Is Protesting Really Legal? The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech. In other words, the government cannot censor the expression of citizens. “Speech” goes beyond verbal language and includes print and other media as well. The right to peacefully assemble also arises out of the First Amendment. However, these rights are not absolute. A permit… Read More
Hate Crimes in Washington In the overwhelming majority of states, hate crime statutes elevate the gravity of certain underlying offenses if the motivation for committing the crime is proven to be hate or other bias against members of a specific, protected group. Separate offense defined by motivation Washington defines its hate crime offense in RCW9A.36.080, which states in part… Read More
How to Fight a Wrongful Restraining Order Also commonly referred to as a restraining order, a protective order is processed in a different manner based on the state. In each state, the purpose behind a restraining order is to keep an individual (the respondent) from approaching, contacting, or abusing the person who filed the complaint, otherwise known as the petitioner. Once a… Read More