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Questions Answered by Cristine Beckwith
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: 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Will signing an affidavit hurt me as a victim?

I lived with my boyfriend, my dad and sister. Sister has drug/alcohol abuse problems. She came home one night and attacked each of us. After some time trying to diffuse the violence, I called 911 since sister and potentially father were injured. Police showed up and questioned all of us, resulting... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Apr 15, 2024

Sorry to hear. Do not sign anything without the guidance of an attorney representing you.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Is it Possible to get a DV 4th degree expunged from your record?

My fiancé was charged with a DV 4th degree years ago because of an argument and we are wondering if we can get this expunged from his record.

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Mar 29, 2024

It's possible. There isn't enough information here to give much advice, other than to call a criminal defense attorney to see if he is eligible. Some of us offer a free phone consultation to determine eligibility.

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: 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

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
PREMIUM
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.

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