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
Do you have any Washington Criminal Defense questions 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

No. If you were sentenced in September of 2024 then you are past the 30 day time allowed in Washington for an appeal to be filed.  In addition, it is very unusual in Washington for someone to go through a DUI prosecution without having counsel. In almost every case where someone ends up pro se, representing themselves, the court ensures that the defendant clearly waives their right to an attorney. Assuming that you waived your right to an attorney, rather than hiring one or having one appoointed for you, your right to appeal that would have been difficult.  As an aside, after being found guilty of reckless driving, courts in Washington always order a substance abuse evaluation and require you to follow the recomended treatment. ... Read More
No. If you were sentenced in September of 2024 then you are past the 30 day time allowed in Washington for an appeal to be filed.  In addition,... Read More

Can police enter your home without consent and arrest you on a bench warrant?

Answered 8 years and 4 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If they have a warrant they may do so.
If they have a warrant they may do so.

Can you be charged with trespassing if the person filing charges no longer owned the home?

Answered 8 years and 4 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Until title ownership has transferred to the bank, it's still the owners. So, yes he can.
Until title ownership has transferred to the bank, it's still the owners. So, yes he can.

Can a parent press charges against a minor who assaulted their child?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Only the prosecutor can charge him with a crime. That said, she can sue him and his parents for battery. Good luck.
Only the prosecutor can charge him with a crime. That said, she can sue him and his parents for battery. Good luck.

Can you file a restraining order or protection from social media stalking and cyber bullying?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, and you may also file a report with the police for possible criminal charges.
Yes, and you may also file a report with the police for possible criminal charges.

How should I plead to a shoplifting charge that I didn't commit?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
They should have a diversion program that you can enter. If not, ask for a Stipulated Order of Continuance (STP).
They should have a diversion program that you can enter. If not, ask for a Stipulated Order of Continuance (STP).

If a local police lying about my arrest warrant and they keep telling I donโ€™t have a warrant, what should I do if I get arrested?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Call court clerk.
Call court clerk.
There was a violation of the terms of release.
There was a violation of the terms of release.

If my friend caught stealing alcohol and drove to my car, they got my license plate, what would happen if I refused to speak to the police?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Lawyer up and do not say anything until your lawyer is present.
Lawyer up and do not say anything until your lawyer is present.
You cannot unring the bell. Because you told this individual, s/he is free to pass it along. Because it is true s/he cannot be charged with slander.
You cannot unring the bell. Because you told this individual, s/he is free to pass it along. Because it is true s/he cannot be charged with slander.

Can I own a gun for safety reasons if my brother just got his first felony?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
He cannot be present when there is a firearm present.
He cannot be present when there is a firearm present.

Can I be prosecuted if someone asks me on Facebook privately to trade for pills?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Not likely, the deal was never completed.
Not likely, the deal was never completed.

What happens to my home detention sentence?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to inform probation where you are staying.
You need to inform probation where you are staying.

If I have a 3 million dollar hospital bill, am I going to jail for fraud?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
To have such a bill indicates that there was a medical need; hence, fraud is not a issue.
To have such a bill indicates that there was a medical need; hence, fraud is not a issue.

If you physically hand somebody something of yours letting them take it, can you accuse them of stealing it?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
That does not equate to the definition of theft. Search internet for legal definition.
That does not equate to the definition of theft. Search internet for legal definition.

Can my boyfriend report the car stolen if I live with him and he bought me a used car and it's in his name?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you have it without his permission, yes he can do so.
If you have it without his permission, yes he can do so.

If I was released on my own, recognizance without bail, could I be charged with bail jumping when I didn't go back to court?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Failure to appear is why a warrant was issued.
Failure to appear is why a warrant was issued.

How do I know if a no contact order was properly put in place by a judge?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
When one filed for a no contact order, the initial no contact order is temporary until a hearing has taken place. At the hearing both sides may present their position. What the judge is looking for is "fearful for ones safety" and "repeated threats." You can check with the court on where a temporary order has been issued. The police department can confirm whether they received a copy.... Read More
When one filed for a no contact order, the initial no contact order is temporary until a hearing has taken place. At the hearing both sides may... Read More

How can I have this removed from my record and will it affect employment in an office setting?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You can expunge your record. See court clerk for form or get it online.
You can expunge your record. See court clerk for form or get it online.

If my attorney is not working for me, what can I do?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Report him to the state Bar Association. What he has been doing is not permitted. He is required to give you a detailed statement of his spending on your behalf. In addition, he is required to keep you informed of the case status.
Report him to the state Bar Association. What he has been doing is not permitted. He is required to give you a detailed statement of his spending... Read More

If my girlfriend is a minor and she doesnโ€™t want to end our relationship, what can I do?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Want to go to jail? Be registered as a sex offender? That is where you are headed. You are the adult, start acting like one.
Want to go to jail? Be registered as a sex offender? That is where you are headed. You are the adult, start acting like one.

If I once dated this man from casino and sending my phone pictures of his private parts, it is sexual harassment, what can I do?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Report him to the police. What he is doing is illegal.
Report him to the police. What he is doing is illegal.

Is it possible through contesting that the court could impose a lesser charge like speeding?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
If you have a good driving record and have not used a deferral in the last 7 years, you can request one from the prosecutor. If granted, committing no further law violations I 6 to 12 months (each jurisdiction is different), the charge goes away.
If you have a good driving record and have not used a deferral in the last 7 years, you can request one from the prosecutor. If granted, committing... Read More

If I filed a police report on some one that used my bank card, what should I do next?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Did you contact the bank? The investigation takes time.
Did you contact the bank? The investigation takes time.

Will I be charged if my passenger called me later the night and told me that she dropped drugs on my passenger side?

Answered 8 years and 8 months ago by Thomas Edward Gates (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Yes, if found, you are the driver and should know what activities are taking place under your control.
Yes, if found, you are the driver and should know what activities are taking place under your control.