Many clients believe that if a past criminal charge was reduced to a lesser offense, dismissed after a deferred prosecution, occurred as a juvenile, or otherwise resolved without a conviction, it no longer exists for future legal purposes. Unfortunately, that…
In Washington State, Negligent Driving in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, and DUI are all traffic-related offenses, but they have distinct legal elements, penalties, and implications. Negligent Driving in the First Degree (RCW 46.61.5249) Key Elements Driving in a negligent manner (not necessarily…
Update From The District Court Bench (abbreviated/edited by Witt Law Group) Probation Assessments Starting Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the following probation assessments will be imposed by the Court when a case is referred for Probation Services. Pretrial Diversion Agreements $150…
Prosecutors use a number of factors to decide whether a reported crime should be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Generally, it is the severity of crime and whether the facts as reported by law enforcement most closely meet…
Washington State defines Assault in the Fourth Degree broadly under its criminal statutes. While many people think of assault as requiring physical contact, Washington law does not make physical touching a mandatory element of the offense. Instead, the state considers…
Understanding the difference between a criminal charge (a formal accusation) and the charging process (the steps leading up to that accusation) is important because it affects a person’s legal status and rights. It is important that those being investigated or…
Handling your own personal injury auto accident case can seem like a way to save money, but it comes with significant risks that can impact your compensation and legal rights. Since the injury victims who represents themselves are presumed to…
There are many unfair aspects of criminal investigations and prosecutions that lay people just do not fully appreciate. When you watch movies or tv shows, the length and quality of investigations are very unusual. Most misdemeanor charges are based on…
