How Do Prior Convictions Affect My Felony Sentencing in Seattle? In Washington State, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) sets the rules for felony sentencing. These laws aim to create consistent and fair outcomes, but they also explicitly account for a person's criminal history. The system uses a "sentencing grid" to classify offenses based on [...]
What Does Restorative Justice Offer Seattle's Community? Conventional criminal justice often centers on punishment and a desire for retribution, emphasizing the state's role in imposing penalties. In sharp contrast, restorative justice prioritizes repairing the actual harm done and rebuilding broken relationships. Instead of focusing exclusively on the offender's punishment, it seeks to understand the root [...]
Does Washington Have Sentencing Guidelines for Violent Felonies? Though it does not have a national reputation, those who live in Washington know it's a "tough on crime" state. This dates back to the 1980s and the Sentencing Reform Act (SRA). The SRA implemented a points-and-grid system that judges use to determine specific crime sentences. The [...]
Does My Criminal Record Count During Sentencing? Many people require time to get their life on track after a criminal conviction. Although recidivism rates in Washington have dropped in recent years, about ¼ of all convicted felons are rearrested within three months of their release. When this happens, the state of Washington can and will [...]
What is Restorative Justice? Washington is notorious for its harsh prison penalties. If Washington were a country rather than a state, it would be one of the world leaders in mass incarceration. This has led to concerns about overcrowding, particularly regarding juvenile inmates. It has also led to concerns regarding the crime rate. Studies have [...]
Seattle's growing homeless population faces a daily gauntlet of challenges, from securing basic necessities to maintaining personal safety. One of the less visible but highly damaging hurdles is the frequent imposition of criminal trespassing charges, an issue that pushes vulnerable individuals further into a cycle of legal entanglement and chronic instability. As the city struggles [...]
What Should I Do If I Am Charged With a Misdemeanor for Drug Possession? Your life has been irreversibly changed if you have been charged with a drug-related misdemeanor. What might have been a momentary decision has set off a chain reaction of frightening, confusing, and uncertain events. Many assume that because misdemeanor charges are [...]
Can Social Media Help (or Hurt) Me In My Domestic Violence Case in Seattle? If you have been charged with domestic violence, the officers will warn you that anything you say can and will be used against you. This is your "Miranda warning" and pertains to anything you say or any actions from then on. [...]
How Do Washington Laws Protect the Rights of the Accused in Sex Crime Cases? Sex crime allegations are among the most serious accusations a person can face, carrying severe social stigma, legal consequences, and life-altering penalties. These cases often involve sensitive evidence, emotionally charged testimony, and intense public scrutiny. Despite the gravity of these accusations, [...]
What Constitutes a Gang, and What Are Gang Crimes in Washington State? Sometimes, people have visions of gang crimes as being something from the 1920s, almost cartoonish. The reality today is much more dire. Today, gangs are identified as having at least three people who use a symbol or name as their group identification. To [...]
