges can range from first degree to fourth degree, first degree being the most serious while fourth degree being a...
Strange criminal defenses
While most people who have been charged with crimes in Washington opt for a traditional defense strategy, like asking for first-time leniency, getting charges dismissed, or plea bargaining charges down to a lower offense, others have used some wild ones to try to...
Misunderstanding over pursuit law leads to high-speed chase
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...
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...