Category Archives: Drug Crimes

1. 2012 May be “Year of Marijuana” in Washington – Initiative 502

   Feb 2, 2012 —

   Even though only a month has passed in 2012, marijuana has already been a hot topic in the state of Washington. In fact, there may be a sea change in how the drug is viewed by residents in the state before the year is out. Last Friday, the office of Washington’s Secretary of State certified … [More]

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2. U.S Supreme Court Rejects Warrantless GPS Tracking Devices

   Jan 23, 2012 —

   Law enforcement science is advancing at an incredibly fast rate. But sometimes, the changes in the laws themselves aren’t keeping up with the rapid technological progress. That’s why we sometimes need the courts to intervene. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in a case surrounding the tracking of suspects using global positioning … [More]

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3. New Diversion Program In Seattle’s Belltown Aims To Lower Recidivism – “LEAD”

   Oct 22, 2011 —

   People who are convicted of nonviolent “street crimes,” such as prostitution, drug dealers, and substance possession are often thrown in jail or prison. Advocacy groups have pointed out that incarceration greatly increases the chances of recidivism without rehabilitating the offenders involved. But because these crimes affect public safety, law enforcement officials don’t want to turn … [More]

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4. Federal Crackdown on Medical Marijuana Creates Confusion

   May 8, 2011 —

   Despite the fact that under federal law marijuana is still illegal, dispensaries and farms have sprung up in 15 states in response to the passing of the medical marijuana laws. Thus far, the federal government has looked the other way, but apparently, those days are over. While states continue to protect and expand the use … [More]

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5. Concerning The Medical Use of Cannibas In Washington – SB 5073 To Be Debated Today

   Mar 30, 2011 —

   Considered by some to be the most comprehensive piece of Washington State’s medical marijuana legislation, SB 5073 is to be debated today in the Ways and Means Committee after passing the Senate 29-20.  The bill currently has the support of the medical establishment, the entire Seattle City Council, and the King County Medical Society.  The … [More]

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6. Fentanyl Gaining Popularity in Seattle Washington

   Mar 14, 2011 —

   Fentanyl is used as a cutting agent for heroin. It is cheap, synthetic and inexpensive to manufacture. The problem with this drug is that 100 more potent than heroin. The drug has been around medically for years, and is often used to control extreme pain, when morphine is not adequate. F Is the New H … [More]

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7. Washington Medical Marijuana Use Experiencing Growing Pains

   Jan 21, 2011 —

   Washington continues to struggle with growing pains as it applies its medical marijuana laws to the people who need it. As it stands now, patients can obtain an authorization from a physician to legally use marijuana for a specific list of approved illnesses. Local News | Washington struggles with use of medical marijuana | Seattle … [More]

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8. 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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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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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13. Washington State Cocaine Users are Getting More than they Bargained For

    Nov 15, 2010 —

    There is an alarming trend happening with the production of cocaine. When cocaine arrives in the United States, it is normally thought to be in a relatively pure state. With every step in the distribution process, the drug is inevitably cut with various substances. This is done to provide more product to sell to maximize … [More]

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14. King County Drug Diversion Court

    Nov 14, 2010 —

    King County has taken an innovative approach to address drug and alcohol abuse.  The King County Drug Diversion Program combines the criminal justice system with an alcohol and drug treatment program. This provides the offender a unique opportunity to address their own addictions and hold them accountable. While this is not the first drug court … [More]

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15. Follow Up on Proposition 19-Legalization of Marijuana

    Nov 8, 2010 —

    California voters have spoken, and Proposition 19 did not pass. This ground breaking ballot initiative would have made the sale and recreational use of marijuana legal in California. Anyone over the age of 21 could legally possess one ounce or under, and would have the ability to grow their own. The results of the election … [More]

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16. Criminal Law and the Depression

    Oct 28, 2010 —

    Everyone can agree that the past few years have been tough. Americans are financially stressed like never before. People have lost their jobs; their nest eggs, and in some cases their homes.  There is however, a silver lining that has come with the recession. While it is definitely unexpected, it is a welcome change. According … [More]

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17. Is Marijuana Possession Legal In Seattle Or Washington State?

    Oct 25, 2010 —

    There seems to be some confusion regarding the legality of marijuana possession in the City of Seattle and the State of Washington. Back in January, newly elected City Attorney Peter Holmes stated that minor marijuana possession offenses would no longer be prosecuted. At the time he made this statement, he had already begun dismissing cases … [More]

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18. Budget Cuts to Crime Lab Could Result in Less Drug Possession Convictions

    Oct 18, 2010 —

    Crime Lab managers have determined that a 10% budget cut would result in six lab workers throughout the state being laid off and that the state crime lab will no longer analyze controlled substances in cases of simple possession … [More]

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