In criminal cases, evidence of past actions is not always admissible, especially if it risks prejudicing the jury against the defendant. As demonstrated in a recent Washington court decision, this principle plays a crucial role in ensuring fair trials, particularly in...
In Washington, assault charges do not always arise out of one person striking or hitting another. Instead, they can be based on conduct deemed offensive under the law. When reviewing convictions arising out of such charges convictions, courts consider both the...
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in the Evergreen State, as it is across the United States. Suppose you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration that exceeds the legal limit. In that case, you can face legal consequences,...
Q: What is a criminal record, and how is it created in Washington State? A: A criminal record is an official document that contains information about an individual's criminal history, including arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. In Washington State, a...
If you're seeking a civil protection order in Washington State, the process can feel overwhelming. As experienced attorney based in Pierce County, we offer professional services to guide you through every step of obtaining a protection order. Here’s an overview of...
In Tacoma, there are numerous assault crimes of varying degrees, and each offense requires the State to establish different elements. If the State fails to meet this burden, it should not be able to sustain a conviction. This was demonstrated in a recent opinion...
When determining an appropriate sentence for a person convicted of an assault offense, the Washington courts will, among other things, calculate the person’s offender score. Numerous factors can impact the score, including whether the person has prior convictions for...
In Washington, in order to convict a person of driving while under the influence of alcohol, the State must offer evidence sufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While the State can use circumstantial evidence to meet this burden, it cannot rely on...