U.S. law presumes all citizens are innocent until proven guilty. In the state of Washington, criminal defendants have a right to post bail after an arrest and await trial at home unless the charge is a violent or capital crime. If you are out on bail, you are free to...
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Criminal Defense
Can I refuse a breath test?
The sight of lights flashing in your rearview mirror can make anyone uneasy. Those nerves only increase when the police pull you over for suspected drunk driving. During such a tense moment, you might wonder if the law requires you to blow into a test. The rules, and...
What does it mean to have your record expunged?
In Washington, you can get qualifying criminal records expunged, or vacated, under certain circumstances. If you have faced a criminal investigation, charge or conviction, here is an overview of what you need to know about the expungement process. What are the...
Did the jury understand their instructions?
Their inexperience is part of what makes a jury valuable. The jury has nothing to gain or lose from the verdict, and jurors have very little experience with the criminal system. Ideally, jurors do not know anyone involved in the trial, and they can give an objective...
Is it possible to lift a restraining order?
Perhaps your partner has decided to end your relationship and seeks to restrict your ability to spend time with your child. You have received a notice of a hearing concerning the restraining order. You have no idea what this includes, and you wonder if it is possible...
Misconceptions about domestic violence charges
People facing a charge for domestic violence should not rely on what they think is common knowledge about this area of the law. There are a lot of widespread myths about domestic violence. Placing too much reliance on falsehoods about criminal charges could prevent...
Is there any way to make the consequences for a DUI less severe?
A DUI arrest can result in several serious hardships and long-term consequences. Washington’s penalties for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can involve hefty fines, license suspension, and jail time. Even if you do not have a strong defense to support...
Get the facts about Kitsap County treatment courts
If you face a pending substance-related charge such as driving under the influence in Kitsap County, you may qualify for the drug court treatment program. Participants must be willing to meet the requirements of this court-supervised route to treatment for substance...
Do you qualify for expungement to clear your criminal record?
A misdemeanor or felony conviction can set up roadblocks on the path to a satisfying and productive future. However, if you are eligible for expungement, that blot on your record can disappear. Understanding eligibility Though requirements differ from state to state,...
Protective orders are frequently misused
Things may not have been going well between you and your spouse, and you may have anticipated a long and combative divorce. However, when police arrived to enforce a protective order against you, you were probably shocked and confused. A protective order may have a...