Washington courts rely, in part, on the convicted party’s offender score when determining sentences for people convicted of crimes under Washington law. Following recent changes in the law, such scores cannot include juvenile adjudications, but as discussed in a recent Washington DUI case, the amendment to the law does not apply retroactively. If you are […]

Under Washington law, the prosecution bears the burden of proof in criminal trials. The State is permitted to use various means to establish a defendant’s guilt, including, in some instances, business records, which include recorded phone calls. As discussed in a recent Washington domestic violence case, however, such records are only admissible if their authenticity […]

Under Washington law, the penalties for DUI crimes increase with each subsequent offense. Similarly, a 3rd or subsequent court order violation (both protection orders and no contact orders) can raise that allegation to the level of a felony.  Notably, prior offenses include not only DUI (and court order) convictions in Washington but also those from […]

In the high-stakes, adversarial arena of legal defense, the intensity of the courtroom can often lead to heated exchanges and fierce competition. However, amidst this battlefield, the significance of maintaining a professional and cordial tone with opposing counsel cannot be overstated. It not only upholds the decorum and dignity of the legal process but also […]

Understanding the jury trial process from the defense’s point of view is crucial for any defendant in Tacoma, WA. This guide is designed to be easy to understand and provides an overview of what a defendant should expect throughout each stage of the trial. 1. Motions in Limine What Happens: Motions in limine are legal […]

There are several ways that our Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers can work to get your case dismissed. These include: Lack of probable cause: If the police did not have a valid reason to stop, detain or arrest the defendant, the case may be dismissed. This could occur if the police did not have probable cause […]

Q: What are the key qualities of an effective criminal defense attorney? A: The best criminal defense attorneys are characterized by their extensive legal knowledge, experience in local courts, strong negotiation skills, and a deep commitment to defending their clients’ rights. They should also be excellent communicators, both in explaining the legal process to their […]

Q: How do criminal allegations impact enlisted service members differently than civilians? A: Enlisted service members face unique challenges when they are accused of a crime. Not only do they have to deal with the civilian legal system, but they also face repercussions under the military justice system. This can lead to a double set […]

Q: What constitutes a felony violation of a no-contact order in Tacoma, WA?RCW 10.99.040 A: In Washington state, including Tacoma, a violation of a no-contact order typically becomes a felony if the individual has two or more prior convictions for violating similar orders. If the individual does not have prior convictions, such violations are usually treated […]

Q: What happens to a no-contact order when a domestic violence case is dismissed in Tacoma, WA? A: When a domestic violence case is dismissed in Tacoma, WA, any associated no-contact orders are automatically lifted. This is because the court loses jurisdiction over the individual once the case is dismissed, removing the legal basis for […]