Q: What defines unlawful imprisonment in Tacoma, WA? A: Unlawful imprisonment in Tacoma occurs when a person knowingly restrains another without legal authority, hindering their freedom of movement. This crime is classified as a Class C felony under RCW 9A.40.040, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The statute […]

What exactly is probable cause in Washington State? Probable cause is a legal standard used in the United States, including Tacoma, WA, that requires a reasonable basis for believing that a person has committed a crime. It’s a crucial concept in the criminal justice system that guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, as protected under […]

In many cases in which a person is arrested due to suspicion of DUI, the arresting officer will ask the person to submit to a blood or breath test. If the person refuses to undergo chemical testing after he or she is arrested, evidence of the refusal can be submitted at trial to establish the […]

In Tacoma, Washington, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while impaired due to alcohol, and anyone who does so may face criminal charges. In most instances, the State will possess direct evidence that a person charged with a DUI crime was operating the vehicle while allegedly under the influence. If they do not, however, […]

It is not uncommon for the Washington courts to issue no-contact orders, preventing people from interacting with their victims. If a person subject to a no-contact order subsequently violates its terms, they may be charged with a crime.  They can also have their bail increased on any pending matters or be given jail time on […]

One of the tenets of the criminal justice system is the right to a trial before an impartial and fair jury of one’s peers. As such, if a juror demonstrates a bias, it is unlikely that they will be seated on the jury. If they are and the defendant is subsequently convicted, they may have […]

Many Washington drivers have a baseline understanding of what a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction might mean for their personal freedoms. The potential penalties a judge could impose may include incarceration, fines and probation. Will Your License Be Suspended After a DUI Conviction in Washington? It is also quite common for the courts to […]

In Washington criminal matters, evidence of prior bad acts and crimes is typically considered inadmissible due to concerns about prejudice. However, the state recognizes exceptions to this general rule and allows the introduction of such evidence for specific and limited purposes. One recognized exception is when the evidence is deemed “inextricably intertwined” with the underlying […]

Under Washington law, in order to convict a person of an assault offense, the prosecution has to prove each element of the crime. This does not necessarily mean that they must prove the defendant’s mental status at the time the crime was committed, however, as many assault offenses do not include an element of intent. […]

In Washington, a defendant can be convicted of DUI crimes based on circumstantial evidence, such as the result of field sobriety testing, or direct evidence, such as a BAC level. Regardless of the character of the evidence presented, the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence that the defendant was operating a vehicle while under the influence […]