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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Hi, when on bail and report once a week to police station do you still need to report if you attend court the same day
James L. Arrasmith
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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 11, 2023

If you are on bail and required to report to a police station once a week, you would generally still be required to attend your scheduled report date even if you also have a court appearance on the same day. This is because the court appearance is a separate requirement from your bail conditions.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: What is the first step in withdrawing my plea?

I found an email between my lawyer and prosecutor. Don't know why he sent them to me but the prosecutor says my speedy date is set to run out before my trial date. Him and my lawyer both ignored it. I later signed a plea a year later due to my public defender needing time to look at the case... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 11, 2023

If you entered a guilty plea before the end of your outside date, with the assistance of counsel and there was a written statement that you agreed made you guilty of the crime you plead guilty to it would be very difficult to get the court to allow the withdrawal of your guilty plea.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: What can happen if you run out of court room after you have been sentenced and waiting for a jailer to come get you
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Feb 25, 2023

The first thing I would need to know before I can answer this question is: When you were in front of the Judge for sentencing were you nice and compliant with the system, Judge, prosecutor and your attorney or were you a pain in the butt?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: I bought a jeep back in Oct. It now has been reported stolen out of oregon . It's in my name in washingtom

What do I do now

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Feb 25, 2023

If you are looking at getting charged with a criminal offense HIRE AN experience criminal defense attorney immediately

If you are in need of an attorney to explain your side of the situation to try and avoid a charge you can hire an attorney to help you through this process but there are no...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Is there anyone that can help me to settle my claim for an accident caused by a drunk driver in Washington State?

I need to find an attorney that can help me in finishing my insurance injury claim. I have literally done 3/4 of the work (I believe) and I have obtained all of the documents needed to settle this case. These include my medical documents from my PCP and therapist notes and summaries for every... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Feb 3, 2023

Of course, there are many attorneys who can assist. I don't do these personally, but if you want to call or email I'd be happy to make some referrals.

Otherwise, you can google search and I'm sure you could find someone.

Documenting your financial losses, as you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Can i defend my dog with a firearm if it is getting trampled to death in my backyard as a felon. Girlfriends gun. Locked

It was locked and i gained access to it and tried all other means for help i could think of. Only charged with Unlawful possession of a firearm and nothing else. Cop justified the shooting of the cow.

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jan 27, 2023

I am sorry but NO you can not possess a firearm for any reason. Make sure you follow the law so that you don't get charged with an offense that can be avoided by just remembering that your past actions have consequences.

Have a great day

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
PREMIUM
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, DUI / DWI, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Where can I get help with my ongoing 3rd party claim with the other drivers auto insurance company in Washington State??

3rd time DUI offender plowed into our front yard, our fence, and our car at a high rate of speed. His car finally stopped only about 10 feet from the room in which we were at that morning. Our car was deemed a total loss as this was the only thing that stopped the driver from plowing right into our... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 30, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You're correct; this could be an overwhelming matter because of the number of elements it contains. You indicate seeking an attorney. Your best option is to reach out to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: I was pulled over my boyfriend had a gun in the car and he forced me to keep the gun on me out fear I obeyed. What to do
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jan 13, 2023

Are you charged with a crime? Possession of a firearm? Something like that ?

Did you mention any of this to the officer?

Where was it found? How was it found?

Do you have your gun rights revoked so that it is a major charge against you for having the gun?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I am a witness and have been incarcerated in same unit as defendant putting me in emotional distress very high profile c
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jan 9, 2023

Are you incarcerated because of a pending charge against you unrelated to the issue that you are a witness of?

Do you have an attorney? If not are you going to hire private counsel OR ask for the appointment of an attorney by the court to represent you?

my cell is 509-750-9921

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
PREMIUM
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
PREMIUM
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 for Washington on
Q: Yes I was wondering what institutional hold meant
Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Dec 5, 2022

I don't understand your question completely and I need context. Is there someone that is being held in jail or at a state mental facility due to a criminal offense in the State of WA

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