Young people who have learned from past mistakes are eager to move forward. In Washington State, individuals can remove their juvenile criminal records from public access for a fresh start. Washington law allows the sealing of several types of juvenile records,...
Criminal Defense
Youth detention centers could be closing in King County
We all make mistakes, especially teenagers. The last thing parents want is to see opportunities and doors close just because of a mistake their child made. Unfortunately, when these mistakes come in the form of criminal offenses, both parents and children can face a...
Women facing theft charges
Not that long ago, shoplifting was not generally regarded as a serious offense. These days, those in Washington convicted of theft can face harsh penalties and have their lives drastically and permanently impacted. Recently, four women in Bellevue were arrested and...
2 could face charges after police chase
When someone in Washington is arrested and charged with a criminal offense, they are presumed innocent unless and until it is proven they are guilty. Unfortunately, just being arrested and accused of a crime can potentially throw an innocent person's life upside down....
Addressing the issue of underage drinking
While there is an age limit for the legal consumption of alcoholic beverages, this might not always stop a younger person from gaining access to alcohol. Underage drinking remains a major issue, and there are various factors that might even influence a youthful...
What might lead a youth to exhibit stalking behaviors?
The average teenager might not fully grasp how their actions, and decisions could affect others around them. In some cases, youthful individuals might even joke about terms such as stalking or feel that following or closely monitoring another person does little harm,...
What is a minor in possession charge?
Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in Washington. However, many teens -- and even some parents -- are unaware that simply having alcohol in one’s possession when underage is considered illegal. In Washington, a minor in possession -- MIP -- charge can...
Washington teen facing criminal charges for accident
Police in Washington recently arrested a 15-year-old girl for her alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident. She is currently charged with both a felony hit and run as well as second degree murder. Authorities expect that she will likely be tried as a juvenile...
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...
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,...