Crime on the rise in Seattle? The City Council must think so because it is poised to establish a total of six ‘stay out’ zones for a myriad of crimes, including drug possession/ use and prostitution. IF created, judges will be authorized to bar people from being in the established zones. Police, of course, will be authorized to arrest anyone who violates a ‘stay out’ order. The hope is to stem: (1) drug use in the Chinatown International District, Belltown, Pioneer Square, Capital Hill and the University District, and (2) prostitution activity on Aurora Avenue North. If passed, prostitution loitering would also be re-criminalized. Prostitution Loitering was repealed in 2020. In its wake there appears to have been a clear spike in prostitution along Aurora Avenue North. We shall see how things are impacted by the Seattle City Council’s attempt to curb drug use and prostitution in and around the great Seattle area.

If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.