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https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Jay_Jax_subtle_red_white_and_green_color_scheme._Art_deco_style_9a2cb106-09b3-45bc-8fab-9fa4b535a413-300x300.pngEn el estado de Washington, las leyes relacionadas con la conducción en estado de ebriedad o intoxicación son rigurosas, y las consecuencias por conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol o drogas pueden ser significativas. A continuación, contestamos preguntas a situaciones frecuentes que una persona enfrentando una acusación de DUI puede tener.

¿Qué pasa apenas me detienen?

Se le dará una prueba de aliento, se recopilarán sus datos personales y se le informarán sus derechos legales. Existen posibles defensas si se le detuvo por alguna razón no justificada, la prueba se realizó inadecuadamente o no se le leyeron sus derechos, exploraremos estas más adelante.

¿Voy a ir a la cárcel?

Si esta es su primera ofensa de conducción en estado de ebriedad o drogadicción (enlace en inglés), probablemente no vaya a la cárcel. Sí puede ser que quede bajo custodia si es su segunda o tercera ofensa o si su nivel de alcohol en sangre superó 0.15. Si así fue, comparecerá ante un juez en las próximas 48 horas y este decidirá en qué condiciones dejarle en libertad y si deberá dejar fianza.

En su audiencia proxima. Aquí entran en juego posibilidades de defensa (enlace en inglés).

¿Qué defensas posibles existen?

Su abogado deberá determinar qué defensa es la apropiada para su caso específico. A grandes rasgos, defensas comunes incluyen cuestionar que el oficial tenía una razón legítima para pararlo, que el policía violó sus derechos civiles o que administró pruebas inadecuadamente.

¿Cuáles son las posibles consecuencias de ser encontrado culpable?

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https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Jay_Jax_subtle_red_white_and_blue_color_scheme._Art_deco_style._d4982c78-aaca-46c0-98cd-065840a50741-300x300.pngIn the field of healthcare, personalized medicine is revolutionizing treatment approaches by tailoring medical interventions to an individual’s genetic makeup. Pharmacogenetics, a key component of personalized medicine, focuses on how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to medications. This article aims to provide an overview understanding of pharmacogenetics and suggest some considerations in making informed decisions about seeking out this form of treatment. By exploring the benefits, limitations, and implications of pharmacogenetics, readers will be better informed to navigate this field and potentially optimize their treatment outcomes.

Pharmacogenetics involves studying the interplay between an individual’s genetic variations and their response to medications. Genetic variations can influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and susceptibility to adverse reactions. By analyzing specific genes related to drug metabolism and response, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into how an individual may react to certain medications. This knowledge helps guide treatment decisions, enabling personalized medicine that takes into account an individual’s unique genetic profile.

Deciding whether to seek out pharmacogenetic treatment requires careful consideration of several factors. The following steps can aid in making an informed decision:

  1. Assess Medical History: Evaluate your medical history, including previous medication experiences and any challenges faced in finding effective treatments. If you have a complex medical condition or have experienced adverse reactions to medications, pharmacogenetic testing may provide valuable insights.
  2. Consult Healthcare Professionals: Engage in open discussions with healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, or genetic counselors, who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances. They can help you understand the potential benefits and limitations of pharmacogenetic testing in your specific case.
  3. Evaluate Medication Trial and Error: If you have endured a lengthy process of trial and error with various medications, pharmacogenetic testing can streamline the treatment journey by providing information on which medications are more likely to be effective based on your genetic profile.

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https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/jamesjlwhite_art_deco_style._Subtle_red_white_and_blue_color_sc_6ef22af6-88ee-4c0d-ac59-83fb00873d97-300x300.pngThe Washington courts staunchly prosecute crimes involving domestic violence, including violations of domestic violence no contact orders. Thus, if a person found guilty of violating such an order has prior domestic violence convictions, it may result in an increased offender score, which in turn can lead to greater penalties. The state must offer sufficient evidence to prove a prior conviction was for a crime of domestic violence in order to justify an increased offender score, though, as discussed in a recent Washington opinion. If you are accused of committing a crime of domestic violence, it is wise to contact a Tacoma domestic violence defense attorney to discuss your options for protecting your rights.

Procedural Background

It is reported that the defendant was charged with and found guilty of violating a domestic violence no-contact order, which was graded as a felony. The trial court sentenced him to 33 months of confinement based on an offender score of five, which included a 2012 conviction for misdemeanor assault, domestic violence. The defendant appealed his judgment and sentence, arguing that the 2012 conviction should not have been included in his offender score as the state had failed to show that domestic violence had been pleaded and proved.

