Mental health awareness has improved over recent decades, and there are probably many people in Washington who now feel comfortable reaching out for help. But even those who are receiving appropriate treatment can -- and do -- still suffer the effects of their...
Year: 2020
You don’t have to steal anything to be charged with burglary
A person who is accused of entering a property without permission can be arrested and criminally charged for doing so. A burglary charge can significantly impact a person’s life, but it is commonly confused with other charges like theft. But burglary does not involve...
Juvenile law: Do you understand your teen’s charges?
People all across Washington make mistakes each and every day. Most of these mistakes go largely unnoticed, and it may feel unfair that your child is now facing criminal charges for his or her misstep. This is a frustrating situation that you might not know how to...
Better understanding your minor in possession violation
Alcohol shows up almost everywhere in society. Whether watching a TV show, attending a party or just having dinner with friends, alcohol is very likely to make an appearance. It is understandable that Washington teenagers are often curious about alcohol, but the law...
Theft charges can be misdemeanors or felonies
People in Washington are probably familiar with certain criminal offenses in a broad sense, but they may not realize that most charges have different degrees of seriousness. Theft is a good example of this. Charges for the criminal offense of theft -- which involves...
Do police have a right to examine your phone data?
Just about everyone’s lives are contained on their smartphones nowadays, and our devices store gigabytes of potential evidence. But if you are suspected or accused of a crime, can law enforcement force you to hand over phone data? As recent court cases involving...
Is the legalization of pot bad for teens?
In 2012, Washington joined Colorado as one of the first states in the U.S. to legalize the recreational use of cannabis with Initiative 502. According to the law, any adult over 21 years of age can purchase and use marijuana both for medical and non-medical purposes....
For struggling teens, poor coping skills can harm the future
Mental health struggles can develop at any age. When they strike during adolescence, they open the doors for deeply troubling behaviors, which can lead to a lifetime of consequences and other issues if they’re left unchecked. While many teens encounter a transitional...
When mental health is a factor in juvenile offenses
If your child has mental health challenges, you may have concerns about their ability to live a productive and fulfilling life. Your fears may shift into overdrive if your child receives charges for a juvenile offense. With a record weighing over them, you may wonder...