The Pierce County Court Resource Center (CRC) is designed to help individuals involved in the criminal justice system by offering free and low-cost services to support rehabilitation, compliance with court requirements, and successful reintegration into society. Many people who step into court every day—whether for a DUI, domestic violence charge, or other criminal matter—don’t realize […]

Why do law enforcement officers ask specific questions about strangulation in domestic violence cases? Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of domestic violence, often leaving little or no visible evidence while causing severe internal injuries or even delayed fatality. Officers are trained to ask pointed questions like, “Did the assailant put their hands […]

If you or someone you know has been charged with a misdemeanor in Tacoma, you may have heard about Tacoma Community Court. This program offers an alternative approach to traditional court proceedings by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Below, we’ve answered common questions to help you understand how Community Court works and whether […]

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 cases involving sensitive accusations like domestic violence. If you are accused of a crime […]

Understanding your rights when it comes to vehicle searches can be crucial. While the Fourth Amendment protects against arbitrary searches, exceptions apply when it comes to vehicles. Below is a Q&A guide to help you navigate these situations. What Does the Fourth Amendment Say About Searches? The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and […]

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 intentionality of the act and its impact on the victim. A recent Washington case […]

Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but understanding the steps to take afterward is essential for managing the situation and minimizing its impact on your life. Washington State has specific procedures and laws that apply to DUI cases, including consequences that affect your driver’s license, criminal record, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide for […]

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, including the suspension of your driver’s license. One question that frequently arises […]

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 criminal record is created when a person is arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. This information is recorded in various databases, including those maintained by the Washington State Patrol […]

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 issued in a Washington assault case, in which the court reversed […]