Allegedly, the trial court agreed with the defendant’s argument and remanded the case for resentencing. At the resentencing hearing, the state produced evidence showing that the 2012 conviction qualified for inclusion in the defendant’s offender score based on domestic violence being both pleaded and proved. As such, the trial court reinstated the defendant’s 33-month sentence, and he appealed again. Continue reading

https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Jay_Jax_subtle_red_white_and_blue_color_scheme._Art_deco_style._0cbd3104-3210-41e4-91a7-af7ac2dff0d3-300x300.pngIn order to convict a person for a Tacoma Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the prosecution must demonstrate that the person operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit or while under the influence of an intoxicant. To do so, the prosecution will usually rely on the results of a chemical test establishing the person’s blood alcohol level. If chemical tests are conducted too long after an alleged DUI offense occurred, though, the results of the test may be inadequate to demonstrate guilt. Recently, a Washington court discussed what constitutes sufficient evidence to establish that a defendant committed a DUI crime in a case in which it ultimately upheld the defendant’s conviction. If you are charged with a DUI crime, it is critical to speak to a Tacoma DUI defense attorney about your possible defenses.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant consumed multiple alcoholic beverages during brunch with his wife before visiting a boat museum. On the way home, he crashed his vehicle with his wife in the passenger seat, resulting in her death. The state charged him with vehicular homicide. During the trial, the state presented evidence that the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit within two hours of the accident.

It is reported that the state argued that even though the defendant’s blood was drawn more than two hours after the crash, an expert used retrograde extrapolation to demonstrate the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration within two hours of the accident, which led to his conviction. The defendant appealed the decision, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Continue reading

https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/jamesjlwhite_Art_deco_style._subtle_red_white_and_blue_colors.__58df2932-3af3-47e6-a80c-a9777139fc2d-300x300.pngIn Tacoma, Washington assault cases, defendants do not have to offer a defense or otherwise establish that they did not commit the charged offense. In many instances, though, a defendant will argue that the actions out of which their charges arose were taken in self-defense and, therefore, were lawful. If the State disproves a defendant’s self-defense argument beyond a reasonable doubt, however, the defendant may be found guilty. Recently, in the Court of Appeals in Tacoma, Washington, the court discussed what evidence is needed to demonstrate that the use of force was lawful in a matter in which it affirmed a juvenile’s adjudication of guilt for assault. If you are charged with an assault offense, it is advisable to meet with a Tacoma assault crime defense attorney to evaluate your options.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant and the victim were both high school students. The defendant was approximately 200 pounds lighter than the victim, but both appeared to be in reasonably fit condition. They had a verbal altercation, during which the defendant called the victim a gay slur, and the victim stated he was gay.

Reportedly, they had a second encounter later in the day that escalated into a physical altercation. The victim approached the defendant and slapped him on the arm, after which the two fell to the ground. The victim was striking the defendant when the defendant pulled a knife out of his pocket and stabbed the victim repeatedly. The defendant was charged with assault in the first degree. During the trial, he argued he acted in self-defense. The judge rejected the defense and found him guilty of assault in the second degree, and he appealed. Continue reading

https://www.smithandwhite.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jamesjlwhite_subtle_red_white_and_blue_color_scheme._Art_deco_s_8b558ad5-2b3a-4c22-aa03-e60c945a6fce-300x300.pngIn Washington criminal matters, the State bears the burden of showing, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the charged offense. The State can rely on direct and circumstantial evidence to prove its case. Generally, any evidence that is relevant is admissible as long as it does not confuse or mislead the jury and is not overly prejudicial. Recently, a Washington court discussed whether the use of expert testimony in criminal matters is permissible in a case in which the defendant appealed his conviction for assault. If you are accused of assaulting another person, it is smart to talk to a Tacoma assault crime defense attorney to determine what evidence the State may use against you.

Background of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant and his girlfriend had a tumultuous relationship. One evening when the girlfriend was at the defendant’s house, they had a disagreement. The girlfriend attempted to leave, but the defendant locked her out of the house without her possessions or car keys. The girlfriend then laid in the bed of the defendant’s truck, and when the defendant saw her, he began grabbing her to attempt to get her to leave.

Reportedly, the defendant placed his arms around the girlfriend’s neck until she began to see spots. She told the defendant she could not breathe, and he eventually let her go. Two days later, the defendant was charged with second degree assault by strangulation. During his trial, the State filed a motion to admit testimony from a medical expert regarding how strangulation happens and what issues are common following strangulation. The defendant objected to the motion, but the court granted it despite his objections. He was convicted, after which he appealed. Continue reading

soldier-in-court-300x300Los veteranos que sirvieron nuestro país con valentía y dedicación merecen el más alto respeto y apoyo. Tristemente, la población de veteranos en nuestro país y en nuestro estado a veces entran en problemas legales graves causadas por el trauma de su servicio militar, y no saben dónde buscar el apoyo que necesitan para afrontar y superar este obstáculo en sus vidas.

