The man has a lengthy criminal history, with arrests spanning from 1993 to 2013. He was been convicted of assault in the past as well as child rape in Grant County, Washington. The criminal conviction for child rape requires him to not only register as a sex offender but to also check in with police to notify them of his whereabouts.
]]> After his most recent release from prison, he did not have a permanent home address and was considered a transient. However, recently he was given a new driver's license with a permanent home address listed, which he did not disclose to authorities. His criminal charges include failure to register as a sex offender and not disclosing his home address, both of which are required by law.By allegedly failing to follow the law regarding his sex offender past, he was rearrested and the most recent criminal charges are added to his long list of arrests and convictions. His status when most recently released included a status as a Level 3 sex offender, which indicates that he might be likely to re-offend. He was also required to be under custodial care of the state for three years after his release.
By failing to follow the conditions of his release, he negates the terms of his release and will face more criminal charges. In a case of a convicted sex offender, it is hard to ignore the criminal past but this man is still given the right under the law to fair proceedings. The law gives everyone that is arrested the right to legal counsel and to present a criminal defense, and those safeguards apply to these allegations as well.
Source: Columbia Basin Herald, "Moses Lake sex offender arrested," Connor Vanderweyst, May 2, 2013
]]>The therapist was assigned to provide sexual deviancy treatment for inmates at the Airway Heights, Washington facility. Relationships between inmates and employees are strictly prohibited. An ongoing investigation is underway to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
]]> Should authorities file criminal charges against her, it will likely be first degree custodial sexual misconduct. If this indeed happens, it would mean that she is being charged as a sexual perpetrator for having sexual intercourse with an inmate. There is no indication if any evidence has been found in the course of the investigation.Resigning from her position as a therapist could be considered as an admission of guilt, but there is no word if the therapist has made any admission or denial regarding the possible criminal charges. A thorough review will determine exactly what happened with the alleged relationship between the therapist and inmate. It is likely that the entire therapy program will be under review to determine if there was any wrongdoing.
The therapist, if criminal charges are filed, will likely want to build an adequate criminal defense. The first step in such a process is often a thorough review of all evidence. If the case reaches trial, she has the right to bring any witnesses forward on her behalf as part of her defense, although the burden of proof rests upon prosecutors.
Source: The Olympian, "Therapist in sex offender class resigns," April 19, 2013
]]>Washington state readers would understand that this would only apply in cases where a suspect was uncooperative to police or other test results were inconclusive. It is technically the right of anyone who is suspected of drunk driving to refuse tests administered by law enforcement. This ruling emphasizes that police may perform a blood test, after obtaining a warrant in most cases.
]]> According to the ruling, if police detain someone that is suspected of drunk driving, they must wait until a warrant is legally obtained before taking blood from a suspect. There are grounds for a blood test without a warrant, but it would only apply to extenuating circumstances where time is a factor. The majority of Supreme Court justices supported this decision, though the ruling was not unanimous.Drunk driving is a serious accusation, and the law does afford certain rights to those facing these allegations. The Supreme Court backs those rights in this ruling, emphasizing that everyone has the right to refuse any Breathalyzer test administered by police. However, police do have the authority to judge how to apply this law on a case by case basis.
In addition to the right to refuse police administered tests, those suspected of drunk driving also have the right to legal counsel and due process. Being charged with a crime is a far cry from being convicted of one. Any accused individual has the right to present evidence on their own behalf and cannot be proven guilty proof that meets exacting standards in a criminal courtroom.
Source: The Washington Post, "Supreme Court limits warrantless blood tests for drunken driving suspects," Robert Barnes, April 17, 2013
]]>The officer was performing a routine traffic stop along Washington's Highway 101 when the incident occurred. According to the State Patrol, the driver was over the line was driving along the shoulder, headed toward the officer and the stopped vehicles. He came very close to the officer, who tried to get out of the way, and supposedly kept driving. Since he allegedly failed to stop, he received the suspected felony charge.
]]> According to the report, the driver was going approximately 60 miles per hour at the time. The officer was not directly hit, only dragged to the ground after the struck snagged the Tazer on her belt. She reportedly suffered only minor injuries such as a sore shoulder, scrapes, and bruises. However, it is a felony charge in the state of Washington to flee the scene of an accident like this one.The man who was eventually arrested on suspicion of the felony charge was tailed by a passing motorist who witnessed the accident. The officers were led to the suspect after the witness got a partial license plate number. The officer is recovering at home but did not suffer any serious injuries.
The driver facing a felony charge claims that he did not see the officer before impact, but he did see her hit the ground. At this time he is only suspected of the charged crime and will remain innocent in the eyes of the law until he is proven otherwise. There is no indication if he has invoked his legal right to counsel. Each accused individual has the right to present a vigorous legal defense or attempt to reach a plea deal with authorities, depending upon the specific facts of a given case.
