Traumatic events often have long-reaching impacts on Washington victims. A recent study found a definitive link between childhood trauma and juvenile arrests. The research is compelling, and even highlights how adverse childhood experiences -- ACEs -- can cause mental...
Year: 2021
Can police question minors?
When Washington police suspect that someone may have committed a crime, they often proceed to question them. Most adults know that they have Miranda rights, meaning that they have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. However, this concept is not...
Man accused of burglary after eating waffles, doing laundry
The role of mental health in alleged crimes is often overlooked. While the presence of a mental illness is not always explicit in a person’s behavior, it is sometimes apparent that an individual might have been going through a difficult time when he or she engaged in...
What happens if my teen with mental disorders faces an arrest?
A mental or substance use disorder can have a substantial impact on your teen’s overall behavior. Unfortunately, their condition could make them act impulsively and get them in trouble. The law in Washington recognizes that your child’s mental disorder or substance...
Is an ankle monitor a good choice for my child?
Limiting the possibility of incarceration is often a top priority for parents of teens who are facing criminal allegations. For some Washington parents, the opportunity for ankle monitors may seem preferable to time spent in a juvenile detention facility. The...
Driver facing criminal charges for vehicle theft
A Washington state man was recently arrested for allegedly stealing a woman’s vehicle. The stolen vehicle apparently belonged to a police officer who had been killed in an off-duty accident. The man accused of stealing the vehicle is facing multiple criminal charges,...
3 Washington teens are facing legal trouble
Three friends who were reportedly driving around a Washington neighborhood on a recent Tuesday are now facing legal problems in connection with their travels. Police say the teenagers have been arrested. They are accused of committing drive-by shootings around town...
When can a teen be charged as an adult in Washington?
Teenagers often don’t make the best decisions. Perhaps, when you were young, you “borrowed” your dad’s treasured classic car and went on a joy ride or two. However, some of those under 18 go beyond teen hijinks and break the law. Some even commit serious crimes, such...
How should we punish youthful offenders?
Should teenagers be punished as if they were adults? According to a pediatrician advocating for minors caught up in the juvenile system, no. Despite this, reform for youthful offenders has been slow, and many teens still face disproportionately severe consequences for...
Should teenage offenders be incarcerated?
Helping guide teenagers to make good decisions later in life is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. However, there are mixed opinions about how to best accomplish this. In Washington, some teenagers who make mistakes are punished via incarceration while...