SQ Attorneys

When a driver is arrested for DUI in Washington State, law enforcement essentially makes her an offer after bringing her to the police station: (1) take a breath test and if it is over a .08 you will lose your driving privilege for at least ninety days, or (2) refuse to take a breath test and you will lose your driving privilege for at least one year, and the refusal to take such test can be used against you in a court of law. A Seattle DUI Lawyer is not required to be there at the station with the driver when she makes her decision.

The driver, in essence, is told that she can refuse to provide a possibly incriminating breath test but she may very well pay a price for such a decision by losing her license for a longer period of time than if she chose to provide a breath sample. Sometimes the driver in such a situation may desire to “play the odds”, “gamble” or otherwise “roll the dice”. Unfortunately for the driver, law enforcement is not required to tell her one very, very important detail – “if you refuse the breath test, I can immediately apply for a telephonic search warrant to have your blood drawn, forcibly if necessary”. If drawn, the blood test results can be used as evidence of intoxication in court. Astonishingly, if convicted, the driver faces the harsher penalties associated with refusing to take a breath test. It goes without saying that it sure would have been nice for the driver to have known all of the terms of the offer when the decision had to be made to take, or not, the breath test. Clearly, if a Seattle DUI attorney was present, or otherwise available, she would have been apprised of all of the consequences of her choice to refuse the breath test.

The Supreme Court decision of Seattle v. St. John reviewed a scenario similar to the one described above. The Court affirmed a Seattle DUI conviction where once the defendant refused to submit to a blood test, the Seattle DUI officer immediately obtained a telephonic search warrant that required the defendant to give a blood sample by force, if necessary. The Court found no impropriety in this scenario, notwithstanding the fact that the police advised Mr. St. John that he “had the right to refuse” the breath test. The end result is that the statutory “right to refuse” a breath or blood test has been rendered illusory. After this decision, and for most DUI cases in Seattle  (or elsewhere in Western Washington) a qualified Seattle DUI attorney will most assuredly advise his client to take the breath test when the “offer” is made by law enforcement.

Anyone who knowingly breaks with the guidelines of a No Contact Order faces charges of Gross Misdemeanor.  And that can mean up to a year in jail, plus a fine in the region of $5,000. Classified as a domestic violence crime, Violation of a No Contact Order is a serious offence and one which carries serious implications. Any person convicted of Violation of a No Contact Order will immediately have their rights to own or be in possession of a firearm. This applies even if no firearms where used or featured during the violation of the order.

Your Bellevue Criminal Defense Attorney will expalin that when No Contact Orders are put in place the restrictions placed upon the recipient are pretty stringent. Therefore even if by sheer happenstance the person who has the No Contact Order served on them sees the person they are supposed to keep away from in a public place they are legally required to leave the scene immediately. Although accidentally occurring contact of this type may not technically constitute a violation of the order, the individual upon whom the notice is served may well be obliged to defend themselves in a court of law as a result of it happening.

A great many emotive issues can surround No Contact orders. For the sake of argument, let us assume that a husband has a No Contact Order served upon him following a domestic incident with his wife. Even if his wife, after the fact, invites her husband over to discuss their differences it will still be seen as his violation of the order, despite the fact that the wife (seen here as the victim) was complicit in the arrangements and expressed willingness to meet with her husband. In such circumstances as these, the husband may face further criminal charges. A minefield of a scenario? Yes, it can be for some.

The Seattle Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced team dedicated to providing aggressive representation for those with No Contact Orders. The team of Bellevue criminal lawyers creates success by not only working with alleged victims to develop a relationship and encourage positive communication, but the team also works with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances relating to the No Contact Order are considered in creating the most equitable and fair resolution possible.

If a No Contact Order is relevant in your life in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County or one of the following cities or towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, fife, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Milton, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, New Castle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Olympia, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Sumner, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, or any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

In Washington State the law dictates that drivers involved in any kind of road traffic accident that causes injury to a person or damage to someone else’s vehicle or property must stop immediately at the incident scene. If it is not possible to stop at the scene without causing further problems, then stopping nearby is acceptable. The only mitigating circumstances which negate these laws are those which have rendered the driver incapacitated. Following such traffic incidences all drivers are obliged to fulfill certain disclosure and assistance requirements. It is therefore imperative that they remain at the site of the incident until these things have been attended to.