Source: The Olympian, "Truck strikes state trooper in traffic stop," Chelsea Krotzer, April 17, 2013
]]>Washington readers might be surprised to know that even after his first arrest, the judge continued to preside over drunk driving cases. This was obviously per the terms of his original release and most likely because of his cooperation with police. It is unlikely that this will be an issue going forward, since he apparently retired as a judge due to health reasons not too long ago.
]]> After the first arrest, he was given a deferred sentence and probation for 5 years. This time, he could face more severe consequences if he is convicted. However, before he can be convicted and go to jail, there must be convincing evidence of drunk driving presented by the prosecution. There is no indication if there was an admission of guilt or even a Breathalyzer given at the scene of the accident.The terms of his first release were contingent upon the judge getting treatment for alcohol abuse. Until recently, he continued to act as a judge in Tumwater and Tenino. According to his attorney, he stepped down from his duties because of health-related reasons, just four weeks before the supposed drunk driving accident.
Drunk driving charges can be detrimental to a career and reputation, because unfortunately, people will be convicted in the court of public opinion first. No matter what a person's criminal history may be, they have the right to present evidence on their own behalf and the expectation of a fair trial. This former judge has the same right to due process as any other citizen.
Source: komonews.com, "Former judge could face jail time after 2nd DUI arrest," Keith Eldridge, April 9, 2013
]]>The seemingly blatant nature of the accident was one factor for the initial drunk driving suspicion. The man reportedly drove his trunk into a family that was walking in a local neighborhood. The police arrested the suspect on drunk driving charges, in part because he smelled strongly of alcohol at the scene. He also failed a field sobriety test administered by the police.
]]> Two adults were killed on impact, and an adult woman and her infant son were seriously injured and were listed in grave condition at the hospital. This driver has previously been arrested on drunk driving charges, and at the time of the accident was apparently driving with a suspended license. He claimed that he had only had one drink earlier that day and could not see the pedestrians at the time of the accident because he was blinded by the sun.This man has a history of poor decisions regarding sobriety and operating a vehicle. Because of his history of drunk driving, there is outrage in this Washington community because of his actions. The court of public opinion, through opinion columns, call-radio shows, and social media, has already convicted this man. It is not noted if this man has ever served jail time for DUI.
This man, no matter his past history of drunk driving, has the right to a fair trial and representation on his behalf. The burden of proof lies solely on the prosecution, and they must bring strong evidence against this man in order for him to be convicted of any charges. He also has the benefit under the law of obtaining legal counsel that can challenge any evidence and witness testimony offered against the accused man.
Source: Sky Valley Chronicle, "OUTRAGE OVER DUI HISTORY OF SUSPECT IN FATAL SEATTLE CRASH," March 27, 2013
]]>His neighbors say they knew him as a man who would drive through the neighborhood on his tractor, doing odd-jobs and yard work for them. His criminal defense could consider a plea bargain based on the fact that he has apparently never acted violently before and his neighbors have reportedly never seen him display aggressive behavior. The suggestion that he may have been influenced by alcohol when he was said to have been behaving erratically may be an important factor on the man's behalf.
]]> Witnesses say that he shot at one of the neighbors and opened fire on their home while driving up and down the street one recent afternoon. Another witness said that he approached a neighbor, put a gun to his head, and told him to run. The neighbor was unharmed. The accused man seemingly demonstrated no intent to harm and that were no injuries sustained in is outburst. Based upon the suggestion that there was apparently no malicious intent in his outburst, he could build a criminal defense that might help resolve this case.While he did apparently shoot at one neighbor, most of the damage was done to vehicles and the facades of homes. He did not immediately surrender to police but was compliant after arrest. He was also recently investigated for suspected DUI by the Tacoma, Washington deputies.
According to one neighbor, it was a sad case demonstrating the over-use of alcohol. All witnesses seem to indicate that the man was never violent and he was well known to his neighbors. This could be a case of an unfortunate mistake with grave consequences, rather than an outburst from a violent criminal. It is the burden of the prosecution to prove the charges against this man and until they are able to do so, he is seen as innocent in the eyes of the law. One potential avenue to explore in his criminal defense may be the suggested abuser of alcohol and any mental or emotional issues that alleged behavior may have engendered.
Source: The Olympian, "Tacoma-area man opens fire on neighbors," Alexis Krell, March 27, 2013
]]>The boy was riding in the car with his sister and his uncle when the car rolled while traveling at a very high speed. The boy and the driver were ejected from the car. The 8-year-old girl escaped the accident unharmed and managed to flag down a passing motorist for help. The driver was treated for his injuries, a broken pelvis, and was arrested on charges of drunk driving.
