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Washington Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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... Read 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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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... Read 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, "... Read more »

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.... Read 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... Read more »

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... Read 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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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.... Read 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... Read 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.... Read more »

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... Read more »

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Feb 3, 2023

I've had a number of cases where the prospective client thought they'd done almost all the work and just needed someone to land the plane. Every single one of them was put together in such a manner that I would have been better off just recreating the file from scratch. So, I would not be... Read more »

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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... Read 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 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... Read 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... Read more »

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
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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... Read more »

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
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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
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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... Read 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
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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... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: I'm getting charged with prowling 2nd degree and theft 3. Besides traffic violations this would be my first criminal

I found what looked to be an abandoned vehicle so I stopped to look into it see what I can find, I got in and chickened out immediately and cops showed up as soon as I closed the door on my way out and turns out the vehicle was stolen.

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Nov 14, 2022

I already gave you advise about getting an attorney. You need help to explain the circumstances and get the prosecutor to understand what happened. HOWEVER, your decision to enter into the vehicle was criminal. You should NOT have done that. Get an attorney

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: If I was charged with a class c felony as a minor can I purchase a firearm at 18? Or 21?
Jason Powers
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answered on Nov 6, 2022

When you say charged, do you mean convicted? If you were convicted, then your right to possess a firearm is likely revoked. You would need to get your right bear arms reinstated. The good news is that you may get that right reinstated if you have been crime free for 5 years. You would need to... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: I need to know how to help my girlfriend get out of a dv assault 4 on me. We can just end the relationship and her not

We were just arguing and she also has a drug problem as well as mental issues and has been off her zannex for a long time and it makes her a bit off the handle i dont want her to be in jail but just not be together any more. How can i help it be ended

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Oct 10, 2022

Sounds like you are alleged victim of an assault case and you would like to inform the prosecutor of some change or something different. It is a GOOD idea before you do this to contact a criminal defense attorney FOR YOURSELF so that your interests are protected and you don't get yourself... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: living salt lake city Utah June 29 2022 felony warrant grays harbor Washington possession with intent ? Extradite me ?

If I'm stopped by police here in Utah will they extradite me back to wa state

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Sep 26, 2022

For a felony warrant it is possible. Not guaranteed

You should contact an attorney in that county (or in WA State) and get something started before you get picked up and maybe a court date can be set and an appearance done so that you don't have to START the process in jail. That is my advise.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: If some one is in jail and they are Hispanic and the race shown says he is white and the suspect theh are looking for is

White wouldent they just be fitting him as the victom

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Sep 15, 2022

Your question seems to be, If the alleged suspect of an alleged crime is White, why is there an Hispanic person being held in jail for the crime?

If this is true, it is because the report was supplemented with information against the person in custody OR there is something that was pointing...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Washington on
Q: if someone is supposed to go do 60 days can they ask for home monitoring instead and just do more time?

already been sentenced and pleaded guilty

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 18, 2022

Generally no, but it definitely depends on the judge and the circumstances. If something has changed since the sentence was imposed, and not too much time has passed, a reasonable judge would at least listen and consider the request.

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