Monthly Archives: July 2015

Plea Bargain 101

The majority of criminal cases are resolved through a “plea bargain”, usually well before the case ever reaches trial. Many have heard this term, but only a few have a good understanding of what a plea bargain actually is. So what is it? In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty, usually to… Continue Reading »

Budgetary Hogwash

An interesting article in the Seattle Times today claimed that Washington State’s 39 counties are draining their budgets by fighting crime and keeping their communities clean. See ‘Washington counties struggling with criminal-justice costs’ (hereinafter, the ‘Article’). According to the Article, counties spend about $120 million annually just to cover the cost of indigent defense in… Continue Reading »

Am I Insane? Insanity Defense Explained

Last week, Christopher Monfort, a criminal defendant who shot and killed a Seattle Police Officer was sentenced to life in prison after the jury unanimously voted against the death penalty at the King County Superior Court. During his trial, his legal team argued that at the time of criminal conduct, Mr. Monfort was “insane” and… Continue Reading »

The crackdown is evident, here is why

Why is the prosecution ‘cracking down’ on DUI’s? Why have things gotten so difficult to negotiate in the DUI world over the past several years? Why are so many DUI cases being set for trial and being litigated without any meaningful negotiations taking place between the prosecution and the defense? And why are so many… Continue Reading »

Know The Difference: Felony v. Misdemeanor

All crimes in the State of Washington are enumerated in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). These codes define what a crime is, lay out the elements of each crime and, in many cases, provide sentencing guidelines for the specific criminal act. Crimes are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The less serious offenses… Continue Reading »

Don't Despair, Hire an Attorney

Theft or shoplifting charges in Washington State can be a felony if the property in question is valued at more than $750, or a gross misdemeanor (3rd Degree Theft) if less than $750. Since theft is considered to be a crime of moral turpitude, a conviction can result in employment termination or prevent future employment… Continue Reading »

How Does Washington Define Domestic Violence?

Washington State law defines domestic violence offenses as virtually any criminal act committed by one “family or household member” against another. Municipal and District courts hear misdemeanor domestic violence offenses including: assault, property destruction, harassment and telephone harassment, intimidation with a weapon, reckless endangerment and violation of no contact or domestic violence protection orders. Felony… Continue Reading »

The Unfortunate Consequence

Some Washington gross misdemeanor crimes require that a person be immediately booked into custody, namely (1) domestic violence charges and (2) second offense DUI’s that occur within a ten year period of time. Under Washington law these crimes require that a person see a judge before she can be released from custody. God forbid the… Continue Reading »

One Year Later, Taxes on Weed Legalization is Yet to Yield Big Tax Benefits

Before Washington voters could decide on legal weed, the State government had to determine whether such legalization would benefit the State through the revenue earned through tax. The governments financial forecasters looked into their data collected and determined that the state’s take from pot taxes in the first year of sales could be nothing —… Continue Reading »

DV Awareness Front and Center

The Women’s World Cup is – as they say – in the books. What a phenomenal victory and stellar performance by the US Women’s National Team. And with such accolades comes a platform for public awareness. Hope Solo, the US goal keeper and current Seattle Reign player, is ensuring her voice is heard with regard… Continue Reading »