La función del Tribunal de Tratamiento para Veteranos

En gratitud por su servicio, y con reconocimiento de la severidad de sus desafíos, el estado de Washington creó varios tribunales dedicados exclusivamente a los asuntos penales que involucran a los veteranos. El tribunal de veteranos para el Condado de Pierce se encuentra en Tacoma (enlace en inglés).

silencio-300x300Es esencial saber cómo invocar sus derechos después de un arresto

Cualquier persona en este país – no solo los ciudadanos – tiene ciertos derechos durante una interacción con la policía, la corte, u otra parte del sistema judicial. Las Quinta y Sexta Enmiendas de la Constitución existen para dar a usted las armas que puede usar para defenderse contra las acusaciones penales. Pero estas armas no son automáticas; no tienen ningún efecto si usted no las sabe invocar correctamente.

Los derechos que usted tiene después de ser arrestado

Cuando usted está detenido por la policía, cualquier cosa que usted dice se puede usar contra de usted por el fiscal durante los procedimientos criminales. En un momento de alta adrenalina, es fácil incriminarse diciendo algo que le puede arruinar por completo la defensa contra los cargos. Es por esto que la Constitución le da a usted el derecho de guardar silencio.

Por suerte, usted no tiene que enfrentar el sistema judicial solo. Usted también tiene el derecho de tener un abogado a su lado durante cualquier interrogación policial y en casi todos los procedimientos en la corte, que lo puede aconsejar en cómo contestar a las preguntas y qué no decir para evitar de incriminarse. Continue reading

Mexico-Language-300x300Es el idioma una defensa en un caso de DUI? La barrera del idioma se puede usar como defensa en un caso de DUI en el estado de Washington si el acusado puede demostrar que la barrera le impidió comprender las consecuencias de sus acciones o las instrucciones que le dio la policía. Esta defensa se puede plantear en varios contextos diferentes, tales como:

Durante el arresto: si el acusado no entendió las instrucciones que le dio el oficial que lo arrestó, como los derechos Miranda, se podría argumentar que no renunció a sus derechos a sabiendas y voluntariamente.

Durante la prueba química: si el acusado no entendió las instrucciones que se le dieron sobre cómo realizar la prueba química (prueba de aliento o de sangre), o las consecuencias de rechazar la prueba, se podría argumentar que no se sometió a sabiendas y voluntariamente. a la prueba

Durante los procedimientos judiciales: si el acusado no comprende los cargos que se le imputan o los procedimientos judiciales, se podría argumentar que no puede ayudar de manera efectiva en su propia defensa.

Es importante tener en cuenta que la defensa de la barrera del idioma no tiene éxito automáticamente solo porque el acusado no habla inglés como su primer idioma. El acusado tendría que demostrar que la barrera del idioma en realidad les impidió comprender la información relevante en su caso.

Además, es importante tener en cuenta que la defensa de la barrera del idioma se puede usar junto con otras defensas de DUI, como cuestionar la legalidad del arresto o la precisión de la prueba química. Un abogado podría aconsejarle sobre la mejor defensa para usar en un caso específico.

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Una abogada de defensa criminal de Tacoma me dijo: para una persona que fue arrestada por primera vez, puede ser extraordinariamente estresante pensar a los efetos negativos que ese arresto podría tener en el resto de su vida. Es verdad que un antecedente penal puede limitar las oportunidades futuras, como la capacidad de obtener ciertos trabajos, la admisión a las instituciones académicas, la oportunidad de recibir becas, y mucho más.

Para una persona que tiene un arresto o acusación penal en su registro penal, ¿hay esperanza de poder seguir adelante en la vida a pesar de los límites de un historial penal?

La supresión de antecedentes

La buena noticia para los acusados es que, bajo ciertas circunstancias, hay una herramienta legal que se puede usar para impedir que los antecedentes penales tengan un efecto en su vida. Este proceso se llama la supresión de antecedentes.

Si usted manda una solicitud por la supresión de antecedentes, y su ofensa penal califica bajo la ley, la agencia de policía – o una corte – puede ordenar que sus antecedentes penales sean sellados. En la mayoría de los casos, los antecedentes penales sellados no aparecen cuando alguien – como un empleador potencial – haga una revisión de antecedentes o una investigación penal sobre usted. Continue reading

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