Plea agreements are a common practice in the criminal justice system of Washington. These agreements allow defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dismissal of additional charges. Plea agreements can be a valuable tool...

Criminal Defense
The problem of insurance fraud
An insurance policy serves a vital purpose. Whether someone takes out a homeowner, auto insurance or business liability policy, the contract locks the provider into assuming financial responsibility for covered perils. That means the insurance company must pay a...
Rights of juveniles in police custody in Washington State
The law has long recognized that minors do not have the same capacity for moral reasoning and self-control that adults do. When a juvenile is arrested in Washington, there are certain rights that police officers must uphold. They include: a. Miranda rights All...
Attending family treatment court can be highly beneficial
If you're a parent involved in the child welfare system in Washington and you need access to drug or alcohol treatment, the regular Dependency Court is no longer your only alternative. Fortunately, you have another option and can volunteer for Family Treatment Court,...
When can the police take my DNA?
Many criminals leave a trail behind when in the act of breaking the law, and sometimes DNA is among the detailed evidence. However, the acceptance of this evidence is often done too readily for Washington criminal defense attorneys to actually accept its...
When is a K-9 search legal during a traffic stop?
In Vancouver, Washington, people who are subject to a traffic stop, have their vehicle searched and are subsequently confronted by drug charges might wonder about their rights and if the search is legal. This is especially concerning if there was a K-9 used to aid in...
What are your rights if you’re pulled over for a DUI?
As a Washington resident, you have various rights in regards to speaking with law enforcement. Many people tend to have questions about what their rights are when it comes to being pulled over. If you're pulled over for the suspicion of being under the influence of...
How accurate is eyewitness testimony?
Criminal defendants in Washington know that it is not a good sign when an eyewitness points to them from the witness stand. Eyewitness testimony is among the most convincing pieces of evidence delivered at a criminal trial. However, more legal professionals are...
What is the attorney-client privilege?
When facing criminal charges in Washington state, the accused may rely heavily on a criminal defense attorney for assistance. Some defendants may worry about how open and honest they could be with their counsel. Under the attorney-client privilege, an attorney keeps...