Perhaps one of the most commonly held but wrong beliefs when it comes to hit and run situations is that the driver is not obliged to stop if they hit an unoccupied vehicle. Ask any Tacoma DUI lawyer and they will tell you this is simply not true. If a driver hits an unoccupied vehicle, he or she is still legally required to adhere to the legal guidelines set out above. Failure to stop at the scene in such circumstances does constitute a Hit and Run and the driver may faces charges of Misdemeanor.

There are four clearly outline aspects to how Hit and Run is classified and each carries with  its own penalty. Your Tacoma DUI Attorney will be able to advize you in more detail about this, but in short the basics are as follows:

1. Failure to stop and comply at the scene of any accident that causes the death of another may be classified as a Class B Felony
2. Failure to stop and comply at the scene of any accident that causes injury to another person may be classified as a Class C Felony.
3. Failure to stop and comply at the scene of any accident that causes damage to an occupied vehicle may be classified as a Class D Felony.
4. Failure to stop and comply at the scene of any accident that causes damage to an unoccupied vehicle or any property belonging to another may be classified as a Class D Felony.

Revoking of driver’s licenses is also a possible penalty if a driver fails to stop and comply.

The Seattle Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced team dedicated to providing aggressive representation for those charged with Hit and Run.  The team creates success by not only working with alleged victims to develop a relationship and encourage positive communication, but the team also works with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the Hit and Run allegations are considered in creating the most equitable and fair resolution possible.

If you or a loved one is cite for or charged with the crime of Hit and Run in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County or one of the following cities or towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, fife, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Milton, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, New Castle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Olympia, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Sumner, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, or any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

If you’re in the US military services as either a marine, soldier, sailor, airman or coast guardsmen then you’ll no doubt be aware that a dishonorable discharge from service can have resounding stigmatic effects on your future life, both in a personal way and in a professional capacity. Understandably it will feel like there are bleak times ahead if you are in the services and have a legal issue arise.

The Criminal Defense team at SQ Attorneys understands your plight and we’re very proud to be a law firm that is staunchly ‘military friendly’. Uppermost in our minds when defending servicemen and women from all sectors of the United States Military, is the importance of defending our clients’ civil rights and, just as importantly, their personal/civilian honor alongside their military rights and honor.

Contact your Seattle criminal defence attorney for individual advice about your particular case.

A great deal can be made vulnerable and precarious in the lives of US servicemen and women if they are accused of any sort of crime. In addition to facing punishment through the civilian courts, US military servicemen and women are also governed by their commanding unit where separate punishments can be apportioned.

If you have been accused of a crime and are currently serving in the US military services the serious implications of a criminal conviction could change your life forever. Finding the right legal defense team is imperative if you are to safeguard your future. But rest assured, your Seattle criminal lawyer is qualified to understand your case and act in your best interests.

Here at SQ Attorneys we understand that you, as a serviceman or woman, are and have been a vital part of our country’s backbone. Henceforth we’re proud to be in a position to represent you and will do our utmost for you, using our expertise and experience. We’ll make sure your rights are acknowledged, staying in step with you throughout what is unquestionably a very traumatic ordeal.

Here at S Q Attorneys we proudly stand to represent you when it comes to dealing with the trauma of being accused of a crime when you are in the US military. We realize that if you or someone close has been accused of a crime of this nature that can cause a great deal of stress you and those around you. The particulars of the law dictate that you would best be served by legal professionals, such as ourselves, who have experience in Washington State law and its ins and outs, alongside expert knowledge of the ways of military too. We cover the following areas: King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County and these cities and towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, North Bend, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, for any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

Tacoma Criminal Attorneys continue to highlight what constitutes the various sexual offences, herewith a breakdown of those classifications according to Washington State law and the ins and outs of sex offender registration requirements.

Sex Offender Registration in Washington State

As in most place the laws that govern Washington sex registration are enormously multifaceted. Anyone who has been convicted of a sex-related crime is obliged to live under strict scrutiny:

They must register all their addresses

They must inform the authorities whenever they leave the state

Juvenile sex-offenders must give details of registration and/or attendance at educational establishments, such as schools or colleges

Being a registered sex offender prohibits the registered person from having contact of any kind with underage persons (minors). This may even mean restricted access or lack of it to one’s own children.

Failure to register can result in further prosecution. Sex offender registration is obligatory in connection with all sex related crimes and kidnapping crimes.

