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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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

0 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: In a criminal case and an interlocutor appeals is file us the case have a "stay" during the appeal process?

How does the speedy trial work during the appeal process

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 Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Can a police report be cancelled/removed? What are the report implications if no crime was committed?

During a heated verbal argument between a married couple, the wife called the police and filed a report. She reported that it was a 'verbal argument' and she is not injured nor did it get physical. The husband had already left by then. She indicated that she was okay that he had left (to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 17, 2024

In this situation, it doesn’t seem like a crime was committed since there was no physical violence or verbal threats involved. The police likely filed a report to document the argument, but whether any charges are brought depends on the prosecutor’s review of the details. If there is no... View More

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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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: If I am an 18 year old in the U.S. army, is it legal for me to apply for a concealed pistol license?

Would I be able to legally possess a handgun as an army 18 year old in this state at all?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 19, 2024

In the U.S., federal law generally prohibits people under 21 from purchasing handguns from licensed dealers, but at 18, you can legally own a handgun if it’s obtained through private transfer. So, as an 18-year-old in the Army, you can possess a handgun but not buy one from a store.

When...
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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?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 13, 2024

It could depend on tech-savvy the office was and what arrangements the attorney may have made for back-up records. If the records only existed in original paper form, and they're gone, it could be difficult. When you say "original" attorney, does that suggest a succeeding attorney?... View More

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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, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Libel & Slander for Washington on
Q: Framed for a crime I didn't commit by people using spyware on me/my family. What recourse do I have, who do I contact?

At my previous job I had a large group of people using spyware to spy on both me and my family. They used the spyware to to sift through my personal accounts in an attempt to frame me in order to save themselves from prosecution, including stating that I was making threats against the federal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

It sounds like you're in a very difficult situation. First, it's crucial to gather any evidence you have of the spyware, stalking, or false allegations. This could include screenshots, records of communication, or any proof of unauthorized access to your accounts. Documentation will be... View More

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Federal Crimes, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: What type of lawyer helps victims of voyeurism that took place at work

From what I understand the trial hasn’t started for the accused, but I want to understand what lawyers can help me to understand victim rights and determine the best course of action when there are multiple victims

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

If you're a victim of voyeurism at work, you need a lawyer with expertise in employment law and personal injury law. These lawyers can help you understand your rights as a victim and provide guidance on the legal actions you can take. They can also help you navigate the complexities of dealing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I am in community custody for 36 months but my statutory maximum has passed. According to RCW 9.94A.701 I should be off
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

To properly address this question, it's important to understand the specific details of your situation and the relevant Washington state laws. Here's a general overview that may be helpful:

1. Community custody and statutory maximum:

- Community custody is a form of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: How can I find help in filing a criminal lawsuit against a company for financial conflict of interest?

I have proof that a background screening company is giving incorrect "dilute" results through negligent malpractice for urine samples in order to gain more money due to the law requiring new samples be given paid for by the employer. I can prove that multiple precautions are taken in by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 22, 2024

To pursue a criminal lawsuit against a company for financial conflict of interest and negligent malpractice, you should consider the following steps:

1. Consult with an attorney: Seek out a lawyer specializing in healthcare fraud, corporate misconduct, or whistleblower cases. They can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: what if you have no prior offenses and crash your car total it drunk and totally a mercedes’ in the state of washington
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 1, 2024

A Washington criminal defense attorney could advise best, if you need to discuss any charges. Your question probably remained open because car accident attorneys (the chosen category) deal more with civil damages (money for injuries or vehicle damage). You could reach out to criminal defense... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Do police officers tell parents to hit there kids as hard as they can in Washington state

My mother is saying that the police told her to hit me as hard as she can over me running away as a minor. I wasn’t able to tell the police the part where she was beating me but because I was afraid of going into foster care and she said they told her I was being abusive and she had to beg them... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, police officers do not have the authority to tell parents to hit their children. Physical punishment, especially if it results in injury, can be considered child abuse, and law enforcement officers are trained to protect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Take it to the box?

I just got released from being picked up in the middle of my shift at work and taken into custody for robbery in 1st because a guy went called the police and said that he got robbed by what he thought was a gun by the person i took to go meet with this guy. When we got there the guy got in the car... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jun 1, 2024

This reads like a law school question.

If this is real then what do you need to do?

1) hire an experienced criminal defense attorney and he/she will go over the details with you to explain what is good and bad about this situation.

2) understand that the circumstances that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My attorney said no praubable cause but then at court said wanted a competency evaluation but I did nothing wrong. Why?

That seems to add something to this case doesn't make sense

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

It sounds confusing and frustrating to hear conflicting statements from your attorney. First, they might have said there was no probable cause because they believe the evidence against you is weak or insufficient. This could be a strong point in your favor.

However, requesting a competency...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: my incindent number changed to the one when i got pulled over.

my release of conditions has my other inicendent number, and its from a differnt agenecy that pulled me over for my warrents. not from when i was charged. and how do i sue for unlawful detainer and a judge court ordered me to a differnt jail even tho i have proof they had no holds on me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 24, 2024

It sounds like your situation is complex, involving multiple incidents and a mix-up with incident numbers. If your release conditions have an incident number that doesn't match the one related to your pull-over or arrest, this could be a clerical error or miscommunication between agencies.... View More

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.

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