Category: Uncategorized

The final judgment of a lower court, usually the trial court, can be appealed to the next higher court one time only. Thus, the total number of appeals depends on how many courts are “superior” to the court that made the contested decision, and sometimes what the next higher court decides the appeal’s basis. Remember,… Continue Reading »

As has been widely noted over the past few weeks and months, the City of Seattle is looking at ways to promote safer gun storage. This comes amid continued concerns over rampant and – as some perceive – escalating gun violence. In its effort, and pursuant to Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 10.79 and acting under… Continue Reading »

Most criminal systems for states across the United States divide their crimes into several different categories depending on how serious they are. This categorization determines how the court system treats a particular case, so it is important to understand the differences. As a general rule, however, these crimes are differentiated by how much potential jail… Continue Reading »

As anyone who drives in Western Washington knows … traffic can be a real bear. It can often involve hours of sitting and lots of stop and go movement. Of course, this is the primary reason we have high-occupancy (HOV) lanes; HOV lanes are meant to provide a faster travel option by encouraging carpooling, vanpooling… Continue Reading »

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 »

In criminal law trials hearsay evidence is generally not allowed unless it falls within an exception to the hearsay rule as provided for under Evidence Rule 801. Recently, however, a Washington appeals court considered whether a victim’s statement to a police officer was appropriately admitted into evidence. The case involved a couple living together who… Continue Reading »

If you’re facing criminal charges and are unable to afford a private defense attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. After all, one of the foundations of our legal system is that every criminal defendant has the right to legal representation. This is best understood by listening to the Miranda warning that police must… Continue Reading »

Just another friendly reminder from SQ Attorneys – Washington State’s Department of Licensing (“DOL”) is scheduled to update their aged computer system at the end of this month and into the first week of September. This ‘update’ will cause DOL services (on-line and/or in-person) to be delayed or even unavailable. Folks should be aware that… Continue Reading »

In February of this year Mayor Jenny Durkan announced that Seattle intended to vacate convictions for people charged under the city’s misdemeanor marijuana possession ordinance. The State of California recently took a similar step by passing a bill requiring state prosecutors to erase or reduce marijuana convictions. This comes after California’s passage of Proposition 64 in… Continue Reading »

Although plea bargaining is often criticized, more than 90 percent of criminal convictions come from negotiated pleas. Therefore, less than 10 percent of criminal cases actually go to trial. So, what are the incentives behind plea bargaining? Turns out, it’s quite complicated and it does not simply rely on one’s guilt or innocence. Below is… Continue Reading »