Other chargeable sex offences

Here at SQ Attorneys our Criminal Defense Team is experienced in dealing with a wide range of sex offenses in and around the Washington area. These include:

1. Child molestation
2. Communication minors for immoral purposes
3. Child pornography
4. Failure to register as a sex offender when required to do so by law
5. Rape/child rape
6. Incest
7. Indecent exposure/ lewd acts
8. Indecent liberties
9. The production, selling of, or intent to sell certain classes of drugs ( this applies when the offender has previous convictions for sex crimes).  methamphetamine when the offender has a previous conviction for a sex offense
10. The promotion of prostitution
11. Voyeurism

If you or a member of your family or someone close to you has been accused of a sex related crime then an experienced defence team is what you need.

The Seattle Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys, located in Western Washington, is a very skilled and experienced team dedicated to providing effective, aggressive representation for those charged with sex-related crimes.  The team creates success by not only working with alleged victims to develop a relationship and encourage positive communication, but the team also works with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating an the most equitable and fair resolution possible. Your Tacoma criminal lawyer will best be able to advize you.

If you or a loved one is charged with a sex-related crime in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County or one of the following cities or towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, fife, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Milton, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, New Castle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Olympia, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Sumner, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, or any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

There are no two ways to put it, sexual offenses, quite understandably, carry a major taboo. In the event that you or someone close to you is charged with a sexual offence or being investigated for a sex-related crime the implications are serious. You could face grave penalties such as a life term in custody. You may also be obliged to officially register as a sex offender.  The social stigma attached to such crimes can often result in job loss and rejection from family and friends. SQ Attorney’s Criminal Defense Team is fully conversant with dealing with such situations and has the necessary experience to defend those accused of sex-related crimes. So what constitutes a sexual offence? Herewith, a breakdown of the main categories of offences of this nature.

Your Bellevue Lawyer will explain to you how Child Molestation is classified in Washington State:

Child molestation, in Washington State, is basically any illegal sexual act which involves an adult and a child. It is the adult/minor aspect that is key here, although in some cases an older minor can be charged with child molestation.  Our Criminal Defense Team is aware that sometimes charges may be brought against a person due to a mistake or even as a result of false allegations.

Your Bellevue Criminal Attorney outlines how Rape and Statutory Rape is classified in Washington State:

Something of a minefield… there are various types of rape. It probably goes without saying that each involves non-consensual sexual intercourse. People who are convicted of rape (this includes the rape of a child) face sentencing of a set minimum number of years in custody. Sometimes the convicted will be given an unfixed sentence, but that could transpire to mean life imprisonment. As above, an obligation to register officially as a sex offender may be enforced.

Washington State classification of Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes – CMIP:

Any communication, carried out for immoral purposes, with a person thought to be a minor is defined as CMIP. Although physical contact may not have taken place a conviction for CMIP can result in the perpetrator being registered as a sex offender. Previous offences may be taken into consideration here and have a bearing on how the present case is handled and the sort of penalty that is put in place.

Here at S Q Attorneys we like to take an insightful stance when it comes to dealing with what is acknowledged to be a very sensitive subject. We realize that if you or someone close has been accused of a crime of this nature that can cause a great deal of stress you and those around you. The particulars of the law dictate that you would best be served by legal professionals, such as ourselves, who have experience in Washington State law and its ins and outs, alongside expert knowledge of the ways of internet law too. We cover the following areas: King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County and these cities and towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, North Bend, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, for any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

Arguably the most controversial subject matter, when it comes to internet crime, is the exploitation of minors or child pornography. Sadly, underage online users are vulnerable, and not always able to detect when they are receiving attention from an undesirable source. Naturally, the laws that are in place are put there in order to offer protection of the young and innocent.

We all know that the internet offers a veritable world of prospects and a hitherto unknown method of worldwide communication. But it, just like any actual community, is at risk of misuse. There are laws in the bricks and mortar world specifically devised for the protection of the innocent. By necessity the internet has the same sort of laws, although some see the online network as one that is ungovernable. Sometimes the ins and outs of how the law has impact on the cyber world leaves some in confusion about their rights – and despite there being legal guidelines and etiquettes they remain unclear about the sort of help that is available to them if they have been accused of such a crime, or the victim of one.

On the other hand, adults can be just as vulnerable online as the young so if you or someone you know is affected by such circumstances and you live in the Seattle area you’d be well advized to seek the assistance of a Seattle Lawyer who is au fait with the ins and outs of the law concerning such crimes.

