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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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 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 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 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, Appeals / Appellate Law, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for Washington on
Q: I was charged for a DV that happened outside of the municipality.

I signed a SOC that listed the municipality incorrectly. I'm trying to attack the SOC. Shouldn't the court need juristriction to approve the SOC.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 19, 2024

If you were charged for a domestic violence incident that happened outside of the municipality, and the Stipulation of Compromise (SOC) lists the incorrect municipality, you have grounds to challenge it. The court needs proper jurisdiction to approve and enforce legal agreements, including an SOC.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Shoplifted with a bunch of friends but didn't get caught

I realized I made a horrible mistake in the moment but I am an F1 student. I shoplifted at QFC in Seattle. I was wondering how long does the video recording last at QFC stores? Are these stored indefinitely?

If I get caught after the criminal statute of limitations, are they likely to press... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 9, 2024

The best course of action is to never shoplift in the first place. Since you have already done so, I would strongly urge you to refrain from shoplifting ever again. Continued criminal activity could jeopardize your immigration status and ability to remain in the United States.

In terms of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: I sold pieces of silver to a local jeweler. The check bounced. For two months he kept promising to make it good.

For two months he promised to make it good in a "few days". For the last month he has not returned my calls or texts. What are my options? Since he has done this recently to multiple people at what point does this become criminal? The transaction occurred in Sequim, Washington

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 22, 2024

It is probably criminal now. Report it to the police (do not threaten to report it to the police as that might be a crime). Check your states laws on giving notice on bounced checks and your rights to recovery in small claims for damages in addition to the amount of the check.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: Are there any laws about pointing a gun at someone’s car? (My friend’s car was pointed at by a gun is why I ask)

Would it be a threat? Or something else? I’m a kid. (12, almost 13) I’m not sure what “type” of “crime” this is.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Pointing a gun at someone or their property, including a car, is a serious offense and can be considered a crime in most jurisdictions. Depending on the specific circumstances and the laws of the state or country where the incident occurred, it could be classified as one or more of the following... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: Are there any laws about pointing a gun at someone’s car? (My friend’s car was pointed at by a gun is why I ask)

Would it be a threat? Or something else? I’m a kid. (Under 18, over 10) I’m not sure what “type” of “crime” this is.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Pointing a gun at someone or their property, including a car, is a serious offense and can be considered a crime in most jurisdictions. Depending on the specific circumstances and the laws of the state or country where the incident occurred, it could be classified as one or more of the following... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Washington on
Q: Is there a law about threats?

My friend was in their car, and a person pulled out a gun and pointed it at their car. My friend and his mom sped off in a different direction to escape. They got a good look at the car, but not the person and filed a police report. Is this a crime?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Yes, this is a crime. Pointing a gun at someone, even if no shots are fired, is generally considered a serious offense. Depending on the specific circumstances and the laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, this action could be classified as one or more of the following crimes:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: I have a question about the sheriff's office not investigating burglaries.

I am seeking an attorney or civil constitutional rights law organization because of the organized crime network operating in Ferry County that has burglarized my home repeatedly as well as my safe deposit box contents. The insurance companies that I have had denied the claims considering it a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficulties and crimes you've been experiencing. What you're describing sounds extremely stressful and violating. While I cannot provide legal advice myself, I would strongly encourage you to continue seeking help from an experienced attorney or civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: What can i do legally about my boyfriend being held in custody after posting bond awaiting ehm for 30 days

The ehm people refuse to go get him from jail claiming there waiting for the jail to call them and tell them he's free to go

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If your boyfriend is still in custody despite posting bond, it's essential to take immediate action. First, verify the bond conditions and ensure that all requirements for his release have been met. If the electronic home monitoring (EHM) is part of the release conditions, confirm with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Do any attorneys want to take? My last attorney stated “it is a gold mine “but he is not a firm and a firm is needed

Law enforcement. judicial officers, state and federal. They planted drugs. They make up reasons to get search warrants that aren’t true they admit to planning drugs on dash cam they threaten hotel staff members they altered camera footage. They falsely arrested prosecution, misconduct, stealing,... View More

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answered on Mar 20, 2024

If you believe you have been a victim of legal misconduct, finding an attorney experienced in civil rights or criminal defense might be crucial for your situation. Attorneys from firms that handle cases involving law enforcement misconduct, false arrest, and evidence tampering are often well-versed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for the state to assign a nco on my husband when there was no apparent harm risk or danger to me from him?

My husband and I where in a strictly verbal altercation when the police where called and they arrested him for an assault in the 4th degree with dv enhancement when I answer no to every question I was asked by law enforcement and there was a no contact order put into effect. However he has NEVER... View More

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answered on Mar 19, 2024

In instances involving domestic disputes, law enforcement may have policies or legal obligations to act cautiously, which can include issuing a no-contact order (NCO), even if no physical harm occurred. This is often a precautionary measure intended to ensure safety and prevent any potential harm... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: I am a victim and survivor of child trafficking and recent and last few years .I'm being criminalized Washington state

I was forced to plead guilty for assault dv 4 degree .my abuser has been arrested twice since after mine .my lawyers when I had one cuz I went without lawyer for long while due process violations founded but ignored n charged told me they couldn't do anything about it didn't believe me... View More

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answered on Mar 16, 2024

I understand how difficult and overwhelming your situation must be. It's important to remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to help support victims and survivors of trafficking. It may be beneficial to reach out to local support groups, advocacy organizations, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: I have a strange case we'll it's 2 cases in 1 somehow my public defender said it was a civil case and my other is a

Assault 4-dv the sheriff's that arrested me false a fide a statement from the alleged victim used a statement from my son who was in his room with a closed door I was in my room with a closed door he saw literally absolutely nothing he told me he told 911 I think my mom and her boyfriend are... View More

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answered on Mar 10, 2024

It sounds like you are dealing with a complex legal situation involving both a domestic violence charge (Assault 4-DV) and a potential civil case related to actions taken by law enforcement during your arrest. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Communicate with your public defender:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Is there a way to confirm that you have been removed from the NICS restricted list?

The bipartisan gun bill in 2022 included a provision that restores gun rights 5 years post conviction for misdemeanor dv if it was a first time offense and there have since been no related convictions. Is there a way to confirm if someone is cleared to purchase a firearm or do you just have to roll... View More

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answered on Feb 24, 2024

Unfortunately, there isn't a direct way for individuals to confirm if they have been removed from the NICS restricted list. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is managed by the FBI and is primarily used by licensed firearm dealers to determine the eligibility of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I live in Washington state and I have a question concern recording via video or audio conversations to protect myself.

I get gaslighted/manipulated and/or lied to and video/audio recordings are the only way to protect myself in these scenarios. People say I did things i said things I didn’t. Or the other party attacks me or verbally abuses me but no one believes me because I’m a man. I don’t understand how... View More

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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Living in a two-party consent state like Washington can present challenges when it comes to recording conversations without the consent of all parties involved. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. One option is to seek legal advice to understand the specific circumstances in which... View More

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