When you are involved in any kind of criminal law issue, information is a vital resource in defending your best interests. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can fight your charges and explore opportunities to minimize, beat or dismiss your charges, all while getting the information you need along the way. Instead […]

(And What You Need to Know If You Live in Tacoma or Pierce County) Clearing a criminal record is a powerful step toward a better future—but it can also feel confusing and frustrating. In Washington State, there are two key legal processes that can help: expungement and vacation of conviction records. These tools can give […]

During a criminal trial, prosecutors must ensure that their arguments remain within constitutional limits, particularly when commenting on the absence of defense evidence, and if they fail to do so, the defendant may have grounds for challenging the results of their trial. The standard courts apply when evaluating alleged prosecutorial misconduct is narrow, however, as […]

Mental health sentencing alternatives (MHSA) are designed to provide therapeutic interventions for defendants with serious mental illness, but they carry stringent compliance requirements and judicial oversight. A recent Washington case explored the balance between a defendant’s obligations and the responsibilities of third parties such as community corrections officers and treatment providers. If you face sentencing […]

If you have a previous DUI on your record, you might already be familiar with the process.  However, what you might not know is that there is a mandatory minimum sentence for all levels of DUI for a second offense. Under RCW 46.61.5055, all DUI offenses have a jail requirement.  This mandatory minimum sentence requires […]

How to Vacate a Conviction in Tacoma, WA: Clearing Your Criminal Record After Sentence Completion Just because you’ve served your sentence doesn’t mean the punishment is over. Criminal convictions—especially for gross misdemeanors and felonies—can follow you long after probation or jail time ends. They may appear on background checks, limit your ability to secure employment […]

Being accused of a crime can be a daunting and life-changing experience. The possibility of incarceration, either in jail or in prison, may weigh heavily on the accused and their loved ones. However, several legal strategies can be employed to reduce or eliminate the possibility of jail time. There are a number of ways the […]

All of us are taught at a very young age that all Americans have certain rights. We are also taught that no American is denied these rights. However, after you were convicted of a crime you found out that there was indeed an exception to this rule. There is a class of people that are […]

All of us are taught at a very young age that all Americans have certain rights. We are also taught that no American is denied these rights. However, after you were convicted of a crime you found out that there was indeed an exception to this rule. There is a class of people that are […]

What should I do after I have just shot someone? As an attorney, I am often asked this question in my practice. Mostly this comes from fellow gun owners who, like me, carry a gun for self-defense. They have trained on what to do during the encounter, how to act non-confrontational, how not to draw […]