If you have been convicted by a court martial, it is important to know that a guilty verdict does not always mark the final chapter in your case. The military justice system includes several avenues for review that may...
Trusted Legal Counsel In Everett And Beyond
Criminal Defense
Does Washington ever dismiss pending DUI charges?
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges may follow traffic stops or car crashes. People who appear visibly intoxicated or fail chemical tests are at risk of charges that carry jail time, fines and driver's license...
Do you have to let the police inside your home?
If a police officer comes to your house, knocks on your door and asks to come inside, you do not have to let them enter. In most cases, that officer needs your consent. They may say they just want to take a look around or...
Impaired driving does not always involve alcohol
Drinking and driving leads to the majority of DUI arrests in Florida. It is very common for people to drink too much alcohol and still try to drive their car, and many of these people are arrested when the officers see...
When can a judge reject a plea agreement?
When someone has been charged with a crime, it’s unlikely that they’ll have a trial, with their fate being decided by a jury. Defendants have the option of taking the case to trial. However, in most instances, unless a...
Can law enforcement search my car during a traffic stop?
Few sights elicit the sinking feeling you get when you see red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror. For a few moments, you hope they’ll pass you, but it soon becomes obvious you are their intended target. You...
Can prosecutors use your online messages?
In Washington, prosecutors may use your online messages as evidence. Courts review these communications under specific legal standards before deciding whether to admit them. If you send texts, emails or social media posts,...
The true implications of paying a speeding ticket
A traffic ticket or citation is effectively an accusation that a driver broke the law. Police officers who witness traffic infractions can conduct targeted traffic stops. Those investigating a crash can also determine that...
How to tell police you’re exercising your right to stay silent
When the police tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, take it seriously. This warning is not just a formality. What you say next can come back to haunt you, even if you think you’re...
Reasonable suspicion for a drunk driving traffic stop
Police officers need a valid reason for conducting a traffic stop. This can come from several different things, including broken traffic laws. In some cases, the officer conducts the traffic stop because they have...
3 reasons drivers get arrested for DUIs in Washington
Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are more serious than minor traffic infractions. They result in criminal charges rather than just citations. Those accused of impaired driving are at risk of probation, jail time...
Is theft a felony or misdemeanor in Washington?
Property crimes involving theft are some of the most common criminal offenses. People may end up accused of shoplifting or stealing from a neighbor. When a business or individual notifies the authorities about an alleged...
When is a prescription deemed valid in Washington State?
Drug charges can have severe ramifications for those found guilty. This does not only apply to consumers or distributors, even persons authorized to dispense medications can face criminal charges for improperly handling...
How chain of custody errors can affect your criminal charges
For evidence to be admissible in court, there must be a clear chain of custody. This refers to the documentation of who handled the evidence from when it was collected to its presentation in court. The whole point is to...
Is a plea deal the best you can do?
Plea agreements or deals are far more common in criminal cases than trials are. It’s estimated that 98% of federal cases and 95% of state-level cases are resolved that way. A plea deal can be beneficial for a lot of...
Potential defenses for theft charges
Although facing theft charges can be daunting, several potential defenses can be used. Understanding these defenses is crucial for crafting a strong legal strategy. Here are some common defenses against theft charges. Lack...
How could the reclassification of marijuana affect its legality?
There appears to be some long-awaited movement in the effort to get marijuana reclassified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III. Advocates, including a number of political...
3 common types of white-collar crimes in Washington
Washington experiences its fair share of white-collar crime activities that threaten the integrity of businesses, financial institutions and individuals' trust in the system. White-collar criminals target financial assets,...
Examples of identity theft
Many serious crimes involve the use of violence and physical contact. Nonetheless, violence and physicality are not required for all serious crimes. With advancing technology, there has been a rise in criminal activities...
Can the police search my property without a warrant?
The police are trained to maintain law and order. Part of this involves executing arrests and securing evidence of a crime. However, if the police enter your home illegally, they cannot use any evidence they obtain...
Reasons not to talk to the police
The role of police officers is to prevent and investigate crime. They have a duty to protect innocent people. For the most part, this is exactly what they do. So, is it safe to talk to them? There is a difference between...
3 components of the standardized field sobriety test
When a police officer initiates a traffic stop for the suspicion of drunk driving, they have to figure out what’s going on. They have several tools that they can use to determine whether a driver is impaired or not. They...
Penalties for a first DUI in Washington State
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in all 50 U.S. states, including Washington. Those caught and convicted of a DUI for the first time may face various penalties. Knowing the...
Organized retail theft is not shoplifting
Some people here in Washington and throughout the country have taken shoplifting to a whole new level. Thanks in part to the organizing power of social media, large numbers of people have descended on everything from home...
Why a Washington DUI is a concern for military servicemembers
Military servicemembers, like everyone else in Washington, can end up arrested for seemingly victimless crimes. Driving under the influence (DUI) arrests often occur during traffic stops, which means that they may take...
You’re facing an Article 32 hearing: What should you expect?
As military personnel, if you’re accused of committing a crime your case will need to be heard by the General Court Martial. Before a case reaches this point, however, an investigation will need to have taken place. This is...
Why people fight reckless driving charges in Washington
People too often treat traffic offenses like they don't really matter. The average adult in Washington will admit to violating traffic laws on a regular basis. Many people habitually exceed the posted speed limit, drive...
2 costly DUI mistakes to avoid when pulled over by police
Let’s get this out of the way: driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is both wrong and reckless. Even if you are not found and charged, drunk driving endangers your life, your car occupant’s lives as well as the...
What are my defense options when charged with evading arrest?
Being pursued by law enforcement can be a frightening experience. It is not uncommon for most to people panic when they notice that the police are coming after them. This explains why many opt to take off to avoid an...
Understanding Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
Not every misconduct by a member of the military warrants a court martial hearing. Sometimes, commanders can issue Article 15, also known as non-judicial punishment, to soldiers who violate UCMJ regulations that do not...

