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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Copyright, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I have a neighbor who has taken over my identity and he stocks and harasses me everyday not only that he has taken over

Emails phones bank accounts you name it any account it takes it over and you still actively hack my phone every day gone to the cops they’ve done nothing reached out to the tech companies nothing

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Jan 25, 2025

I agree with the other attorney who answered your question, but I also want to let you know that you may be able to get free help from Adult Protection Services: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/adult-protective-services

In addition, if the police won't take a police report from you, you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Child Support for Washington on
Q: I have an anti-harassment order my husband's bipolar schizophrenic ex-wife and she just made up my income on child suppo

Support documents that are supposed to be amending her payment level to lower it since she hasn't been working due to mental illness. Do I report this to the police? Child support division? Or what?

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Jan 25, 2025

I would love to answer your question, but it is not entirely clear.

If you are trying to decrease the amount of child support money your husband has to pay his ex-wife, or change the amount of money she has to pay him, the usual process is to file a motion and hold a hearing in front of a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: i want to fire my lawyer and get my retainer back.

i gave my lawyer 10000 dollars incase the state did file on me . they have not and most likely not my lawyer keeps avoiding me and his contact i signed Sais

this flat fee is non refundable as unless its unreasonable it gives examples of what would render it unreasonable and thus trigger a... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Jan 22, 2025

I'm so very sorry to hear about this situation. I suggest that you get some free help through the Washington State Bar Association here: https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/concerns-about-a-lawyer

Good luck, and best wishes,

Merry

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Im not sure what to do, I was involved in a $2k shoplifting incident that resulted in Macy's security breaking my tooth.

I allegedly tried to walk out with $2000 of clothes from Macy's. I was apprehended by 2 security staff members that hand cuffed me against a car and started punching my face, resulting in a broken tooth,a chipped tooth, and some face damage. I wasn't booked into county I was just told to... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jan 10, 2025

I only handle criminal offenses, I DO NOT sue people or do civil lawsuits so IF you have a claim against the city, police force etc. I DO NOT KNOW and wouldn't be able to help you. IF you get charged with a crime is where I would come in but I live in Moses Lake WA and that is a long way from... View More

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 and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: felony drug charge fir bringing drugs in to jail and a misdemeanor drug charge for having a pipe on him he had his first

Court date and they set his bail to 5000 and didn't pr him does he have any chance of getting out this next courtdate or anytime soon

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2025

I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time. Getting released before your next court date depends on several factors, including the judge’s decision and whether you can arrange for someone to post the bail amount.

You might consider reaching out to a bail bondsman, who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: How to complaint about petitioner of protection order first name is fake?

I am the respondent and appellant in a protection order case. It was later revealed that the person used a fake first name since entering the United States. I have documents, pictures, and evidence from their social media interactions. However, I have not communicated with the person directly;... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 11, 2024

Let me help you understand the legal implications of your situation while being mindful of both your rights and obligations under the protection order.

Regarding online searches, looking up publicly available information about someone, even if they're using a different name, generally...
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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 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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