A DUI stop disrupts a person's life in seconds, yet an arrest does not always lead to a conviction. Prosecutors still carry a heavy burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Even a small mistake during a police investigation can create major gaps in the state's...
A misdemeanor may seem less serious than a felony. However, some misdemeanor convictions can still affect your right to own or possess a gun in Washington. Whether you lose that right depends on the offense, when it happened and which laws apply. In some cases, you...
A domestic violence charge can disrupt your freedom, your work and your relationship with your children. Perhaps the fear of jail or losing parenting time also makes every choice feel urgent. If you face this accusation, recognizing common errors can help you protect...
Most gun charges in Washington stay in state court. But certain actions trigger federal jurisdiction and bring much harsher penalties. Here's when that shift happens. Crossing state lines with a firearm Federal law steps in the moment a gun crosses a state border...
If you face a DUI charge in Washington, one of your biggest concerns may be whether you can keep your driver's license. A DUI can trigger both criminal penalties and administrative consequences that affect your driving privileges. Understanding what may happen to your...
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can make you anxious about what comes next. You may worry about what would happen to your driver's license and your job. You may also wonder if it is possible to resolve the case through a plea agreement. The answer can help...
Facing accusations of domestic violence when you are innocent can feel overwhelming and frightening. In Washington, these charges carry grave consequences that could affect your freedom, reputation and future. Understanding your options and taking the right steps...
In Washington, law enforcement can charge you for physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. This carries the same heavy penalties as a standard driving under the influence (DUI) charge. The law does not look at whether you were driving the vehicle. What...
Imagine you work security at a busy hospital. A threat appears and you draw your firearm to protect the building. Then during the chaos, you fire once. Recoil jerks the muzzle and a bystander suffers a wound. The injured person might still sue you, but they cannot...
Courts don’t accept every breath test result. In a DUI case, the law sets clear rules for how officers must handle and present those results. When they break those rules, the court can strike the evidence. Here are three reasons that can happen. The officer didn’t...