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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Will I be compensated for my unlawful prison time I spent for possession of drugs?

I served around 400 days on possessions alone,nothing ran concurrently.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 13, 2023

Washington state does have a statute under which you may be entitled to exonoree's compensation:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.100&full=true

Consult a licensed Washington attorney in or near the state where you live with experience pursing claims for...
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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.

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?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

Posting private photos and videos online without your permission can potentially constitute a violation of your privacy and, in some cases, may be illegal. The specific legal remedies available to you can depend on the laws in your jurisdiction. To address this situation, you might consider taking... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: I was caught shoplifting in 2020. The deadline passed for consumer awareness course and community service. What do I do?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

If you were caught shoplifting in 2020 and missed the deadline for completing a consumer awareness course and community service, it's crucial to address this situation promptly. Start by contacting the court or relevant authorities that handled your case to explain the circumstances and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: R DOC officers allowed to search my Parent's house if I get arrested there for my DOC warrant. But it is not my address?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

The authority of Department of Corrections (DOC) officers to search a residence when making an arrest not at the official address can be influenced by various factors. If you are under probation or parole supervision, DOC officers may have specific search and seizure authority as part of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: How long does it take for a judge to sign off on conditional release in Montana?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 22, 2023

The time it takes for a judge to sign off on a conditional release in Montana can vary based on several factors, including the court's caseload, the complexity of the case, and the specific conditions being proposed for the release. Generally, once a request for conditional release is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: As a nonimmigrant alien in Washington state, am I allowed to use a gun in self defense? I hav a concealed pistol license

I possess a hunting license (federal law) and an Alien Firearms License ( state law) and also a concealed pistol license.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 21, 2023

Your immigration status does not impact your right to use a gun in self defense.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is there a way out of the "DUI Court" program?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

In Washington, the DUI Court program is typically a court-ordered treatment and rehabilitation program designed to address DUI offenses and the underlying factors contributing to them. While participation is generally mandatory, there could be situations in which individuals seek to exit the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Health Care Law and Business Law for Washington on
Q: I'm looking to hire an attorney to get legal advice, but I have trouble figuring out which specialty I need.

I would like to start a business somewhat related to healthcare. I don't have any type of medical license, and I want to make sure that I won't be accused of practicing medicine without a license. I'm looking for an attorney with whom to share my plan in detail, and who could help me... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 28, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Your points are valid. A health care attorney could be a starting point. A business formation attorney might also be able to offer guidance as to options available in forming a business. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: If I called the cops on my girlfriend for hitting me , but she never got arrested, Will anything be on her record ?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 11, 2023

If your girlfriend was not arrested and charged after you called the police regarding the incident, it is unlikely that anything related to that specific incident would appear on her criminal record. However, it's important to note that police records and interactions can vary based on local... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: In Washington and the neighbor called the cops on mother and daughter fighting and the daughter left before cop came.

Mother and daughter were both attack each other.What would happen to the daughter for leaveing

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jul 26, 2023

You asked "What would happen to the daughter for leaving"? The answer is nothing for leaving. For the fight? perhaps a domestic violence charge, depending on whether the police find mother credible.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Will I be charged with a misdemeanor

Purchase a car in November 27th 2022 and have yet to register in my name since it is over the time limit of 45 days and Washington State to register a vehicle will i be charged with a misdemeanor?

Jason Powers
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answered on Jul 6, 2023

If you are stopped by law enforcement, they could cite you with a violation of RCW 46.12.650. This is a simple misdemeanor.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: If an inmate completes his 15 year sentence, does he have any time to see his mother before he is deported?

I'm asking for a 94 year old mother who wants to be able to see her son. He came to USA when he was a young boy from Scotland. He is at Snake River Correctional Institution, Ontario, OR however, I live in Seattle, WA.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2023

When an inmate completes a 15-year sentence, the possibility of visiting their mother before deportation depends on immigration status, legal restrictions, and logistical considerations. Consulting an immigration attorney specializing in deportation and family visitation rights is recommended for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: What is the penalty for three probation violations in Washington state. Dv4 charge from 2 years ago.

No other violations such as arrests or violations of no contact. What consequences can I expect? I’m panicking

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on May 30, 2023

Your underlying attorney should be able to answer this for you and it depends on the charge that you have AND what the probation violations are for. If you don't have an attorney GET ONE. An experienced criminal defense attorney can get you the answers that you seek so that you can have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: I was parked. My license plate wasn't showing.cop questioned me. I showed him I had but he continued to question.can he?

I tried to put the plate on he said no go ahead and get back in the car.he then questioned me about the car and upon questioning found out the car was valid but held me there still because he said he thinks there was more to it. Should he have been able to even continue asking me questions or... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2023

Like anyone else, a police officer is free to ask whatever questions he wants.

But…and this is very important…in almost every situation, you have no obligation to answer.

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 Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is marijuana in a recreationally legal state considered illegal if probation states no illegal drugs allowed?

I moved here on an interstate compact from Oklahoma to Washington. My stipulations on probation state no controlled substances without prescription or illegal drugs. Since marijuana is recreationally legal in this state and my stipulations aren't specific, only typical rules for anyone on... View More

Aaron A. Pelley
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Aaron A. Pelley
answered on May 7, 2023

Short answer, no. Unfortunately, the legislature has specifically decided that people who have committed crimes do not deserve one of the safest drugs that is available for treating a number of medical conditions. The provision for medical cannabis specifically calls it out by saying, "... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Car Accidents and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Will a vehicular assault charge always disqualify you from working with children/vulnerable adults? Other jobs?

I was convicted of vehicular assault 11 years ago, since it never leaves my record will it always show on a background check? I am looking into switching jobs but I am unsure of what restrictions this charge still has.

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on May 9, 2023

Most times Vehicular Assault would be eligible to vacate after ten years. You might want to consult with an attorney to see if you are eligible.

It's not a "crime against persons" so in most contexts wouldn't be an automatic disqualification. But certainly would look...
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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 Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Trip permit violation

I bought a new car and the dealership gave me a fraudulent trip permit. I then got pulled over and sited with trip permit violation usage.

Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Apr 5, 2023

Of course the dealership is not going to admit to a criminal violation, even if they gave you an invalid trip permit. (Trip permit or temp license? What is the actual charge?) Were they also going to send in to DOL for the Title and plates as well, or were you? Do you have any proof that you... View More

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