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 2
Do you have any Washington Criminal Defense questions page 2 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.

Recent Legal Answers

If I was caught stealing, will it be on my record?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You can do a criminal check yourself. It does not matter what the value is of the item stolen to be charged. It sounds like you either had a diversion or stipulation order of continuance. If either, your docket would show the charge and disposition. A background check would not show the charge or disposition.... Read More
You can do a criminal check yourself. It does not matter what the value is of the item stolen to be charged. It sounds like you either had a... Read More

Will I fail drug test same as if cocaine and meth if marijuana is legal here?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Look at the sentencing order. If it states no alcohol or drugs during your probation, then yes, you would fail a test. You will also be subject to random testing during this period. Failure can lead to actual jail time.
Look at the sentencing order. If it states no alcohol or drugs during your probation, then yes, you would fail a test. You will also be subject to... Read More

How serious will my second sentence be and will I realistically go to jail for the second charge?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Because of the second charge occurring so close together, there is a chance that you will be going to jail. The sentencing range is 365 days in jail and/or $5,000. If that does not get your attention, nothing will.
Because of the second charge occurring so close together, there is a chance that you will be going to jail. The sentencing range is 365 days in jail... Read More

What can happen if I stole my grandmaโ€™s credit card 3 days before turning 18?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Sorry, but you will be charged as an adult. You could be charged with Theft 3. Its sentencing range is 365 days in jail and/or $5,000 fine.
Sorry, but you will be charged as an adult. You could be charged with Theft 3. Its sentencing range is 365 days in jail and/or $5,000 fine.

Can I sue someone for not returning a property that I had lent out to them?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes. You may sue in small claims if valued up to $5,000. It would not be beneficial to sue in Superior court.
Yes. You may sue in small claims if valued up to $5,000. It would not be beneficial to sue in Superior court.

Is there a jury instruction that says as an element of criminal trespass?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If found on private property and another crime has been committed, the prosecutor may charge your client with trespass.
If found on private property and another crime has been committed, the prosecutor may charge your client with trespass.

Can I help my son in court and speak on his behalf if he has a hard time understanding and processing information?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
No, you may not assist him. The court should be informed of his disability and they will get a court appointed aid.
No, you may not assist him. The court should be informed of his disability and they will get a court appointed aid.

If they can't find her to serve her before hers goes through against me, how will they decide who has to move out?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The court docket will have a time and date stamp to show who filed first. A non-party to the Order must serve the other party. If you get served first, go to court to contest the action.
The court docket will have a time and date stamp to show who filed first. A non-party to the Order must serve the other party. If you get served... Read More

Can I change my mind and do jail instead of work release for the original time stated?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Have your attorney take to probation.
Have your attorney take to probation.

Would they still prosecute if someone I know is trying to get charges dropped?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It depends upon the evidence they have and, more importantly, key evidence that does not require her cooperation. Meaning, they can still prosecute without her as a witness.
It depends upon the evidence they have and, more importantly, key evidence that does not require her cooperation. Meaning, they can still prosecute... Read More

If my son and his girlfriend were arrested for stealing a phone, his girlfriend did it, can he be charged for a crime she did?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, they generally charge all parties and rely on the parties to sort it out themselves. Meaning, she needs to step-up and say he was not knowledgeable that she had planed and di steal the phone.
Yes, they generally charge all parties and rely on the parties to sort it out themselves. Meaning, she needs to step-up and say he was not... Read More

Can police find evidence on a warrant and not charge you or arrest you on the scene?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They are discussing the matter internally and with prosecutor on whether to proceed with charges. You actually could get a letter to appear at your arrangement, rather than being arrested.
They are discussing the matter internally and with prosecutor on whether to proceed with charges. You actually could get a letter to appear at your... Read More

If I called the military police on my neighbor, will she be able to find out it was us who called the police and filled a report?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It's a no brainer that it was you. Who else would have called the police?
It's a no brainer that it was you. Who else would have called the police?

What does it mean about being possible A3 for a DV4 charge?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Assault third degree, domestic violence.
Assault third degree, domestic violence.

Is it legal for a 14 years old girl to date an 18 years old boy?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It is not an issue, particularly if both parents approve. However, you do not need their permission to do so.
It is not an issue, particularly if both parents approve. However, you do not need their permission to do so.

How do I get second amendment rights back if I have a 30 year old felony possession?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to petition the court for your firearms rights back.
You need to petition the court for your firearms rights back.

If I am supposed to turn myself in to do 5 days in jail which will close out my case, what will happen?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you do not turn yourself in, they will issue a warrant for your arrest. In addition, they can resentence you which means possibly more jail time.
If you do not turn yourself in, they will issue a warrant for your arrest. In addition, they can resentence you which means possibly more jail time.

How much of my shoplifting charge will show up on my background?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You entered a deferred prosecution. You will need to expunge your record for the charge to not show up.
You entered a deferred prosecution. You will need to expunge your record for the charge to not show up.

Why would my criminal charge say disposition on my background check rather than conviction?

Answered 8 years and 9 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should be glad that it currently does not show up in the background check. It will, system is slow in being updated.
You should be glad that it currently does not show up in the background check. It will, system is slow in being updated.

Is it considered residential burglary if the dwelling was uninhabitable and no one lived there?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes. While no one lived there at that time, you still took property that was not yours.
Yes. While no one lived there at that time, you still took property that was not yours.

What are the considerations taken into account before granted bail?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
His criminal history. Whether he is a flight risk. Has ties to the community. Threat to accuser. Has a job.
His criminal history. Whether he is a flight risk. Has ties to the community. Threat to accuser. Has a job.

If her profile said she was 22 years old, text me and send me photos, but in fact she was 17 years old, am I in the wrong for anything?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Stop communicating with her!
Stop communicating with her!

How can I make contact with the man in charge of my case or even just finding out their name?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Kristin Miriam Hanna (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Whatever you do, DO NOT contact anyone you think is setting you up.
Whatever you do, DO NOT contact anyone you think is setting you up.

Am I able to own a rifle after my last marijuana possession misdemeanor?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Did you lose your rights in your sentencing? If so, you need to petition the court to get your rights back.
Did you lose your rights in your sentencing? If so, you need to petition the court to get your rights back.

Is there a way to clean my record from the other state?

Answered 8 years and 10 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Go on line to see what their expungement requirements are. You should be able to find the required form there too.
Go on line to see what their expungement requirements are. You should be able to find the required form there too.