Most sexual offense cases are prosecuted under state law. However, in certain circumstances, sexual misconduct can be charged as a federal crime. One such offense is abusive sexual contact, a crime that punishes certain forms of non-consensual sexual touching. Although abusive sexual contact doesn’t involve penetration, it’s still considered a serious federal sex offense that [...]
No, not all the time. Consent can be a defense to certain rape charges in Washington, but it doesn’t work as viable defense under every set of facts. In some situations, the law treats consent as invalid or irrelevant. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you’re facing any type of sex crime. [...]
If you are charged with a crime in Washington, the State may seek to add a “sexual motivation” enhancement to the underlying offense. In Washington, a sexual motivation enhancement can significantly increase the consequences of a conviction. This is true even if the underlying charge is not a sex offense. For anyone facing criminal charges [...]
Under federal law, it’s a crime not only to commit extortion or threatening conduct, but also to receive, possess, conceal, or dispose of money or other property obtained through extortion when you know it was unlawfully obtained. If convicted of receiving the proceeds of extortion, you can face up to three years in federal prison. [...]
Quite possibly, yes. When someone in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington obtains an anti-harassment order against another person, it’s not just a civil document. The order carries serious legal consequences if the restrained person violates it. One of these consequences is, in fact, possible time in jail. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now [...]
With protests frequently making headlines across the country and here in Seattle, many residents are asking an important and nuanced legal question: Can you legally carry a concealed firearm while participating in a public protest in Washington? The short answer is maybe - but with important exceptions and legal risks. Understanding Washington’s firearm laws and [...]
Washington is generally considered a gun-friendly state, but that doesn’t mean you can legally carry a concealed firearm without following specific rules. In fact, many otherwise law-abiding people end up facing serious criminal charges simply because they misunderstood Washington’s concealed carry laws. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you’re being charged with [...]
In the United States, citizenship is one of the most important legal statuses a person can hold. It carries with it fundamental rights, from voting in federal elections to the ability to live and work without immigration restrictions, and it also comes with legal responsibilities. Because of its significance, the federal government strictly regulates how [...]
If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Washington, you may be wondering whether an appeal means you get a new trial. It’s a common and understandable question - especially for defendants in Seattle facing serious criminal consequences. The short answer is not usually. An appeal and a retrial are very different things and understanding [...]
If you’ve learned that law enforcement is investigating you (but no charges have been filed yet) you may be in the middle of what’s known as a pre-charge investigation. For many people in Seattle and across Washington, this stage is confusing and stressful because everything feels uncertain. Understanding the possible outcomes of a pre-charge investigation [...]
