SQ Attorneys

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Criminal Lawyer – Can I Defend Myself from a Criminal Charge?

Let’s discuss defending yourself against a criminal charge. Defending yourself is no easy matter. You must understand the elements of the crime that you have been charged with and see what defenses you may have against the various elements. You do not need to defend against all of the elements, as it only takes a reasonable doubt by the jury for one of them. Every case is different, but here are…

Criminal Lawyer – What is an unlawful killing?

We here at SQ Attorneys handle all criminal matters, from simple theft charges, to driving under the influence, to murder cases! Let us discuss the different types of charges that one can face upon a killing of another. There are a numerous legal categories under the topic of the unlawful killing of another person:  felony first-degree murder, felony second-degree murder, (in some states…

Criminal Lawyer – Can an Officer Search My Vehicle?

We here at SQ Attorneys ensure that we look in to each and every legal issue that can be identified when representing our clients. A common question that is often asked, is whether a police officer can legally search ones vehicle. Typically, the answer is yes. This is usually dependent on whether the police officer has probable cause to believe a crime has been committed and is able to seek a…

DUI Lawyer – What are Open Container Laws?

Having a driver’s license in the State of Washington is a privilege and not a right. Anyone with a driver’s license should know that drivers are not permitted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The question that often arises is whether a passenger can drink alcohol in a car? Usually they are not but the answer can depend on specific state and local laws. Most states…

Seattle DUI Lawyer – What is a Field Sobriety Test?

We here at SQ Attorneys focus our practice on Driving Under the Influence charges. When detained on a DUI charge, one of the questions that will be asked is whether you want to submit to a field sobriety test, or otherwise known as the FST. Field sobriety tests, are used to enforce DUI laws and usually precede Breathalyzer tests. A police officer typically performs a three-part field sobriety…

Criminal Attorney – What the Heck Is Homicide by Abuse!!??

The state of Washington has a very narrow category of homicide that is age-specific. Known as “homicide by abuse,” a person can commit this crime when, under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life, but not necessarily creating a grave risk of death, a person causes the death of a vulnerable individual. Under the statute the defendants must have been previously engaged in…

Criminal Lawyer – How Do I Get Out of Jail?

Upon an arrest in the State of Washington, there is probably just one thing going through your head, which is getting out! This is generally accomplished by posting “bail,” which usually consists of cash or a piece of property with cash value that you give to the court in return for your promise to show up to court when ordered to do so. If you do, the court will return your bail. However, if you…

The Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 prohibits individuals from engaging in financial transactions with the proceeds of certain crimes. In this context “financial transaction” was defined very broadly, including transferring money from one private individual to another.

Cocaine is an illegal drug in all states, with separate charges for possession, sale, and trafficking. Washington cocaine laws are similar to those in other states. Simple possession can result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Defendants with relatively clean criminal records may qualify for a first-time offender waiver in their county or jurisdiction. This allows offenders to enter a drug treatment program, perform community service, and serve probation instead of prison time.

In the state of Washington, drug court is a court that has special calendars or dockets designed to work with non-violent offenders to reduce repeat crimes and substance abuse by increasing their likelihood for successful rehabilitation. The offender will need to complete judicially-supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, and the use of appropriate sanctions and incentives.

Once in drug court, whether a defendant is allowed to resolve a case through treatment depends upon a number of factors. The minimum requirements are: 1) You would benefit from substance abuse treatment, 2) You have not previously been convicted of a serious violent offense or sex offense, and/or 3) You are not currently charged with or convicted of a sex offense; serious, violent offense; an offense involving the use a firearm; or an offense that caused substantial bodily harm or death to another person.

Drug dealers, beware. Cocaine is considered a “narcotic drug” under Washington State criminal laws. Why is that important? Simply put, if you are charged with the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver (sales) cocaine in Washington State you are facing a B felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Criminal Lawyer – Criminal Background for Juvenile Defendants

When juveniles commit crimes, whether it’s shoplifting or assault and battery, their cases are typically heard in juvenile court, where the emphasis is on counseling and rehabilitation versus hard time. The common belief is that juveniles still have a lot of time to mature and become functioning members of society, along with concerns that adult prisons are no place for a minor. In the eyes of…

As we meet with new clients each and every day, we at SQ Attorneys hear a common question: “How do I get a copy of my incident report?”

Well, the answer is actually quite simple.

Criminal Lawyer – What is Money Laundering?

In the United States, a number of laws have been passed in order to prevent and punish money laundering activities. These laws were initially intended for use in combating the Mafia and other criminal organizations, though the focus subsequently shifted to the war on drugs, and later to anti-terrorist activity. The first such laws arose in the 1970s. The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) refers to a series…

Criminal Lawyer – Cocaine Possession in Washington

Cocaine is an illegal drug in all states, with separate charges for possession, sale, and trafficking. Washington cocaine laws are similar to those in other states. Simple possession can result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Defendants with relatively clean criminal records may qualify for a first-time offender waiver in their county or jurisdiction. This allows…

The 911 calls started coming in around 9:30PM on September 20th. Callers said a Toyota sedan was striking cars on our downtown roadways. Ultimately, the sedan crashed through a storefront window and remained in place. Officers arrived and arrested the man. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center where his blood was drawn and the samples will be tested.