An arraignment is generally a person’s first criminal court appearance following an arrest or an investigation into an alleged Washington crime. The event is an extremely important court appearance for many reasons, and defendants have several rights that deserve protection. If you or a loved one is facing an arraignment for a Washington criminal offense, [...]
Criminal trespass under Washington law is an offense where a person enters or remains in a building or other premises without permission or authority. The crime can lead to severe penalties including fines and a jail term of up to one year. If you or a loved one is facing a trespass charge, contact an [...]
When a person is accused of committing a Washington domestic violence crime, the accuser or the alleged victim often files a petition for a domestic violence protection order (DVPO). If granted, the order prohibits the accused from having any contact with the alleged victim. If you are facing both a domestic violence charge and a [...]
A person suspected or accused of a crime could choose to try to talk to law enforcement in a criminal case. While a request for a statement could come from police or a prosecutor, a suspect, potential suspect, or accused criminal defendant should never agree to it. Rather, the party should contact a criminal defense [...]
“Pre-trial release” occurs when someone arrested for a crime is released from jail while his/her trial is pending. While issues relating to pre-trial release can sometimes be difficult to understand, it is critical that those charged with a crime know their rights when it comes to when they can be released from custody. Please know [...]
As most of us know, George Perry Floyd Jr. was a Black American man killed in May of this year during an arrest in Minneapolis, MN. The event was a tragedy that sparked countless protests throughout our country in the support of civil rights, the Black Lives Matter movement (“BLM”), and legislation to prevent and [...]
Computer crimes, or sometimes referred to as “cybercrimes,” are offenses that are committed on or via the use of the internet and computers. There are several of these crimes that are prosecuted in Washington State and they can take on a variety of different forms. They can also be charged in state court or federal [...]
An arrest and subsequent interrogation by police typically begins an accused’s exposure to the criminal justice system. Both acts, on the surface, appear relatively straight forward. For example: An arrest is the taking of a person into custody; and, An interrogation is when the police ask a suspect questions. While this is all true, both [...]
Prosecutors in the State of Washington can charge persons with a variety of different firearm crimes. Two of the most common include: Unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree; and, Unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. Both offenses are found under RCW 9.41.040. These charges are sometimes to referred to [...]
There are two general categories of crimes under Washington Law. These are felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are by far the more severe of the two categories. They are also categorized into three classes – A, B and C. While Washington misdemeanor cases are heard in District and Municipal Courts, felony cases are heard in Superior [...]
