Category Archives: King County

1. King County Council Taps New Sheriff

   Apr 6, 2012 —

   Earlier this year, King County discovered that it would have to fill its sheriff position. Sheriff Sue Rahr accepted a job offer to become the executive director of the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission. By law, an election must be held this coming November to determine who will succeed her as King County Sheriff. But … [More]

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2. Woman Who Had Baby Alone in Cell Gets Almost $1 Million

   Feb 7, 2012 —

   There is little doubt that dealing with the homeless and/or mentally ill in King County is a difficult and complex problem. However, there are certain minimum standards that must be observed in these cases – and a federal jury felt that those standards were violated when a homeless woman gave birth to her child in … [More]

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3. Man Kicked by SPD Officer Lee Now Convicted on Gun Charge

   Feb 4, 2012 —

   There’s an ongoing debate about gun laws in Seattle and the state of Washington. Gun control activists decry the dangers of firearms, while gun rights advocates claim that every person has a right to defend himself or herself against those who could do them harm. This difference of opinion crossed my mind when I found … [More]

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4. Washington Criminal Caselaw Update – State v. Floren (December 2011) – Blood Stain Pattern Evidence

   Jan 6, 2012 —

   The court summarized the case well:  Tracy Floren was convicted of murder in the first degree while armed with a firearm arising from the shooting death of his wife, Nancy. At trial, the prosecution argued that Floren had staged the scene to convince authorities that a burglar had killed Nancy. Consistent with this theory of … [More]

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5. Sixth Amendment Conflict – Can an Accused Rapist Question the Alleged Victim in Court?

   Dec 6, 2011 —

   The criminal justice system can be divided into two categories: the rights of the accused and the rights of the victims. Our legal process tries to balance the constitutional rights of those accused of a crime with the duty to protect the well-being of and obtain justice for crime victims. For example, the judicial process … [More]

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6. King County Sheriffs Deputy Kevin Savage Fired After 30 Alleged Instances of Misconduct

   Nov 15, 2011 —

   If a member of law enforcement is on the job long enough, it’s not hard to imagine that he or she could be the target of a few complaints from citizens. There may even be a case or two of misconduct that can be found in files of the longest-tenured law enforcement personnel.  Its a … [More]

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7. 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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8. Murder Case Tossed Over “Racist” Comments

   Jun 21, 2011 —

   The Washington Supreme Court has thrown out a murder case in an 8-1 ruling due to “prosecutorial misconduct” for what was deemed racist arguments. In 2007, Kevin Monday was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree assault in a high profile murder case, that stemmed from a gang related shooting in Pioneer Square, reports the Seattle … [More]

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9. Expected Changes to Washington State DUI Laws in 2011

   Jan 10, 2011 —

   The third proposed change calls for harsher sentences for fatal DUI crashes. This bill is being presented by King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg based on the King case as well. With regard to this proposed change, he said, “we punish the reckless use of a weapon whether it’s a gun or a knife as a First Degree Manslaughter for a death, so why should the reckless use of a car particularly at the hands of a drunk why should that somehow be less?” … [More]

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10. Vigilante Justice Hits the Streets of Seattle

    Jan 10, 2011 —

    This past week, a Seattle area resident found someone trying to break into his car, when out of nowhere, a man dressed in a superhero costume came on the scene and chased the would-be robber … [More]

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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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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16. 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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17. A Look at Holiday Cyber Crime

    Nov 29, 2010 —

    Authorities often see a spike in criminal activity during the holidays, and with America still in the grips of a shaky economy, this holiday season will likely be no different. Financially strapped Americans feel tremendous financial pressure during the holidays and will often resort to clever, if not desperate new ways to pull off their crimes. … [More]

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18. 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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19. 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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20. Facebook is a New Tool for Identity Theft in Washington State

    Oct 29, 2010 —

    With the incredible advances in technology in the recent past, there are new kinds of fraud being committed and Washington police are trying to keep up. With over a half a billion people now on Facebook, it has become a new area for identity theft. Facebook is a social networking site, where people can connect … [More]

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21. 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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22. 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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23. Domestic Violence Awareness

    Oct 23, 2010 —

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Washington Attorney General, who is a supporter of ending the problem of domestic violence, will be joining others in a statewide display of purple lights in honor of victims and their families that have been affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, this issue of domestic violence is a persistent … [More]

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24. 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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25. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney Discusses Theft Crimes

    Oct 11, 2010 —

    Criminal defense matters can be stressful and complicated. No one should try to face any criminal charges on his or her own. … [More]

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