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If you have been charged with assault or another violent crime in Washington, you may be wondering whether you can argue that you acted in self-defense. In many situations, Washington law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from harm. When supported by the facts, self-defense can be a powerful defense [...]
Being accused of theft can be overwhelming and stressful. In many cases, people immediately wonder whether returning an item or paying it back can make the situation disappear. A person accused of shoplifting, taking property from a workplace, or being involved in another theft-related offense may think that giving the property back automatically erases [...]
Being arrested for domestic violence in Seattle can be stressful, confusing, and frightening. Many people are surprised to learn that a domestic violence arrest often starts a legal process that continues even if the alleged victim later changes their mind or wants the case dropped. A domestic violence allegation can have consequences that extend far [...]
Most people think of shoplifting as a minor state-level offense handled in local courts. In many situations, that is true. In Washington, shoplifting cases are typically prosecuted under state theft laws and may range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of the merchandise and the circumstances involved. However, there are situations where [...]
If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, one of the first questions you may have is: What if I didn’t even know the drugs were there? That question goes to the heart of a powerful legal concept known as “knowledge.” Under Washington law, the prosecution generally must prove that [...]
If you’ve been convicted of a sex offense in Washington, one of the most common and serious questions is whether you can legally possess a firearm. The short answer is: “in most cases, no.” But like many areas of criminal law, the details matter and the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe. [...]
A DUI arrest in Washington often brings an immediate and urgent question: am I going to lose my license? For many Seattle drivers, the ability to drive is tied directly to work, family responsibilities, and daily life. The answer is not always straightforward. In Washington, you can lose your license after a DUI, but [...]
With Seattle’s deep connection to maritime activity - from commercial shipping to recreational boating - federal laws protecting vessels are actively enforced in the region. One such law involves “tampering with vessels,” a serious federal offense that can lead to significant criminal penalties. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you are [...]
Not necessarily, no. When many people hear the term “domestic violence,” they assume it only applies to disputes between spouses. Under Washington law, however, the definition is much broader. Domestic violence charges can arise from a wide range of relationships - not just marriages or romantic partnerships. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney [...]
Under Washington criminal law, offenses are often categorized based on the defendant’s mental state. A “specific intent crime” is one such type of offense, and a conviction of these crimes requires the prosecution to prove not only that you committed an act, but that you did so with a particular purpose or objective in [...]
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