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Questions Answered by Cristine Beckwith
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: Why would someone have 2 counts against them Assault 2 with a weapon and assault 4?

Last Thursday I was in a domestic violence incident. The accused is charged with the question above. I’m unsure why he has two different charges for one single incident… a weapon was not used during the assault. When the police went to question him he came out with a loaded gun? Could the... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Oct 23, 2023

Sorry to hear. In Washington State, it is not uncommon to have multiple charges for a single incident involving domestic violence allegations. The police report should give the reasoning behind the weapon enhancement. It is not uncommon to be over-charged. He will of course need a good attorney to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: What are the specific parameters needed to be considered in physical control of a vehicle?

car was parked by person #1 who left immediately after. Person#2 went inside to use bathroom while others parked. Person #2 went out to car and fell asleep in drivers seat for 4 hours. Neighbors called in wellness check and Police want to charge Person #2 with physical control rcw 46.61.504. Also... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jun 6, 2023

Sorry to hear. Unfortunately there is not a list of specific parameters needed to be considered in physical control of a vehicle. However, there is an important defense of being safely off the roadway.

In the opinion of the arresting officer, the vehicle might have been too close to the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: What are the chances of getting a domestic violence assault in the 2nd dropped to 4th if I complete a dv class w/o order

I have no previous record,girlfriend and I got into argument she started kicking me so I grabbed her by the back of the neck and pushed her aside so I could leave. I immediately called 911 and explained what happened and told them where I'd be since I was leaving home to avoid it escalating.... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on May 6, 2023

Hello, unfortunately it’s not a simple process to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor or to convince the prosecutor to drop charges…even if the alleged victim doesn’t want the charges. Sometimes an effective self-defense argument can be made….but a criminal defense attorney should carefully... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Does this go on my record for jobs etc? And also what should I do?

I was pulled over for destruction of public property. They said the parks will sometimes make a deal instead of pressing charges. What should I do? Also if I work out a deal do this goes on my record for jobs and such?

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 25, 2023

Sorry to hear. Destruction of property can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony (depending on the level of damage). This definitely could go on your criminal record. It would be a good idea to reach out to a criminal defense attorney to see if they can investigate further...and hopefully work out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: got notified that Im not legal to possess/own a firearm when I applied for the permit. I have never had a felony so why?

And how do I get this changed. I feel im being harrassed by the local sheriffs office after they had wrongly arrested me when my husband passed away. Long story, maybe I need to speak with someone about this to fill in all the ugly disgusting details. I live in Washington state. Please help

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 6, 2023

Sorry to hear. There are some misdemeanors with the Domestic Violence designation that can result in the loss of firearm rights.

I recommend that you contact a criminal defense attorney in your area to discuss your criminal history (if any) and to see if there is something there that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Do I have to petition to get my gun rights back in Washington state if a DV misdemeanor charge was dismissed?

The case was dismissed via pre-trial diversion agreement. No prior record in any state before or since. No order of protection nor under any investigations. This happened two years ago and the case was dismissed in 2021

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jan 3, 2023

A pretrial diversion agreement typically does not involve any finding or conviction. Because your case remained in pretrial status and was ultimately dismissed you will not lose your right to possess firearms as a result of entering into the agreement. You may want to confirm that your case was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: How can I revoke a domestic violance statement

I completely overreacted and was very upset due to my past relationships

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Dec 22, 2022

Sorry to hear. This is a very delicate matter since doing so could expose you to criminal charges, if you were to admit to making a false police report. Definitely speak to a criminal defense attorney before attempting to recant a statement. This should not be the same attorney that is defending... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: is it breaching a DVPO if the defendant makes public posts about protected person on Facebook?

I live in Washington state and have a current DVPO against my ex. The only contact allowed is third party for child visitation or email about visitation and time. He is constantly posting about me on Facebook referring to me as “my son’s mom” “my kids mom” calling me a terrible parent and... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Feb 5, 2024

Sorry to hear. It would depend on the exact wording of the order. Depending on the wording of the order, you may need to modify it to make it more restrictive. Best of luck

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: I am going prro se on an aggravated dul ?Is that a good idea ?
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Good Morning. Representing oneself on any criminal issue is not advised. If you do not have the means to pay for a private attorney, a public defender is advised. A private attorney might be able to work with your budget if they offer a payment plan. Best of luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Hi, a friend was driving a car that is licensed in my name and he got into a police chase that got called off a few mins

Hi, a friend was driving a car that is licensed in my name and he got into a police chase that got called off a few mins later so he ended up getting away etc ... He left the car out of town. Few days later I had a letter from police saying car was in the impound and the drivers section on the form... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Nov 3, 2023

Sorry to hear. A lawyer can carefully tell your side of the story.

