An article in today’s The Oregonian written by Rick Lyman New York Times News Service indicates, ‘… more than half the states, including some in the conservative South, are considering decriminalizing marijuana or legalizing it for medical or recreational use.’ [Read more…]
Other States May Join Washington & Colorado in the Legalization / Decriminalization of Marijuana
February 28, 2014 By
Assaulting a Police, Resisting Arrest & Reckless Driving Charges faced by Dave’s Killer Bread Founder
November 15, 2013 By
Sadly, it was reported in the news today, Dave’s Killer Bread founder, David Dahl, was arrested after an alleged disturbance and pursuit that left three patrol cars wrecked in Washington County, Oregon. Dahl was jailed on charges including assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving. [Read more…]
The Intersection Between a School’s Weapon Policy & Self Defense & No Duty to Retreat
November 11, 2013 By
It was reported today in The Columbian, two Gonzaga students were given probation for possessing a weapon in their school owned housing. However, that is not what makes this case unusual. The weapons came to light because a gun was displayed to ward off a potential home invasion.
According to the article, ‘Gonzaga University has agreed to review its weapons policy.’ [Read more…]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diminished Capacity Defense
November 11, 2013 By
Firstly, I want to start by thanking all of our service men and women for their dedication and commitment to defending us and our country.
Sadly, the soldier’s commitment to our Nation can have devastating and long term consequences on the operations of the mind. While many veterans returning to civilian life experience little, if any, of the debilitating effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from exposure to combat in the war including basic training. The same does not hold true for countless other soldiers returning home after the war. [Read more…]
New Law + Old Forms = Legal Issue?
November 8, 2013 By
The Implied Consent Rights and Warnings were written to reflect Initiative 502, codified un RCW 46.20.308, effective December 5, 2012.
RCW 46.20.308 requires law enforcement to give specific warnings to a driver as to the consequences of either taking or refusing to take a breath or blood test. Connolly v. DOL, 79 Wn.2d 500 (1971); State v. Turpin, 94 Wn.2d 820 (1980); Spokane v. Holmberg, 50 Wn.App. 317 (1987). [Read more…]
Visions of Someday Sparking Up in Your Favorite Washington Wateringhole Facing Challenge from Liquor Control Board
October 31, 2013 By
In November 2012, Washington voters passed Initiative 502. The change in the law legalized small amounts of marijuana-related products for most adults, to tax them, and designate the revenue for healthcare and substance-abuse prevention and education. While Washington residents and Law Enforcement Officials are navigating their way thru new changes in the law, Washington’s Liquor Control Board is hard at work establishing 502’s parameters. [Read more…]
I was charged with a misdemeanor offense. Do I need a lawyer?
October 26, 2013 By
Short Answer: Yes.
This is a common question asked in my line of work. And a very simple one to answer. Yes. You need a lawyer. Specifically, a criminal defense attorney. [Read more…]
Judge Does Not Uphold Joint Recommendation for Sentencing
October 25, 2013 By
Yesterday, two Tacoma men were sentenced to 54 months in prison by Clark County Superior Court Judge Suzan Clark for a burglary that occurred on July 17, 2013 in La Center, Washington. [Read more…]
Woman Runs from Law Enforcement, Struck by Car on Interstate 5 in Vancouver, WA
October 23, 2013 By
It was reported in the news yesterday, a woman was struck by a vehicle while crossing Interstate 5 in Vancouver, Washington. According to the Columbian, “[t]he incident started about 4:40 a.m., when deputies spotted the woman, later identified as Sarah Christiansen, 25, riding a bike in the 7200 block of Northeast 99 without any reflective gear, Sgt. Fred Neiman (in bold for emphasis), concerned for the woman’s safety and other vehicular traffic, Neiman said the deputy turned on his lights to stop her.” The law enforcement agency involved in the pursuit was the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. [Read more…]
Clark County will pay two men wrongfully convicted of rape — $10.5 Million
October 23, 2013 By
The Columbian reported earlier today two men who spent almost 20 years in prison will paid over $10 million after being wrongfully convicted of rape in Clark County, Washington back in 1993. Also newsworthy is the fact the county is taking out a $10 million dollar loan to pay the settlement. [Read more…]
