Few things in life have the potential to cause you more consternation than a criminal prosecution. After all, depending on the severity of the charges you are facing, you eventually might lose your freedom, pay stiff fines and encounter other consequences. If your...
Paving The Way To Justice
Paving The Way To Justice
Felonies
What happens if Hawaii sex offenders fail to register?
When you receive a criminal conviction in Hawaii for a sexually based offense, you have an obligation to register with the state as a sex offender. Chapter 846E-1 outlines exactly who the state considers to be a sex offender and the types of offenses that might land...
What do the terms with and without prejudice mean?
Terminology used in the courtrooms can and does often confuse most average people. For example, a judge can dismiss a case with or without prejudice. But what do these terms mean? Do either have any particular advantages for you? Dismissal without prejudice According...
What makes drug possession a felony?
Getting hit with a drug charge may send you to jail or prison. One factor in how the court proceeds is whether or not the crime elevates to a felony charge. Felony drug charges may come with much stiffer penalties. However, not all drug crimes are equal, and not all...
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...
Signing a false confession: What you should know
Not everyone currently incarcerated in Washington jails is guilty of committing a crime. In fact, more than 360 people have been released from prison after further investigation of evidence proved they were innocent of committing a crime, according to the Innocence...
What is the difference between with and without prejudice?
Some of the terminology used in a courtroom can be confusing if you do not have a legal background. When it comes to the dismissal of a case, the judge may do so with or without prejudice. The Legal Information Institute explains one of those situations is more...
Understanding Washington felonies
Under the Revised Code of the state of Washington, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Generally, even the most serious misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, and therefore, will likely result in less severe consequences upon conviction. For...
Relief may be available to victims of entrapment
Both federal investigators and law enforcement officers in Washington State rely on sting operations and other setups to catch people breaking the law. Many sting operations rely on Stings are about as old as standing police forces, and society justifies them as ways...
A basic overview of first-degree murder in Washington
First-degree murder is a class A felony in Washington State, and some may say it is one of the most serious crimes a person can commit. The following is a basic overview of what constitutes first-degree murder under Washington law as well as a possible defense against...