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Questions Answered by Cristine Beckwith
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: What are my self-defense rights during a road rage incident in a parking lot?

I was parked in a designated spot when a man exited his vehicle and aggressively hit my car, demanding that I move. Although no one was harmed, a heated argument ensued. Do I have the right to defend myself in such a situation?

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Mar 8, 2025

Hello, while you can use reasonable and necessary force to protect yourself and your property, you would want to exercise as much restraint as possible. If you were to strike this man, law enforcement could determine that (in their opinion) you were the aggressor and charges could result.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: what to do if the police dept is discriminating and targeting someone

my ex and i are being targeted and our rights have been violated by the police and sheriffs

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 15, 2024

Sorry to hear. You can contact a civil rights attorney in your area and also file a complaint with the office of police accountability for that police jurisdiction.

If you are accused of or are a suspect in a crime, a criminal defense attorney in your area should be the first person you...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Facing a Second DUI Charge after a previous offense reduced four and half years ago in WA State.

I'm 26 and got nabbed for my second DUI by the state patrol. The last incident was around four and a half years ago, but it got reduced to Neg 1, and I blew a 0.11. This time, it's more serious, at 0.17. I've entered a plea of not guilty. Right now, I need some guidance on what steps... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Mar 26, 2024

Sorry to hear. Although the prior was reduced to Neg 1, for sentencing purposes, it would count as a prior DUI. You will likely be facing enhanced penalties due to the breath test result reaching .15. A conviction for a 2nd DUI could result in a mandatory minimum of 45 days in jail plus 90 days of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal to use a personal stolen item as evidence against the person it was taken from?

My vehicle was parked at my ex- girlfriends house and she got into my vehicle and took my cell phone. She accessed information from my cell phone and then turned my cell phone in to the sheriff's department so they could access info from my cell phone to use as evidence. Is this legal for them... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 5, 2024

Sorry to hear this happened. The Constitution protects against the government doing illegal search and seizures...however, this protection does not apply to private citizens who are turning over information or items to law enforcement.

However, if the government (law enforcement) is asking...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: A person has a PO against me. In said PO it’s alleged I left a voicemail threatening the persons life.

That voicemail led to telephone harassment charges. Can I use that PO for my own defense in a criminal trial.

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Apr 24, 2025

Sorry to hear. There isn't enough information to give you legal advice. I suggest calling a criminal defense attorney. Many of us offer free phone consultations. Best of luck.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: Will my 17-year-old face jail for reckless driving in WA?

My 17-year-old son was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving as he was caught driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone. He has no prior citations or offenses, there are no additional charges, and he has a court date scheduled. Will he face jail time?

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Mar 17, 2025

Sorry to hear. There is a good chance that he can avoid jail time if he is represented by a good attorney. Best of luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: I have a court summon for 3rd degree theft. This is my first time and i sincerely regret what i did. What should i do

Pls someone provide some guidance. The value of theft items is lower than even 100 to 150$

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Feb 2, 2025

Sorry to hear. You need representation by a criminal defense attorney. If you can not afford one, one can be assigned to you. You should avoid making any statements without an attorney present. Do not expect leniency based on the dollar amount of the items in question. Take care.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Will I get into trouble for accidentally seeing CSAM?

Was on a private messaging app called Element which I use to talk to people about a multitude of topics. Was invited to a group that didn’t seem off in any way, that was until I saw CSAM content. I immediately left the group and reported it on the app itself. Will I get into trouble for seeing... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 31, 2025

Sorry to hear this happened. If you are questioned by law enforcement, it would be a good idea to exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak to a criminal defense attorney. This will prevent you from making a statement that can later be taken out of context and used against you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: What's the chance of beating a 2nd degree commercial burg. if they have no evidence against them
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 28, 2025

Hello, without seeing the police report, it's difficult to make an assessment. A criminal defense attorney will increase the chance of avoiding a conviction and reduce the possibility that a self-incriminating statement will be made. If there truly is no evidence, the odds are very favorable.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Facing a Second DUI Charge after a previous offense, reduced to neg1. 6 years ago in WA State.

