Washington state tracks youth crime data carefully, and the resulting reports on sexual misconduct often alarm parents. Reviewing the numbers shows which offenses happen most often. The data reveals that while youth make up a large portion of certain charges, targeted...
Sex Crimes Defense
The link between alcohol and sexual assault
Some studies have found a link between allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol use, especially among college students. One study determined that the alleged perpetrator was under the influence in anywhere from 30% to 75% of on-campus sexual assault cases. Alcohol...
Addressing legal challenges: appeals and sealing registered offenses
A criminal record might hinder people's efforts to find a job, a house, or other opportunities. Individuals dealing with registered sex offenses should understand the appeals and sealing processes if they want to make a fresh start and open new prospects. How can sex...
Can someone be too drunk to consent to sex?
It’s possible that if you meet someone at a bar and really hit it off, you might end up heading to your place or hers. Maybe some more drinks, and then the clothes come off. But the next day, your fling could lead to serious trouble. What if the woman wakes up scared...
Utah woman arrested for exposing herself to her stepchildren
Could you be arrested for going topless? Even as women have launched a global Free the Nipple campaign to challenge the bias they see in exposure laws, the answer seems to depend on where you live. Or where you disrobe. The issue recently made national headlines after...
The Suspect is Dead. The Case Continues.
The death of Jeffrey Epstein did not represent the death knell of the investigation into allegations of sex trafficking. The criminal case is expanding and focusing on new suspects connected to Epstein, including high-profile entrepreneurs and powerful politicians. No...
The Unlikely Survivability of R. Kelly’s Freedom
After years of rumors and criminal charges surrounding his supposed proclivities for minor females, R. Kelly has replaced a wardrobe custom-made for a wealthy R&B mogul for an orange jumpsuit and ankle shackles. This appearance was not his first time in front of a...
How ‘genetic genealogy’ could violate your civil rights
One of the biggest cold cases in modern history made news about a year ago with the capture of the alleged “Golden State Killer.” The man identified as the suspect has been charged with 26 counts of murder for his alleged spree of murders and rapes in the 1970s and...
Does new legislation impede defendants charged with sex crimes?
Although mounting any criminal defense can seem overwhelming, allegations of criminal sexual conduct against adults involves special considerations. The reason is reputational: such crimes are often media fodder, and a defendant may feel like he or she is...
Study: Your DNA can end up on objects you’ve never touched
While other types of evidence and forensic science are increasingly being challenged as unreliable, DNA analysis is the notable exception. It is usually considered the gold standard in the criminal justice arena, especially in prosecutions of violent crimes and sex...

