Were you pulled over and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving? Like law enforcement officials in most states, Washington police officers more than likely carry a portable breath testing (PBT) machine to help them determine whether your blood alcohol level was above...
Year: 2016
How can you have your gun rights restored in Washington?
If you lost your constitutional right to bear arms due to being convicted of a crime, you may be wondering if, and when, you can legally own a gun again. The answer depends on the type of crime for which you were convicted and the time that has passed since your...
It was self-defense! You can still get charged with domestic violence
Many people fear the moment when an argument gets out of control and their partner suddenly becomes violent. They might try to hurt you or use a weapon and the only way to stop them is to use self-defense. Even if you acted out of self-defense you can still get...
Sitting in a parked car can result in a drugged driving DUI
Think twice about getting in your car while under the influence of drugs because you can get a drugged driving charge by simply sitting in the front seat. Driving under the influence of drugs is punishable with a DUI; but did you know that you can get a DUI without...
Domestic violence and gun ownership: an update on the recent Supreme Court decision
Domestic violence is a very sensitive subject in America. To be sure, surveys suggest the problem is widespread. But that doesn't mean cases resulting from ordinary arguments are the same as those involving intentional acts of harm. Given this distinction, can the...
Aggravated DUI charges should be taken seriously
A conviction for aggravated DUI can lead to the loss of driving privileges, serious fines and even jail time. Along with these severe penalties, an aggravated DUI offense can potentially damage your reputation and harm your career.In Washington, aggravating factors...
Gun ownership rights: Will there be more federal restrictions?
Gun laws in the U.S. are both complicated and controversial. Given all the storms and stresses of recent years, anxiety about further federal restrictions on legal gun ownership is understandable. To be sure, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in favor of...
Observations of driving impairment: What does it mean to ‘exhibit the effects’ of drugs?
For drunk driving, the .08 blood-alcohol standard for intoxication has been adopted in every state. For drugged driving, however, the question of what constitutes illegal impairment depends on the state and on the substance. In about a dozen states, drugged driving is...
Domestic violence charges: What types of behavior are included?
The term "domestic violence" is sometimes used as a synonym for assault or abuse. But it's also a legal term, with a precise definition under Washington law. The legal definition of domestic violence actually includes several different forms of conduct. What types of...
Restoration of firearms privileges in Washington state: Q & A
Washington State has a very detailed law on the restoration of the right to possess a firearm after those rights are post following certain criminal convictions. If you are concerned about getting your gun rights pack, it's important to know how these details apply to...