Monthly Archives: October 2012

Must an Accused Appear at Arraignment?

The initial appearance before a judge in a criminal district or municipal court case involves the defendant being “arraigned”. At arraignment, the charges against the defendant are read, a lawyer is appointet (if the defendant cannot afford one), and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty or guilty. In some types of criminal proceedings… Continue Reading »

New Restricted License Application from DOL

The DOL has a new application for the Ignition Interlock License. All “restricted” license applications are now streamlined into one simple application, https://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/500001.pdf. Eligibility and/or Restrictions for a Restricted Driver’s License are as follows: (1) The DOL will determine what type of temporary restricted license a person qualifies for based on their evaluation of the… Continue Reading »

Impacts of I-502 on the Horizon?

Washington State is on the verge of becoming the first state in the nation to let adults over 21 buy taxed, inspected marijuana at state-licensed shops. Supporters say passing Initiative 502 on November 6, 2012 could make drug laws more reasonable, prevent thousands of arrests a year, and bring Washington hundreds of millions of dollars… Continue Reading »

Massachusetts Drug Lab Chemist Charged with Obstructing Justice

Convicted and imprisoned defendants may soon be released in the State of Massachusetts because of the suspected mishandling of evidence by a chemist at a Massachusetts drug lab. The chemist has been criminally charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly skirting protocols and faking test results at the now-closed state drug lab. At least two… Continue Reading »

A New Obligation on the Horizon?

When someone is convicted of a DUI in Washington there are a lot of things he is required to do. For instance, he will be required to at least do a 24 hour stint in jail, pay a fine of $350 (plus court costs, fees and assessments), and attend an 8 hour alcohol/ drug information… Continue Reading »

SPD Lieutenant Acquitted

A Seattle police lieutenant was found not guilty of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge Tuesday, but he still faces a criminal charge for allegedly violating a no-contact order in that case. Lt. Donnie Lowe was charged in June with domestic violence assault and ordered to stay away from his wife, who was involved in the… Continue Reading »