Blog
Apr 6, 2012 —
In a criminal case, it is common for a prosecutor and a defense attorney to reach a plea agreement after working long and hard to resolve disputed issues. A plea agreement is a compromise reached by all parties, which basically consists of a defendant admitting guilt to a particular crime in exchange for a specific … [More]
Mar 27, 2012 —
I’ve written on this blog before about the bill making its way through the state legislature that would boost drunk driving penalties in instances where another person is injured or killed. That bill was signed into recently by Governor Chris Gregoire. But House Bill 2443 also had other provisions which would affect the sentencing requirements … [More]
Mar 26, 2012 —
In State v. Tamblyn, Division Three of the Washington State Court of Appeals, affirms the idea laid out in the now infamous Gant decision, that the police may not search a drivers car after he or she is arrested for the crime of DUI unless they take the time to get a warrant. The relevant … [More]
Mar 22, 2012 —
There are many ways that a city or state can try to curtail alcohol sales. Three of the most common methods are added enforcement, stiffer penalties, and public awareness campaigns. That’s the goal of an effort to place a voluntary ban on certain sales of alcohol in three Seattle neighborhoods. Mayor Mike McGinn is formulating … [More]
Mar 19, 2012 —
In today’s political climate, there are far too many instances where people in power opt for what is expedient, safe, or predetermined instead of exercising common sense. Politicians usually tend to try and avoid ruffling feathers or making mistakes as opposed to actively protecting the interests of their constituents or standing up for what’s right. … [More]
Mar 1, 2012 —
Americans who have been convicted of DUI in Washington and throughout the country face many different challenges and restrictions. They have to adhere to countless conditions of their probation agreements. They have to purchase special auto insurance. They likely disqualify themselves from holding certain types of jobs. But now, DUI offenders may possibly be able … [More]
Feb 28, 2012 —
Although its unseemly and unprofessional to dance the victory dance in the eyes of many, one recent victory for Blair Russ at trial couldn’t have happened to a better, more deserving client. Obviously we can’t publish the clients personal details but lets just say that the jury agreed that the clients circumstances surrounding the incident … [More]
Feb 25, 2012 —
Through awareness, enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing, police departments in Washington have sent a clear message that driving under the influence is unacceptable – and that those who engage in this dangerous practice will face severe consequences. So it would be logical to assume that if a police officer were to be convicted of DUI, he … [More]
Feb 17, 2012 —
In 2007, Kevin L. Monday Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree assault and sentenced to serve 64 years in prison. Prosecutors convinced a jury that Monday was the man who murdered Francisco Roche Green by firing numerous shots on a Seattle street. Jurors were swayed by a videotape which showed Monday as the … [More]
Feb 16, 2012 —
Several weeks ago, we told you about proposed new legislation that would increase the prison sentences for those people convicted of driving under the influence who injured or killed someone in an auto accident. The proposal was announced at a press conference attended by numerous lawmakers, prosecutors, and families of DUI victims. So perhaps it … [More]