What is a DUI In Washington? Driving Under the Influence (DUI) means operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, marijuana, other drugs, or any combination. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. In Washington State, DUI charges can result in…
If you are facing a DUI or a related offense in Washington, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for several different reasons. The requirement can come from either the criminal court process or the Washington…
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…
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…
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…
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…
EHM / SCRAM Electronic home monitoring or EHM (i.e. ankle bracelet) is one method in which a person who has been sentenced to some period of detention can serve that time at home. EHM is an alternative to incarceration in…
The topic of bail can be confusing—particularly when you are under stress and trying to bail out a loved one. There are rare circumstances when a defense attorney might actually want your loved one to stay in jail until the…
If you are searching the internet about punishments for a first or subsequent DUI conviction, you should stop. The grids you are incessantly reviewing and likely panicking over are simply minimum and maximum penalties. However, if you get good legal…
