When convicted individuals face prison time, it may feel like there is no alternative to the original sentence. However, that is not necessarily the case. The State of Washington has a number of avenues for some inmates to reduce their sentencing. These include a...
Paving The Way To Justice
Paving The Way To Justice
Criminal Law
What are the elements of proving a federal embezzlement charge?
If you face embezzlement charges at the federal level, you will need to put together a proper defense. But to do this, you want to understand the points or elements that the prosecutor must prove to convict you. Knowing the elements of the crime enables you to address...
What are some exceptions to unlawful presence in the U.S.?
If you are a resident of another country and did not enter the United States through lawful means or your present authorized stay in the country has expired, the U.S. government may consider you unlawfully present. This could be a problem since U.S. authorities may...
How do you know if you have an entrapment defense?
In criminal law, if you feel the officers pushed you to commit a crime, you could have a defense called entrapment. According to the Department of Justice, the theory behind entrapment is that officers cannot implant a criminal idea in an innocent person's head or...
Understanding the personal restraint petition
If you face a conviction for a crime, this does not necessarily mean that you have run out of options. There is an appeal process that you may decide to pursue, depending on your case. A personal restraint petition is one of the legal options you may have if you can...
What should you know about Washington’s first-degree murder law?
If you find yourself accused of having committed first-degree murder in Washington, this is a truly serious situation. FindLaw explains that, if convicted of this most serious of homicide crimes, you could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the...
Understanding collateral attack and habeas corpus
When convicted of a serious crime in the State of Washington, defendants have the right to petition for post-conviction relief. Usually, this takes the form of a direct appeal. Other forms exist, however. Section 10.73.090 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes...
How may ineffective counsel lead to an appeal?
Defendants who entered a guilty plea as part of an agreement with a federal prosecutor may appeal their sentencing. Even if the court included a sentencing appeal waiver, the Department of Justice’s website notes that you may challenge it based on ineffective legal...
Looking at statistics on tax fraud
Whether you are currently facing allegations of tax fraud or you worry about the possibility of such a case arising in the future, it is important to realize the potential penalties associated with tax fraud. In addition, reviewing statistics on this offense can...
Could embezzlement classify as a felony in Washington State?
The Revised Code of Washington State considers theft-related actions as larceny or embezzlement. Larceny generally describes most thefts of assets or services. Embezzlement, however, requires taking money or property by breaching a position of trust. As noted on the...