Bremerton Criminal Law Blog

Winding down your driver's-side car window with a uniformed police officer standing on the other side of it can be an extremely stressful experience. If the officer asks if you realize how fast you were traveling, what should you say? If he or she asks you to step out of your vehicle, does it mean you're going to jail? There is really no way to predict what the ultimate outcome of such situations might be. It may wind up hinging on the officer's word against yours. 

However, whether you're driving in Washington or some other state, certain traffic laws or criminal laws might vary, but other regulations are the same, such as the fact that a police officer who intends to question you under custody must inform you of your Miranda rights. It's critical that you understand these issues and know where to seek support if a problem arises.  

If a Washington police officer pulls you over because he or she thinks you have been driving under the influence of alcohol, there are certain things you should know regarding your rights and what the legal implications of a Breathalyzer test might be. Breathalyzer is the brand name of a breath analysis device authorities use to make a preliminary assessment of the amount of alcohol in your system when they suspect you of driving under the influence. Refusing a Breathalyzer or other chemical test can have major repercussions. 

In most states, if you test at .08 blood alcohol content or higher on a Breathalyzer, the law presumes you are intoxicated and therefore prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. However, so much can go wrong with Breathalyzer tests, and if the device the test giver used on you was not properly calibrated, it can skew the test results, which can land you in a heap of legal trouble. It's always good to be prepared to defend yourself by knowing your rights and how to access support in a pinch. 

Whether you've been a firearms enthusiast for years or are a new gun owner in Washington, you are likely aware of many requirements and laws that govern the possession, buying and selling, and use of firearms. Hopefully, you researched both federal and state laws ahead of time to avoid running into any type of legal problem.

The federal government has limited oversight on gun possession. Most laws exist at state level. However, such laws often vary from state to state (and can change as well) so it's crucial that you not only learn the gun laws in Washington but look into regulations in surrounding regions or any state you plan to enter while carrying a gun. Air transportation officials also regulate your ability to fly on planes with firearms or gun components. It's always best to thoroughly research these before you board a flight.

There's no denying it — if someone claims a spouse has been abusive, people are going to listen. There have been too many tragic stories of victims of domestic abuse who met violent ends after someone ignored their cries for help. Because of this, authorities generally give the benefit of the doubt to the accuser and assume the worst of the accused.

If your spouse has told authorities that you committed domestic abuse, you may find yourself in a delicate and terrifying situation. The odds are against you, and you may already be seeing the effects of the false accusations. People may be treating you differently, friends may avoid you and your job may be on the line. The worst consequence may be your separation from your children.