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My friend was involved in a head-on car accident in August 2003 and was charged with a DUI, which later changed to Vehicle Assault DUI at the hospital. The case went under investigation, and we were waiting for blood sample results from the state, which took over a year. Despite the case supposedly... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
2003? Or 2023?
I would have a lawyer handle it if I were the friend. You want them to be able to investigate and find out where the case is, but not in any kind of way that might make his situation worse. It's certainly possible that sample is still at the lab for testing, or that the... View More
My 17-year-old son was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving as he was caught driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone. He has no prior citations or offenses, there are no additional charges, and he has a court date scheduled. Will he face jail time?

answered on Mar 17, 2025
Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor. Maxim penalties are up to 364 days in jail, and a $5000 fine. If found committed, he will also have a 30-day license suspension and a mandatory 3-years of SR-2 (high-risk) insurance to have a license.
The reality is, as my colleague says, jail time... View More
My girlfriend accidentally shot me in the hand while we were intoxicated. She was interrogated at our house while I was taken to the hospital, and due to her intoxication, her statements were inconsistent. Law enforcement pressed different narratives, leading to a charge of assault 2. Despite... View More

answered on Mar 11, 2025
The real answer here is no, by accepting the deal and pleading guilty you gave up your rights to confront your accusers and question them. All your appeal rights so that is just the way it is. You should have fought the case and gone to trial and then if you lost your appeal rights would still be... View More
I have been living on a property for about 20 years with the owner's knowledge and have never signed any paperwork or paid rent. Recently, the owner called the police on me for trespassing, cut off utilities, and now wants to pursue criminal trespassing charges against me. Additionally, I used... View More

answered on Mar 9, 2025
This issue is rooted in Landlord/tenant law so you need to consult with an attorney that handle that type of cases because you may have an argument there. Obviously you don't have a deed or ownership because of purchase, but through being there with the knowledge of the owner you may have... View More
I was parked in a designated spot when a man exited his vehicle and aggressively hit my car, demanding that I move. Although no one was harmed, a heated argument ensued. Do I have the right to defend myself in such a situation?

answered on Mar 8, 2025
Hello, while you can use reasonable and necessary force to protect yourself and your property, you would want to exercise as much restraint as possible. If you were to strike this man, law enforcement could determine that (in their opinion) you were the aggressor and charges could result.
My son's father and I have a residential schedule that states our son is to reside with me in Grant County, WA, but we do not have a formal parenting plan. I allowed him some parenting time, and now he refuses to return our son to me. The police and CPS have informed me this is a civil issue.... View More

answered on Feb 18, 2025
I am so sorry that you have been going through this, but at the stage I'd strongly urge you to file a legal action for custody in whatever Family Court (through Superior Court) is closest to you in Washington.
If you are low-income, you may be able to get free legal assistance in this... View More
I have already had an attorney confirm for me that the state laws and the HOA's declaration both require them to get the permission and approval of the board members before they can ever spend any HOA money. They also have to provide information like the reciepts and copies of checks but they... View More

answered on Feb 9, 2025
Thank you for your question and really shocking set of facts. You have described the essence of embezzlement - the theft of money from an employer or business (or non-profit).
I suggest you put together an organized time line of what you know, with any financial records you can include,... View More
my ex and i are being targeted and our rights have been violated by the police and sheriffs

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... View More
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?

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
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

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

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

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... View More
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

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... View More
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

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
That seems to add something to this case doesn't make sense

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... View More
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

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
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.

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
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

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... View More
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

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.
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.

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
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