Monthly Archives: September 2018

One Way … Or the Other

SQ Attorneys

A Florida man was bound to go down one way or another. Either the carcinogenic smoke from his cigarettes, or the 14 felonies and 31 misdemeanor convictions he was saddled with was going to sink his proverbial ship. In this case, it was the 15th felony conviction for stealing $600 worth of cigarettes from a… Continue Reading »

Number of Criminal Appeals

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 »

A Seattle Ordinance in the Works

SQ Attorneys

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 »

Classification of Crimes

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 »

HOV Cheaters Beware

SQ Attorneys

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 »

Ways To 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 »

Out of Court Statements

SQ Attorneys

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 »

Court Appointed Lawyers

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 »