Q: What can I do about a neighbor wearing a gun, coming to the property line and telling me what I can't do on our property

Neighbor wearing gun says blackberries and trees on our property can't be cut. We can't even cut branches overhanging our driveway. Happens both 3 and 30 ft away from property line. He said the drain ditch that traverses both properties will collapse and it's protected. The nearest... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Nov 2, 2023

Sorry to hear. A civil anti-harassment protection order is a common remedy for a neighbor dispute involving unwanted and threatening contact. A good attorney will give you the best chance of getting the order issued.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: If I broke a windshield and headlights out of a persons car and they agreed with an officer present not to press charges

If I replaced them which I did but it got forwarded to prosecutors anyway and I’m going to court for malicious mischief 3 being I already paid to replace the damage how can I go about getting the charge dropped

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Oct 12, 2023

Sorry to hear. Charges can and often do move forward against the wishes of the alleged victim. Only the State can decide to "press charges."

It would be a good idea to call around for legal representation in your area. Most of us offer a free phone consultation. Best of luck in your search.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My friend is looking for an attorney regarding child custody (he has a 5 year old daughter) from the mother.

She's into prostitution and the judge today granted him more custody and even called the mother crazy in the courtroom. She's off her rocker and into all sorts of stuff and is using the 5 year old as a weapon against my friend.

We need to know the type of lawyer in Klickitat... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Sorry to hear. You would want to look for a family law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: My son is on 72 hour hold for aggrevated assault and harassment/threat. Should I consider a lawyer before the 72 hours?
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 10, 2023

Sorry to hear. It is a good idea for a person facing criminal accusations to have representation ASAP. Unrepresented people often have their rights trampled on and make statements that are harmful to their defense.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: If I’m offered a stipulated order of continuance for a DV case , do I need a lawyer?

Is this a good resolution and do I still need to hire an attorney if I want to accept this offer?

First time offense

DV 4th degree

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 7, 2023

In some situations this is a good resolution. In other cases it may not be. It depends on factors such as the evidence, seriousness of charge(s), and criminal history.

A criminal defense attorney should be advising you. Best of luck.

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Sexual Harassment and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it illegal to post private photos and videos online without my permission?

My boyfriend and I recently split up and he has videos and photos that were supposed to remain private and is now harassing me and threatening to post them online. Is there anything that I can do to take legal action?

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 11, 2023

Sorry to hear. In addition to contacting law enforcement you can also consult with an attorney regarding a domestic violence protection order. These orders protect against harassment and stalking.

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I was arrested for DUI but wasn't driving. I was passenger and am facing charges. What happens now?

Driver was on drugs says I was driving. I was released but now am facing charges from government organization.

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jun 12, 2023

Sorry to hear. You only have 7 days from the arrest date to request a hearing with the Department of Licensing, or your driver's license will automatically be suspended. You will need a DUI/Criminal defense attorney to defend you. It's a good idea to call a few attorneys in your area and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Is it possible to get assault 2 and assault 4 dv. Lowered if I complete anger management on my own before my next court

My ex kicked me and I grabbed the back of neck and moved her out of my way so I could leave,I immediately called 911 and explained what happened and where to find me. A long history of her having disorderly interactions with police and false accusations proven time after time. I've contacted... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Sorry to hear. There isn’t enough information here for an attorney to tell you it would be helpful or not to complete anger management that is not court ordered. Frequently it is beneficial to engage in proactive treatment services; however, depending on the jurisdiction, if substances were... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was involved in a mva I was cited for Careless Driving now after a week later they say they wanna charge me wit

Now they wanna charge me with a Duii after they already released me can they do that

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 27, 2022

Hi, sorry to hear. Yes the State can charge you with DUI after releasing you. Washington State has two years to file charges for a gross misdemeanor such as DUI.

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