Monthly Archives: March 2018

SPD – DV

SQ Attorneys

The Seattle Police, as opposed to some other law enforcement agencies, have taken an extra step in combating domestic violence. They have literally dedicated an entire unit to it stomping out domestic violence – the SPD Domestic Violence Unit. The Domestic Violence Unit investigates felony and/or misdemeanor crimes involving family household members and people in… Continue Reading »

Field Tests and Marijuana DUI’s

Now that Marijuana DUI’s are a bit more prevalent in Washington these days, a thought for defense attorneys to ponder is the value of field sobriety tests on their non-alcohol related DUI’s. Although not binding, a recent Supreme Court case in Massachusetts has shed some light on how courts are viewing FST’s in marijuana cases.… Continue Reading »

Probation Requirements Explained

So you have just pled guilty and are being sentenced to probation. Has your lawyer advised you on what probation is and what will be required of you? 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… Continue Reading »

DV and NCO – Often Hand and Hand

It is virtually a guarantee that when someone is charged with a domestic violence related crime a no contact order will be put in place. The order prohibits the restricted party from having contact with the protected party. It is important to understand that any violation of a no contact order is a gross misdemeanor… Continue Reading »

Sentencing: The Most Important Phase

After a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, a judge will decide on the appropriate punishment during the sentencing phase of a criminal case. This is otherwise known as the sentence. Sentencing for criminal offenses can range from probation and community service to prison and even the death penalty. Sentencing usually takes place almost immediately… Continue Reading »

Check Point Reality or Fantasy

Are DUI Check Points becoming closer to reality in Washington State? Well, last month an impromptu discussion on the topic arose during a presentation to the Washington State Transportation Commission on traffic fatalities. The issue was raised because one of the Commission’s members had just experienced a checkpoint while visiting Hawaii, and asked if Washington… Continue Reading »

Meeting Your Lawyer

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 »

Consequences of a DV Conviction

A domestic violence conviction in the State of Washington can, and often does, result in a myriad of onerous penalties. Convictions for domestic violence often carry more sanctions than convictions for other types of crimes. Like other types of criminal convictions, domestic violence related convictions have the typical sanctions of jail, fines and probation, but… Continue Reading »

The Process of Being Arrested

So you just got arrested and want to get out as quickly as possible? 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… Continue Reading »