Monthly Archives: July 2018

Charges can be Defended; It is all in the Strategy

Once a domestic violence call is made to 911, the police are sent to the location of the incident and upon contact one of the parties, by law, will be arrested. The arrest leads to – at a minimum – a night in jail and the likelihood of criminal charges being filed. So … what… Continue Reading »

Adult System v. Juvenile System

The juvenile court system is different from the adult system in many ways. After committing an offense, juveniles are detained and not arrested. Next, a petition is drawn up which outlines the jurisdiction authority of the juvenile court over the offense and detained individuals, gives notice for the reason for the court appearance, serves as… Continue Reading »

NCO lasts the Length of A Sentence

SQ Attorneys

In April of this year our Supreme Court ruled that RCW 10.99.050 only authorizes a court of limited jurisdiction (a district or municipal court) to issue a DV no-contact order which lasts for the duration of a defendant’s suspended or deferred sentence. See, Washington v. Granath, Docket Number: 94892-5. The issue arose out of a… Continue Reading »

Execution of Inmates

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 »

Hit and Run Basics

This past weekend a 50 year old Seattle man was hit by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle along Rainier Avenue South. The man was hit from behind by a red 1980s model GMC or Chevrolet pickup with a wooden structure built on back. The driver of the truck fled the scene of the… Continue Reading »

Seattle Gun Owners Beware

SQ Attorneys

On July 9, 2018, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved two gun control regulations. These measures relate to the safe storage of firearms, and require residents to pay penalties if they: (1) do not safely store their firearms, or (2) fail to report lost or stolen guns. According to Mayor Durkan’s office, 150,000 adults in… Continue Reading »

How Can I Reverse a Conviction?

Appeals judges generally defer to trial court findings, particularly findings of fact as opposed to matters of law. Courts rarely overturn lower court decisions and “perfect” trials are not guaranteed, although certain safeguards do exist in order to account for errors and oversights. An appellate court will overturn a guilty verdict only if the trial… Continue Reading »

House Bill 2661; Domestic Violence Leave Law

SQ Attorneys

House Bill 2661 rolled into effect last month and as such the Domestic Violence Leave Law (‘DVLL’) broadened its scope. The law now requires employers to make accommodations for the safety and security of employees who are victims of domestic violence. To initiate the protection the employee must show that the accommodation doesn’t pose an… Continue Reading »

Classification of Criminal Cases

Criminal cases receive different classifications according to their severity. The mildest crimes are known as infractions, more serious crimes are known as misdemeanors, and the most serious crimes are known as felonies. The classification of a crime influences both the substance and procedure of a criminal charge, so it’s important to understand the differences between… Continue Reading »