Category Archives: Washington Supreme Court

1. Marijuana Manufacturing Conviction Tossed Out Because of Vague Search Warrant

   Apr 26, 2012 —

   The Fourth Amendment protects Americans against unlawful searches and seizures of property. In practice, this usually means that authorities must have probable cause to conduct a search and must also obtain a warrant from a judge before doing so. And even a slight omission in the process of acquiring that warrant can be enough to … [More]

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2. Imprisonment of Washington State Sex Offender Overturned

   Apr 16, 2012 —

   It’s not uncommon for people to get mixed up about what date it is. But imagine that if by making this simple mistake, you could get tossed in prison for over four years. That’s what happened to a Lewis County man before the Washington Supreme Court freed him earlier this month. Three years ago, Michael … [More]

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3. Man’s Conviction Overturned Due to Confrontation Clause Violation

   Apr 9, 2012 —

   The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines the rights for an individual who is accused of a crime, such as the right to a speedy and open trial, a trial by jury, and representation by an attorney. But it also allows the accused to face those who testifying against them. This is often referred … [More]

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4. Voters in Washington Can’t Ban Red Light Cameras

   Mar 9, 2012 —

   We’ve all been raised to believe that America is a democracy. That means if people in a given state want something, they can start a petition, gather enough signatures, put it on a ballot, and vote to implement it (providing that it passes constitutional muster, of course). So you may be surprised to learn that … [More]

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5. Washington Criminal Caselaw Update – State v. Griffin (January 2012) – Aggravating Circumstances And Hearsay At Sentencing

   Jan 12, 2012 —

   An aggravating circumstance is a fact, condition, or event which, when combined with a specific crime under Washington law, permits a judge or jury to impose a harsher sentence on a convicted individual than is otherwise permitted by statute. One such aggravating circumstance is committing a crime shortly after being released from incarceration. Of course, … [More]

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6. Washington Criminal Caselaw Update 2011 – State v. Pannell (December )

   Dec 13, 2011 —

   The term community custody is defined as any sentencing arrangement where a criminal is permitted to live in the community (with restrictions) as opposed to being incarcerated. This sentencing option is often utilized for offenders who are deemed less of a threat to society and/or to reduce jail or prison overcrowding. But does an offender … [More]

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