Monthly Archives: April 2017

Tether at your Own Risk

SQ Attorneys

You tie up or tether a dog in Washington State and you could soon be facing a hefty penalty. Currently, Washington doesn’t have animal cruelty penalties for tethering or tying up dogs. That is about to change. The new statute allows animal care and control officers to issue warnings or civil infractions for inhumane animal… Continue Reading »

Threats Against the President

With the United States Presidential elections now a distant memory, many are satisfied with the results, while others are not. Throughout the United States, citizens discuss issues involving the new President. Some express their frustrations, while others support the actions taken by the new administration. One my ask, what would happen if one decides to… Continue Reading »

The Gov’t Calls the Shots in DV Matters

Domestic violence in the State of Washington can be virtually any criminal act committed by a “family or household member” against another, including, but not necessarily limited to, Assault, Manslaughter, Murder, Reckless Endangerment, Coercion, Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Property Damage, Kidnapping, Interfering with the reporting of Domestic Violence, Rape, Violation of a Protection Order, Stalking, Cyber… Continue Reading »

How Can I Get Out of Jail?

SQ Attorneys

Upon an arrest, the very first question the arrestee will ask is how he or she can get out of jail expeditiously. 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 may be… Continue Reading »

DUI Equals Impound of Your Car

Several years back, the landscape of vehicle impounds in Washington State DUI arrests had a seismic shift. Prior to July 22, 2011, law enforcement had the discretion to decide whether to impound a DUI suspect’s car. Many variables went into an officer’s decision (department policy, attitude of the suspect, level of inebriation etc). On July… Continue Reading »

The Death Penalty

In June 2003 Governor George Ryan of Illinois stirred controversy when he commuted the death sentences of 167 inmates to life imprisonment. Ryan said he had concluded the state’s capital punishment system was “haunted by the demon of error.” His action came three years after he ordered a moratorium on executions after evidence proved that… Continue Reading »

Distracted Driving Patrols Out in Force

It has been a hot topic in the local news lately – distracted driving. There has been a consistent effort by all branches of the government to curb the habit of drivers to use their cellular devices while on our roadways. The law enforcement arm of government is now on the clock. Police departments across… Continue Reading »

Jail v. Probation

Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence that allows a person convicted of a crime a chance to remain in the community, instead of going to jail. Active probation requires that you follow certain court-ordered rules and conditions under the supervision of a probation officer. Typical conditions may include performing community service, meeting with… Continue Reading »