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Questions Answered by Cristine Beckwith
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
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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 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

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 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
PREMIUM
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

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
PREMIUM
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: somebody reported I aimed a gun at them, police searched my vehicle and find a gun out in the open. do they have a case?

Today a vehicle cut me off, so I passed them in the left lane. Their car sat a lot higher than mine and they had a clear view of my passenger seat. Which had my pistol sitting in it. They called the police and said that I had aimed the gun at them when I was passing. They followed me for 2 miles... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on May 1, 2022

Sorry to hear that this happened to you. From what you have described, it appears they do have evidence to include the firearm and possibly multiple witnesses that were in the other vehicle. It is very likely that the county prosecutor's office will move forward with criminal charges.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Assault 3 washington state. What can I do to avoid jail or prison
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Dec 22, 2021

Sorry to hear of your situation. The most important thing you can do is to avoid speaking to anybody but an experienced criminal defense attorney about what happened. Speaking to law enforcement or trying to represent yourself are both very bad ideas. Most of us offer free phone consultations and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: I Live in Washington state . My ex girlfriend filed for a restraining order and accused me of Stuff I didn’t do .

Can I get a lawyer to help Me fight this at my hearing or is this like small claims court where I have to fight for my self? She accused me of abuse And said I molested her which I never did!!

More details: I was given a restraining order from my ex girlfriend of 7 years , and in it she... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Dec 2, 2021

Sorry to hear. It would be a good idea to be represented by a lawyer. Cease all contact with her. In this type of scenario, things can quickly spiral out of control while you remain unrepresented. Best of luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: why would a possession of stolen proprty charge be turned into a felony

the property was a dog

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 9, 2021

Sorry to hear. The State may have determined that the value of the dog exceeded $750, which would result in a felony charge. The value of the dog is one of many potential issues that a criminal defense attorney can fight. It would be a good idea to call a criminal defense attorney today. Most of us... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: An inmate in the county jail Yakima Washington wants me to be his POA to negotiate a plea bargain for him

His assigned counsel refused to submit his written counterplea before the prosecutor's deadline to either accept his plea and sentence or he would add more charges to his cases. He will submit a limited POA notice to an attorney who will make me his legal POA for negotiating a better plea. I... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Aug 18, 2021

I agree with Mr. Earl. I will add that there is a good possibility that a non-attorney would unknowingly do something or say something that would make matters worse for the defendant. These are very delicate situations. Best of luck.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: what is the sentence for the crime assault in the 4th degree
Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Aug 1, 2021

0-364 days in jail. It is a good idea to contact a criminal defense attorney to fight the charge.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Communications Law for Washington on
Q: Why did I receive a “Notice of Interception Of Oral Communications Inventory” from the prosecuting attorneys office ?

It looked like a court order signed by a judge and was sent to me certified from the prosecuting attorneys office. It listed a 5 day period this last November for when it was approved by the judge for intercepting my oral communications. I am so confused as to why I would receive this out of the... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Jul 21, 2021

If you have not done anything wrong, it is possible that you have unknowingly communicated with a person who is being investigated for a very serious crime.

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