Facing a Second DUI Charge after a previous offense reduced 6 years ago in WA State.

I'm 36 and got nabbed for my second DUI by the state patrol. The last incident was 6 years ago, but it got reduced to Neg 1, and I blew a 0.04 , This time, it's more serious, at 0.11 . Right now,... View More

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 12, 2025

Sorry to hear. A second DUI is very serious, so you will want to avoid a conviction.

You will need an attorney to fight this charge. Many of us offer a free phone consultation to discuss your situation in private.

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: In ICU for gunshot. Questioned by police while sedated. Police kept phone. Year later and subpoena for felon in poss
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Dec 30, 2024

Sorry to hear. You will want to talk to an attorney in your area privately about this issue. Avoid speaking to law enforcement about this issue. An attorney should be handling communication with law enforcement.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it residential burgarly if my girlfriend was caught on hidden camera taking some change while cleaning someone'shouse
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Dec 7, 2024

Hi, a residential burglary charge can be challenged by demonstrating that a person had permission to enter the home. This issue should only be handled by a criminal defense attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: In WA cops were investigating someone that frequently stopped by my house can they search my house because of that?

This guy was being watched by the cops and the houses he frequently went to they watched. At every house there was drug activity but at my address it states there wasnt any drug activity. He was never pulled over before getting to my house or leaving does that give the probable cause to search my... View More

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Oct 30, 2024

Sorry to hear. It's possible that it was an unreasonable search and that your constitutional rights were violated. However, there is likely more information that was used to make a probable cause decision, so it's difficult to speculate. You may want to explore this issue further with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Asking about relationships

Can a dad get in trouble if his son being 18 dates a 18 year student that goes to the school the guys dad works at?

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Oct 20, 2024

This was posted under criminal law so I will answer in that context. There would be no criminal liability for the father.

You might try asking under employment law if you are concerned about workplace codes of conduct. Best of luck.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Does prosecution in WA state not negotiate penalties if you have a high DUI reading of around 0.2?
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Oct 7, 2024

Hello, negotiated settlements can be more difficult when there is a high breath test. There are other issues that can be fought, in addition to the test result. Don't give up. Talk to a few DUI attorneys. Many of us offer free phone consultations.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: If I get a subpoena as the victim_witness what happens if I don't go to court
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 13, 2024

Sorry to hear of your situation. You would very likely be found to be in contempt of the court. It would be a good idea for you to privately discuss this issue with a criminal defense attorney. Best of luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for Washington on
Q: The original attorney of the opposing party died, and with her went case records.

The original attorney of the opposing party died. The opposing party told the court that they could not get the original records with her death and her office having shuttered. Access to these records are critical. What are my options?

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Sorry to hear. You can try contacting the Washington State Bar Association. Best of luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I live in WA state but I was stopped in st Paul for a stolen vehicle. Can the charge ɓe dropped and the case thrown out?

I had my mother's van and I had her keys. While in wa state my ex was driving and a car hit us. He kept going and didn't stop because he had no license. The police called my mother and told her she had to report it stolen or she'd be in trouble. Do she said it was stolen. I was taken... View More

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Aug 28, 2024

Sorry to hear. You will want to contact an attorney in the St. Paul area, as Minnesota has jurisdiction and their laws will apply. Best of luck in your search.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: My son feel out over a cigarette they had to reputation him. No they are saying my son is smuggling drugs in cause he
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on May 16, 2024

Sorry to hear. Your son should ask to speak to an attorney. Drug smuggling is a very serious allegation.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Does a police officer in Washington State, have to ask the driver if he wants to take a sobriety field test.
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Apr 24, 2024

Yes, law enforcement must inform that the field sobriety tests are optional. This is one of many issues that can be challenged by an experienced DUI lawyer.

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