How Can a Conviction be Expunged in the State of Washington? March 8, 2016 Some records of criminal conviction can be expunged (removed from the records of a citizen) by filing a Motion to Vacate Conviction. These motions must be filed in the jurisdiction in which the conviction was handed down. Certain convictions are not eligible for expungement. Ineligible convictions include DUI, sex offenses, and those classified by Washington… Read More
Can Emotional Abuse be Considered Domestic Violence? March 2, 2016 Domestic violence is defined in part by RCW 26.50.20 as “Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members.” Also included in qualifying behaviors are sexual assault and stalking. A necessary element is the domestic relationship between victim and offender which… Read More
Can Juvenile Criminal Records Remain on Adult Criminal Reports in Washington? March 2, 2016 In the state of Washington, juvenile criminal records do not disappear upon the offending party reaching adulthood. However, these records might become eligible for increasingly restricted access when the offender reaches the ages of 18, 21, and 23. Juvenile and adult records are two separate files, with different rules governing access, so juvenile criminal adjudications… Read More
Arrested For Shoplifting and Received a Civil Demand Letter February 26, 2016 While shoplifting may seem like a small crime, and not be considered one of the more serious crimes, shoplifting has always been treated as serious as larceny. Along with the charges of shoplifting, retail stores will often send a civil demand letter to you as part of the retribution for your crime. Shoplifting Is… Read More
What Are The Penalties For Shoplifting if Convicted? February 18, 2016 Shoplifting doesn’t seem like it would be that much of a problem, but it can have dire consequences that could end in jail time, forcing you to pay costly fees and even has the potential to make you lose your job. Having a criminal record will most often reduce many of your future professional opportunities.… Read More
Is “Stalking” Considered Domestic Violence? February 11, 2016 The term stalker is often thrown around as an almost endearing term to finding someone of interest and learning as much as possible about them. However, it becomes a much more serious offense when interest takes on a deeper, more intimidating attack. Let’s talk about the definition of stalking and how that relates to domestic… Read More
No Contact Orders (NCO) definition and consequences of violating No Contact Orders February 9, 2016 One of the most common domestic violence crimes committed in Washington is the abuse of a court-imposed No Contact Order. There are a variety of ways that this could be abused, but the simple fact is that No Contact Orders have a history of not being respected or adhered to. Types of No Contact… Read More
Can I Get My Record Expunged or Vacated? February 2, 2016 A question that may come up frequently when dealing with the repercussions of having a criminal record would be whether or not the record could be expunged or vacated. The legal definition to expunge a record is to destroy legally or strike off the record any files relating to a particular criminal conviction. To vacate… Read More
Is Speeding Reckless Driving? January 24, 2016 Reckless driving often times refers to the intention of disregarding the laws of the road and placing others in danger. Receiving a ticket for reckless driving happens when the rules of the road are disregarded, but doesn’t always mean there was an accident or damage caused. Because driving a vehicle can be dangerous in itself, most… Read More
Mandatory Arrest Laws January 15, 2016 Domestic violence continues to be an issue many people face on a daily basis. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate age, race, religion, same sex or opposite sex relationships, female or even male. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their professional or financial status, from the richest to the poorest. There are laws… Read More