For example, where someone has been accused of being in possession of illegal images the path they must then travel can be a long and harrowing one. As you would expect, there’s a huge stigma involved when a person is associated with a crime that involves the wrongful exploitation of children. Washington State has laws in place regarding protection of children, what’s more, the FBI’s Innocent Images National Initiative plays a paramount role when it comes to strict government of the use of what is termed inappropriate pornographic material concerning minors. These laws are stringent. It follows, then, that as a direct response to these rigorous laws, our Washington criminal defense team at S Q Attorneys takes effective action against such accusations using complex professional means of defense on behalf of our clients.

As experienced Tacoma lawyers we like to take an insightful stance when it comes to dealing with what is acknowledged to be a very sensitive subject. We realize that if you or someone close has been accused of a crime of this nature that can cause a great deal of stress you and those around you. The particulars of the law dictate that you would best be served by legal professionals, such as ourselves, who have experience in Washington State law and its ins and outs, alongside expert knowledge of the ways of internet law too. As Seattle criminal defence attorneys we also cover the following areas: King County, Pierce County, Snohomish  County, Kitsap County, Thurston County and these cities and towns: Algona, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Duvall, Edmonds, Enumclaw, Everett, Federal Way, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Maple Valley, Marysville, Medina, Mercer Island, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, North Bend, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Sea Tac, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, and/or Woodinville, for any other city or town in Western Washington, call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 for an initial free consultation.

Seattle, like any other state, has its share of excellent lawyers, but the real question is always the affordability. Whether the case is a divorce settlement, a DUI or even a medical malpractice, finding good lawyers who don’t charge exorbitant fees is a huge challenge. There are some steps however that you must employ in order to find yourself a suitable Seattle attorney to take charge of your case.

First of all one should get referrals from both family and friends. It’s the best way to narrow down your options. Since the recession, attorney charges have taken a downfall and so finding someone affordable enough would not be fun of a problem. But you must ask you friends and family specific questions like did they like their lawyer? Was the lawyer available when they needed him? What was the attorney’s fee? Did they like the outcome of their case? This will help you get some more names on your list to get the best Seattle lawyer in the market.

The internet is brilliant way to find a suitable Seattle attorney for your needs. Log onto an established online referral site that would give all the details of the attorney’s education, work experience and record. Going through another attorney is also a good idea as they understand what you require in your case. The State Bar also has a referral service that can also help you get in touch with a suitable Seattle lawyer who would be able to help you with your matters.

You should be very clear as to the field of the lawyer. Where you have a DUI case, it is important that you should find yourself a reputable Seattle DUI attorney. To handle a specific case, he should be an expert at DUI defense. Look over the attorney’s website to see if their prime focus is DUI or something else. The same goes for all other cases. Finding a good and affordable Seattle lawyer should not be that much of a hassle, especially if you are very clear as to what you require from the lawyer.

It used to be that a DUI charge was not the end of a client’s world. They might spend the night in a jail cell to sober up and pay a fine in a worst case scenario. The penalties of being convicted of a DUI are much more severe nowadays. Judges and lawmakers are attacking DUI cases as though they were part of the “war on drugs.” A DUI conviction can lead to paying a sizable fine that could wipe out your savings account, loss of your license, and possibly even jail time. This is all in addition to having to face the stigma of having a DUI on your record and having to explain that to future employers.

It is imperative that as soon as you have been arrested for a DUI you hire a knowledgeable and aggressive defense attorney that has your best interests in mind. DUI cases are difficult to fight in court, but it is possible to do with an experienced attorney by your side. SQ Attorneys have been practicing law for a long time and have a great deal of experience fighting DUI cases. They believe in your right to be innocent until the state proves you guilty and they will make it their personal mission to ensure that the state does not have that opportunity. They know that a DUI on your record could potentially ruin your life and will fight vigorously until the end of your trial to preserve your rights.

Keep SQ Attorneys’ phone number with you. Having the phone number readily available will allow you to call them anytime tragedy strikes and you need a lawyer by your side. It is imperative that you call SQ Attorneys as soon as you are arrested for a DUI to ensure that they have the proper time to prepare a defense for you.

SQ Attorneys are experienced in defending DUI cases in the greater Seattle area. They are familiar with the state and local laws regarding DUI and the local judges. Judges have their own biases and SQ Attorneys are familiar with them, allowing them to design the best defense for you and your case based upon the judge that will be ruling. SQ Attorneys understands how important it is to keep a DUI off your record and maintain driving privileges, therefore, they will be fighting your case as if it were their own.