Washington police recently arrested a man who allegedly assaulted an ex-girlfriend. He is facing charges for assault, domestic violence malicious mischief and domestic violence assault. The man told police that he thought his ex-girlfriend and a man who was with her...
Seattle Criminal Defense Law Blog
Accused of being a stalker? Here’s what you should know
Washington state law is fairly clear on what actions constitute stalking, but someone can still be arrested for alleged actions that only broadly resemble the definition. A defendant might even be surprised to learn that another person is accusing them of being a...
Accurately tracking juvenile recidivism rates
Measuring recidivism rates can help lawmakers and experts better reduce the number of repeat offenders. However, past systems for tracking juvenile recidivism have not always given an accurate picture of what is going on. A more recent multi-organization project...
When is a minor considered a juvenile delinquent?
When an adult is arrested for violations of the law, he or she will face criminal charges. Minors also face legal consequences for these violations, but they are referred to as delinquent acts rather than crimes. A minor who has committed an act that violates...
The role of mental illness in juvenile offenses
Mental health awareness has improved over recent decades, and there are probably many people in Washington who now feel comfortable reaching out for help. But even those who are receiving appropriate treatment can -- and do -- still suffer the effects of their...
You don’t have to steal anything to be charged with burglary
A person who is accused of entering a property without permission can be arrested and criminally charged for doing so. A burglary charge can significantly impact a person’s life, but it is commonly confused with other charges like theft. But burglary does not involve...
Juvenile law: Do you understand your teen’s charges?
People all across Washington make mistakes each and every day. Most of these mistakes go largely unnoticed, and it may feel unfair that your child is now facing criminal charges for his or her misstep. This is a frustrating situation that you might not know how to...
Better understanding your minor in possession violation
Alcohol shows up almost everywhere in society. Whether watching a TV show, attending a party or just having dinner with friends, alcohol is very likely to make an appearance. It is understandable that Washington teenagers are often curious about alcohol, but the law...
Theft charges can be misdemeanors or felonies
People in Washington are probably familiar with certain criminal offenses in a broad sense, but they may not realize that most charges have different degrees of seriousness. Theft is a good example of this. Charges for the criminal offense of theft -- which involves...
Do police have a right to examine your phone data?
Just about everyone’s lives are contained on their smartphones nowadays, and our devices store gigabytes of potential evidence. But if you are suspected or accused of a crime, can law enforcement force you to hand over phone data? As recent court cases involving...

