Archives : 2010 : December

1. A Strange New World-A Look at Marijuana Dispensaries

   Dec 31, 2010 —

   In Seattle, as in other parts of the country like California, there seems to be a noticeable upsurge in the amount of marijuana dispensaries being opened. Smoking marijuana has certainly come a long way from being a clandestine, criminal activity. Entrepreneurs and marijuana activists are boldly blazing the trail, and slowly but surely the taboo … [More]

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2. Washington’s Medical Marijuana-What is a “Qualifying Patient”

   Dec 24, 2010 —

   Doctors Note does not prevent Prosecution Under the medical marijuana initiative, it is perfectly legal for individuals to use marijuana for specific medical ailments. If a person has a medical condition that qualifies, a physician can grant them a medical marijuana authorization after they have been advised of the benefits vs. risks. The law provides … [More]

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3. With More Budget Cuts Proposed, the Mentally Ill will be on the Streets

   Dec 21, 2010 —

   The irony here is that while the state tries to save money, it is not taking into account the cost of public safety and crime prevention. The programs that are being cut would actually save tax payers in the long run. Without these programs, mentally ill patients will be out on the streets, where they are apt to engage in criminal behavior. … [More]

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4. Pierce County Prosecutor Mislead Jury on Burden of Proof After Officer Busts Unhelmeted, Sidewalk Bicyclist

   Dec 17, 2010 —

   For two years in a row now the Court of Appeals has published prosecutorial misconduct cases stating that the “filing in the blank” description of the jury’s duty isn’t lawful because it assumes the jury should begin from a presumption of guilty … [More]

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5. Medical Marijuana Certificate Won’t Stop the Police

   Dec 16, 2010 —

   A medical marijuana certificate will not prevent police officers from obtaining a search warrant, entering your home, and hauling you away to jail. In addition, according to the Supreme Court, your prosecution won’t be barred by the medical marijuana certificate and you will have to hire an attorney to assert a defense in a criminal trial … [More]

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6. Masks-Not Just for Halloween Anymore

   Dec 14, 2010 —

   Thieves have found another innovative way to disguise themselves during the commission of a crime. Gone are the days of donning a nylon stocking or ski mask to conceal their identity. Bank robbers are now  using hyper-realistic masks. These masks are so lifelike, they can make a young 20 year old man look like someone 50 years older, or make you look like a different race or ethnicity … [More]

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7. Criminal Trespass Policy Changes in Seattle

   Dec 14, 2010 —

   Local store owners together with Seattle PD entered into an agreement that if someone is caught loitering in front of a business establishment, a police officer can ban them from not only that particular establishment, but all participating businesses. If they return to that establishment or any other, they can be arrested for criminal trespass … [More]

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8. Expansion of Warrants Includes Barbie Doll could be Linked to Child Pornography

   Dec 7, 2010 —

   The doll looks like a regular Barbie but with one distinct difference, it comes conveniently equipped with a video camera built into her chest. The FBI is concerned that this toy will be used to sexually exploit children … [More]

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9. Police Conduct “Operation Grinch”

   Dec 7, 2010 —

   The timing of this crackdown was inspired by the onset of the holidays. Hoards of shoppers actually provide cover for drug dealers and gang members that are dealing crack, heroin and marijuana … [More]

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