]]> State Troopers say that the driver had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. He also allegedly admitted to smoking marijuana before the accident. Because of the death of the boy, the uncle will not only face drunk driving charges, but Washington State Patrol says that he will face vehicular homicide charges as well. They also found a large amount of marijuana in the car when authorities arrived on the scene of the accident.As the family members gathered to say goodbye to this boy, they admitted that the uncle was well-loved by both the brother and the sister. The supposed drunk driving accident was one alleged bad decision with a tragic outcome. The uncle was understandably distraught and was under "suicide watch" while at Tacoma General Hospital.
Anytime someone dies from a suspected drunk driving accident, it is a tragedy. While nothing can fix the extensive damage and heartbreak that has been endured by this family, it is well within the rights of the driver to seek the counsel of a legal team. Having that support during such a difficult and trying time can be invaluable as there will surely be legal decisions and repercussions to be faced. Even when a case seems clear, everyone is presumed innocent in the eyes of the law unless and until proven guilty, and everyone has the right to legal counsel.
Source: nwcn.com, "Boy hurt in suspected drunken driving crash dies," Elisa Hahn and Joe Fryer, March 18, 2013
]]>Lt. Greg Elwin of the Thurston County Sheriff's Department says that the accused drunk driver reportedly hit another vehicle that was stationary, and sitting in the shoulder of the southbound side of a local road. Investigators say that the driver of the second vehicle was trying to make a U-turn. The single occupant of this car suffered only minor injuries. The accused drunk driver also suffered a few minor injuries.
]]> Although he is being investigated as a drunk driver, he is innocent in the eyes of law unless and until proven otherwise. At this time, he is only suspected of both driving under the influence and vehicular assault while the investigation is still pending. He is not currently charged, though it is likely that he will soon appear in a Washington courtroom to face these criminal charges.Due to both the anticipated vehicular charge and allegation of drunk driving, he will need to focus on the specific charges, as well as the details of that evening. That will surely be difficult at a time when his wife is seriously injured. Nevertheless, he will have the opportunity to challenge witness reports as well as the admissibility of any evidence presented to the court in support of any formal charges made against him. This gentleman has the right to representation, a fair trial, as well as an opportunity to present evidence to the court on his behalf.
Source: The Olympian, "Thurston deputies investigating vehicular assault on Rich Road," Jeremy Pawloski, March 11, 2013
]]>A police deputy reportedly saw the driver bump the curb, then continue eastbound, weaving in and out of traffic. At one point, he reportedly veered in an oncoming lane of traffic. While still fleeing law enforcement, he entered a residential area driving at speeds around 50 mph. According to the press release from the Spokane Sheriff's Office, the driver came to a stop on a local street after almost hitting a parked car. He is said to have continued to flee police on foot.
]]> The police officer chased the accused on foot through the backyards of this residential area. Eventually, the man tripped and fell to the ground. Following a short physical struggle, he was subdued and arrested on drunk driving charges.The accused was taken to Spokane County Jail and booked on felony charges of attempting to elude, as well as misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and obstructing a police officer. It is likely that the man accused of drunk driving will appear in a Washington courtroom soon to face these criminal charges. In view of the severity of the accusations, he must necessarily focus on the specifics of the accusations as well as the evidence to be offered against him. Nevertheless, he remains innocent of all criminal allegations in the eyes of the law and will have the opportunity to confront witnesses for the prosecution in the courtroom and to challenge the admissibility of any evidence to support the charges. It is the sole burden of the prosecution to prove the charges by a stringent measure of proof.
Source: The Spokesman-Review, "In brief: Bill bars 'vapor' cigarettes from kids; Driver arrested after car, foot chase," Feb. 22, 2013
]]>Police arrived at the residence after a disturbance report came in. The man reportedly left the scene of the alleged domestic incident while police were on their way to investigate the occurrence. The man's vehicle was later found by detectives, but the accused individual was not in it.
]]> Authorities began to track him after they set up a perimeter in the area. They reported that they found him relatively close to the residence where the domestic incident apparently took place. The man allegedly had a handgun in his possession when he was apprehended by officials.Domestic violence can be a serious problem in Washington and across the country, but not everyone who is accused is guilty of a crime. A conviction on the assault charges this man is facing could result in a jail term and other possible penalties, so it would likely be in his best interests to familiarize himself with his legal rights and possibly request knowledgeable assistance for his situation. Doing so could allow him the opportunity to have a team available to help him plan an aggressive and relevant defense.
