Criminal Law Insights

Plain-English guidance on Washington DUI, criminal, and traffic law — updated regularly by our attorneys.

When do I have to Show for an SMC Arraignment?

May 26, 2023

A lawyer may, pursuant to (e) and SMCLR 8.4.1, enter an appearance on behalf of a client except in cases in which the docket or charging document states that one or more of the charges involves domestic violence, harassment, violation of an anti-harassment order, driving under the influence, physical control, assault, stalking, or firearms offenses as set out in 12A.14.071(discharge of a firearm), 12A.14.075 (unlawful use of weapons to intimidate another) and 12A.14.080 (unlawful use of weapon) whereupon defendant's presence is mandatory.

When Do You Have To Register As a Sex Offender?

May 21, 2023

In Washington, child pornography prosecutions are divided into two categories: possession and viewing. What does that mean? Basically, if you are…

Drug Possession Sanctions Approved?

May 16, 2023

penalties for drug possession in Washington

When Can an Officer give Chase?

May 11, 2023

an officer’s ability to chase people in vehicles

When are Trained Dogs Used by Law Enforcement ?

May 8, 2023

Trained drug sniffing dogs are often times used by law enforcement in the United States to alert police officers to the presence of illegal drugs and…

How Can I Challenge the Breathalyzer?

May 7, 2023

In many states around the United States, "per se" DUI laws establish a legal presumption that a driver was intoxicated if he or she had a blood alcohol…

What Are Your Obligations - RCW 46.61.020

May 3, 2023

SQ Attorneys Periodically, we here at SQ Attorneys are asked about what someone’s obligations are when pulled over by police. The applicable state is RCW…

Can I Expunge My DUI Conviction?

April 30, 2023

  A driving under the influence (DUI) arrest and conviction can have a negative impact on one's ability to secure a job, get a student loan, rent an…

Raising Penalty for Drug Possession?

April 24, 2023

proposal to make drug possession a gross misdemeanor

What Are The Different Types of Infractions?

April 23, 2023

Traffic offenses that are issued by law enforcement are generally referred to as infractions. Infractions do not usually carry the same stigma and…

Ruses Going the Way of the Dinosaur?

April 17, 2023

Are Seattle police going to be forced to limit and/or eliminate their use of deceptive practices in policing? City leaders look to make it so, yes. And last month SPD submitted a draft policy to the police union. Curiously, however, city leaders don’t feel the proposed policies go far enough.

Can I Be Re-Tried for the Same Criminal Offense?

April 16, 2023

Many people may have heard the term "double jeopardy" at some point but the question that arises is, what does it mean? The protection against double…

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