Yes. A statute of limitations sets the deadline for the state to initiate criminal prosecution after an alleged offense. Its purpose is to ensure timely investigations, preserve evidence, and protect defendants from facing charges long after a criminal act took place. Under Washington law, the statute of limitations for misdemeanors is one to two years, [...]
If you’ve been charged with a property crime in Washington, you might hear terms like theft or burglary used interchangeably. But under Washington law, these are not the same thing. While both involve unlawfully taking or attempting to take something that is not yours, the legal definitions - and potential consequences - are quite different. Please [...]
In Washington State, stealing a car is not always charged the same way. Depending on the circumstances, a person may face charges for theft of a motor vehicle or for taking a motor vehicle without permission - a crime often referred to as "joyriding." While both crimes involve the unauthorized use of a car, Washington [...]
Federal law makes it a crime for you to try to influence a juror by a written communication (for example, an email). The offense is punishable by six months in federal prison. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you or a loved one has been charged with a federal offense. What is [...]
In Washington State, second-degree vehicle prowling involves unlawfully entering or remaining inside a vehicle (other than a motor home or certain types of boats) with the intent to commit a crime against a person or property within that vehicle. The crime is a gross misdemeanor (as opposed to a felony) that is punishable by up [...]
Under Washington law, you commit the crime of prowling in the first degree if you enter or remain unlawfully in a motor home, or a vessel equipped with a cabin, with the intent to commit a crime. First degree prowling is a felony offense (as opposed to a misdemeanor) punishable by up to five years [...]
When a homicide occurs, one of the first legal questions is: what kind of murder charge applies? In Washington State, murder is primarily classified into two degrees, first-degree and second-degree, each carrying serious consequences. But the difference between the two often comes down to intent, planning, and circumstances. Here’s what you need to know. First-Degree [...]
Federal law says that you are guilty of identity theft if you use someone else's personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. A conviction of identity theft is punishable by confinement in federal prison and potential fines (possibly reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars). Please contact a criminal defense attorney now if you are [...]
In Washington State, theft is classified into three degrees based primarily on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft. Each degree carries different penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you or someone you know is facing theft charges, understanding the distinctions between the degrees of theft is crucial. [...]
Washington law acknowledges two degrees of arson. These are arson in the first degree and arson in the second degree. You commit second degree arson in Washington if you knowingly and maliciously cause a fire or explosion which damages a particular structure or object, like a building, motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft. Arson in the [...]