Source: The Olympian, "Man tracked down, arrested, accused of assault," Jeremy Pawloski, Feb. 20, 2013
]]>The man's attorney has stated that he will enter a not guilty plea once he is arraigned. The couple came under investigation early last year after a report came into the Washington State Gambling Commission. They have been ordered to permanently stop soliciting for any charities and are also barred from forming any type of charity within the state. If they fail to heed the order, they will be required to pay several thousand dollars in penalties.
]]> Both have been charged with three counts each of theft, conspiracy to commit the theft and operating unlicensed raffles. The couple is also being investigated in another state for the same reasons. A gambling commission spokeswoman has stated that licensed raffles within the state are required to donate any proceeds brought in, minus any expenses required to operate, to the charity it is assisting.When Washington residents face criminal charges, it is important to ensure that their legal rights are protected. Although his wife's status is unknown, the man appears to have obtained legal assistance to help him as he faces this criminal defense matter in a court of law. Regardless of the type of charges, all people who stand accused of a crime are innocent until proven guilty. However, both of the defendants in this case may have an uphill legal battle ahead and will likely be required to mount a strong criminal defense against these charges.
Source: TheOlympian.com, "Man charged in alleged unlicensed raffles," Jeremy Pawloski, Feb. 15, 2013
]]>A trooper with the Washington State Patrol apparently noticed the motor coach travelling in a restricted traffic lane. The trooper performed a traffic stop. Authorities note that vehicles in excess of 10,000 lbs. are barred from driving in the far left travel lane of the Interstate along that section in DuPont. Investigation revealed the bus driver did not have s required log book and was operating the vehicle on a registration that had expired.
]]> Upon further inquiry, the trooper reportedly became suspicious when he saw that the coach had only three passengers and the bus driver was unable to provide relevant information about the bus company. Authorities state that permission to search the bus was given by the driver and all of its occupants. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of more than $2000 in cash and in excess of a half pound of methamphetamine. It is further alleged the two males, ages 17 and 23, acknowledged that the suitcases in which the drugs were purportedly found belonged to them.The teenager was arrested as a juvenile, while the 23-year-old was taken to the Pierce County Jail. Both were accused of possessing the drugs with the intent to deliver. Neither the bus driver nor the fourth occupant of the vehicle was charged. As each accused individual prepares his criminal defense, particular attention will likely be paid to the actions of the law enforcement officer in stopping and searching the vehicle and its contents. All individuals accused of a crime in Washington are entitled to fair and impartial proceedings, and a prosecutor must now try to establish that the actions of the police officer were reasonable and proper, while also seeking to prove each and every element of the crimes charged.
Source: TheOlympian.com, "WSP traffic stop leads to drug bust," Chelsea Krotzer, Feb. 8, 2013
]]>She was allegedly approached by the man and forced inside of the bathroom. Authorities say the man threatened to harm her and locked the bathroom door before committing the crime. The man is a registered sex offender and is apparently known by authorities. Authorities were able to track the man down after viewing footage from the library's surveillance cameras.
]]> Police arrested him at his mother's home shortly afterwards. The incident stunned the library staff, and counselors were expected to be brought in to assist. The library will review its security procedures, but there are no plans to make any immediate changes. The man's bail was set at $1 million dollars.The person accused of this assault is considered to be a level one offender, meaning he is not allowed to reside within a certain number of feet from a school or child care facility, but libraries are not one of the areas he is legally barred from entering. With the current charges against him, and his past criminal record, the man could have a challenging legal battle ahead of him. However, no matter what criminal charges someone is facing, each individual charged in our state has the right to certain protections that include the presumption of innocence and the right to mount a criminal defense in a Washington courtroom.
Source: King5.com, "11-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Enumclaw library," Heather Graf, Jan. 31, 2013
]]>The young man, who is still in high school, has since been arrested on felony charges, and his bail was set at $200,000. He has not had any prior trouble with the law, and, when questioned by authorities, reportedly broke down and admitted to firing the gun. He reportedly showed detectives where he hid the gun used in the crime.
]]> The man has been charged with assault and also for a drive-by shooting. Two others have been apprehended in connection with the shooting, and authorities are trying to piece together the exact details of the incident. Authorities believe the incident could be connected with an ongoing gang-related dispute, but they are examining all potential angles.Answering to a felony charge in Washington can be a frightening time, especially for an 18-year-old high school student. Reports indicate that the teen was new to his local community. Being a youth and having to deal with any kind of peer pressure may be completely overwhelming, but when someone's alleged actions result in criminal charges, their life could be altered permanently. It will be important for someone so young and with so much life ahead to have a full understanding of his legal rights and make sure that he is treated fairly under the law.
Source: The Olympian, "Suspect in Thursday's drive-by shooting held with bail set at $200,000," Jeremy Pawloski, Jan. 28, 2013
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