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Washington Criminal Defense Legal Questions

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283 legal questions have been posted about criminal law by real users in Washington. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include theft, weapons charges, and death penalty. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Washington Criminal Defense Questions & Legal Answers - Page 7
Do you have any Washington Criminal Defense questions page 7 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 283 previously answered Washington Criminal Defense questions.
Criminal Law
Washington

Recent Legal Answers

Will my minor daughter who shoplifted less than $20 get a record?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Unless she can get into a diversion program, she will have a criminal record. The amount taken does not matter, it's the act. If there is no program, a lawyer likely can get a Stipulated Order of Continuance, such that after she has successfully completed her sentence the charge goes away. She will also have to pay a civil fine to the store and make restitution.... Read More
Unless she can get into a diversion program, she will have a criminal record. The amount taken does not matter, it's the act. If there is no... Read More

What happens if I have two misdemeanor warrants and I missed court since my son stole my car?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
A arrest warrant has been issued for your arrest. You need to turn yourself in.
A arrest warrant has been issued for your arrest. You need to turn yourself in.

Will they give you that same opportunity twice of a deferred adjudication?

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It is highly unlikely you will get another get out of jail free chance. The best you can expect is a deferred sentence. This will require you to plead guilty and after you successfully completed all of the terms of your sentence, the guilty plea is removed and a deferred entered. This will show up in a background check, however. After two years from the date of your completion of your sentence, you can expunge your record. In any case, you will not get jail time, but will likely have to do community service.... Read More
It is highly unlikely you will get another get out of jail free chance. The best you can expect is a deferred sentence. This will require you to... Read More

If I have an active warrant while on probation and I'm off probation in February 2016, what happens to the warrant?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The warrant will remain active and you can be arrested if you do not deal with the warrant yourself.
The warrant will remain active and you can be arrested if you do not deal with the warrant yourself.

If I have court for theft three and I missed it, what do I do to clear it?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Because you missed the hearing, a warrant has been issued for your arrest. You can try getting on the court schedule to address your matter (and address the warrant then). More likely, you will need to turn yourself in.
Because you missed the hearing, a warrant has been issued for your arrest. You can try getting on the court schedule to address your matter (and... Read More

What do I do if I signed a waiver for an additional 3 months but my attorney hasn’t done anything since the previous waiver?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Do you have a public defender? It sounds like you need a new lawyer, since he is not looking out for the best interest of his client.
Do you have a public defender? It sounds like you need a new lawyer, since he is not looking out for the best interest of his client.

Is there anything else that can be done in restoring my gun rights?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Your chances of getting your civil liberties back are very good. Go online for the forms and instructions you will need to follow to get it before a judge. There are attorneys that specialize in this area, so you can go that route if you wish. Good luck.
Your chances of getting your civil liberties back are very good. Go online for the forms and instructions you will need to follow to get it before a... Read More

What do we do if someone broke in to house and forced my father to sign a check?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You report it to the police.
You report it to the police.

Is there a penalty for sending her pot by UPS or FEDEX if we live in a state where buying pot is legal?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Edmund P. Allen, Jr (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, it is a felony under federal law. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, and to transport it interstate would be a serious crime. If your daughter is in pain, many states have medical marijuana for that purpose. But do not mail it to her.
Yes, it is a felony under federal law. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, and to transport it interstate would be a serious crime. If your... Read More

Is there a penalty for sending her pot by UPS or FEDEX if we live in a state where buying pot is legal?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Mr. Robert Jason De Groot (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes.
Yes.

What needs to be done and can he get the rights back if he had a felony in 2000?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He can petition the court to get his rights back. Go online for the forms and instructions. Note wait period after completing probation before he is eligible to apply. There are law firms that specializes in this area.
He can petition the court to get his rights back. Go online for the forms and instructions. Note wait period after completing probation before he... Read More

If I am a minor and got a subpoena and I don't show up, what will happen to me?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
100% on warrant. Can keep you in jail until judge decides otherwise, i.e., a long time. You can take the stand and refuse to answer their questions.
100% on warrant. Can keep you in jail until judge decides otherwise, i.e., a long time. You can take the stand and refuse to answer their questions.

Is the child molestation case still pending and if so, what will happen?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Whether the case is still pending depends upon the police investigation and sending their findings to the prosecutor. Do not talk to the police without an attorney. These type of cases are like snow balls rolling down the hill. Once they start they continue to get bigger and out of control.... Read More
Whether the case is still pending depends upon the police investigation and sending their findings to the prosecutor. Do not talk to the police... Read More

How can I take the record if I was accused of stealing which was not done intentionally?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They have the burden of proof to prove you INTENDED to steal the purse. Refuse to pay the civil fine until the criminal phase has been completed. Get an attorney to either get the charge dropped, get you in a diversion program, or receive a plea offer that will have the charge tossed after completion of court directed activities.... Read More
They have the burden of proof to prove you INTENDED to steal the purse. Refuse to pay the civil fine until the criminal phase has been completed. Get... Read More

Does a restraining holder still hold if the person who filed it dies?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No, there is no need for the protection order any more.
No, there is no need for the protection order any more.

What penalties will I face, having accidentally sold alcohol to a minor?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You will not serve time. Your first appearance will be your arraignment. You will enter a plea of not guilty. See if there is a diversion program to enter. Most sentencing deals with retraining of selling liquor; possibly community service and a fine.
You will not serve time. Your first appearance will be your arraignment. You will enter a plea of not guilty. See if there is a diversion program... Read More

Am I in trouble for not appearing even if I can prove my truck really did break?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, you could be in trouble and a warrant for your arrest can be issued. Contact court clerk to see if a warrant has been issued.
Yes, you could be in trouble and a warrant for your arrest can be issued. Contact court clerk to see if a warrant has been issued.

My request for an order of protection was denied, what should I do?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Stephen Lewis Freeborn (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Since I don't know the contents of the documents you presented to the court, I can't say. If you are really that concerned, my advice is to consult / retain an attorney who can assist with the process.
Since I don't know the contents of the documents you presented to the court, I can't say. If you are really that concerned, my advice is to consult... Read More

How can I get her there to answer the warrant without risking her health?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to retain an attorney to assist you.
You need to retain an attorney to assist you.

Could I get a public defender for a drunk driving charge?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   8 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you can show the inability to pay for a private attorney, the judge can appoint the Public Defender's Office to represent you.
If you can show the inability to pay for a private attorney, the judge can appoint the Public Defender's Office to represent you.

Do I have to make a payment plan with the plaintiff if the judge issued a stay of execution?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It would be in your best interest to agree to a payment plan.
It would be in your best interest to agree to a payment plan.

Could a attorney help with driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Edward Jerome Blum (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes. Absolutely a lawyer will help you beat these charges.
Yes. Absolutely a lawyer will help you beat these charges.

Why is my attorney keep continuing my case? How?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by Jeff Fengcheng Yeh (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I can assure you that the case has not been "dismissed." Your case keeps getting continued because your lawyer keeps waiving your right to a speedy trial. That's why.
I can assure you that the case has not been "dismissed." Your case keeps getting continued because your lawyer keeps waiving your right to a speedy... Read More
Criminal Law
Washington

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