Monthly Archives: August 2016

The $60 Million Problem – Deal with It

As Seattle criminal defense attorneys we often make public disclosure requests on behalf of our clients. We request records related to things such as officer conduct, personnel files, incident reports, videos, audios and even email content. But regardless of the state’s criminal defense bars actions, it is highly doubtful that all of the criminal attorneys… Continue Reading »

Expungements Explained

Each week, we here at SQ Attorneys receive inquiries regarding individuals wanting to clear their past criminal convictions. This process is called an expungement. When expungement of an arrest or conviction is an option in a state or county, in most instances a person’s criminal record must meet certain standards in order to qualify for… Continue Reading »

37 Newbies with WSP

The ranks of our Washington State Patrol (“WSP”) grew by 37 earlier this month. At a ceremony on August 3, 2016, Chief Justice Barbara Madsen swore in the new troopers, and Governor Jay Inslee presented them with their commission cards. The ceremony was riff with pageantry and tradition, inclusive of a color guard, our national… Continue Reading »

Restitution Explained

In the past few weeks, SQ Attorneys has represented individuals in several restitution hearings. Restitution is a payment made by the perpetrator of a crime to the victims of that crime. Judges often order restitution be paid in cases where victims suffered some kind of financial setback as the result of a crime. The payment… Continue Reading »

Emphasis DUI Patrols Next Week

The Washington State Department of Transportation, in collaboration with state law enforcement agencies, by way of the state’s strategic highway safety plan – ‘target zero’, will again be emphasizing DUI patrols. Next week four local law enforcement agencies (the Washington State Patrol, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, the Yelm Police Department, and the Olympia Police Department)… Continue Reading »

How Do I Get Out of Jail?

When a defendant gets arrested and is taken to jail, typically their first concern is how they can get out as quickly as possible. Several things must happen before a jail facility can release an individual from jail. The process typically involves a “booking” process and a bail hearing that determines whether the person arrested… Continue Reading »

LFO's and Indigency

It is well known that upon a criminal conviction a person faces the possibility of spending time in jail, but what most folks don’t know is that there is another consequence that follows a criminal conviction – legal financial obligations (‘LFO’s’). LFO’s are designed to pass court costs and prosecution costs onto the convicted person instead… Continue Reading »

Arrest v. Conviction

Frequently when we first meet with a potential client at SQ Attorneys they are initially confused about the difference between what is an arrest, and what is an actual conviction. So … in an effort to clear up the misunderstanding, we explain below: An Arrest: An arrest happens when a police officer has what is… Continue Reading »

Establishing a Theory for Trial

Soon after a defendant explains his or her story to a criminal lawyer, they will probably collaborate with each other to come up with a strategy that will work best in court. Generally speaking, this strategy will be based upon the story that the defendant tells his or her attorney, but in most cases will… Continue Reading »