In Washington, there are two forms of sexual misconduct: first-degree and second-degree. First-degree is a class C felony involving sexual intercourse with a minor. Second-degree misconduct, a gross misdemeanor, involves sexual contact. In the case of second-degree, the adult, at least five years older, engages in or causes inappropriate contact with a teenager aged 16 or 17. This does not involve sexual intercourse, which is a characteristic of first-degree misconduct. Instead, it refers to inappropriate touching by someone who holds a position of authority or is in a professional role, like ..read more

A person who is facing criminal charges often wants to get their case resolved as quickly as possible. They may also want to know what type of sentence they’re going to have to deal with. For defendants who know that they committed the crime at the heart of the matter, a plea deal might be worth considering. As part of the agreement, the defendant will likely have to plead either guilty or no contest to the charges that are part of the deal that is made with the prosecution. Charge negotiations One of the points that’s sometimes up for negotiation is the charge the defendant is facing. Th ..read more

For people in Washington who work with children, like teachers, coaches and mentors, accusations of an inappropriate relationship with one of their wards can be devastating. Defending yourself as loudly and assertively as possible will be your first instinct, but a more measured approach might serve you better overall. Educator misconduct statistics A 2023 study of 6,632 recent high school graduates in four states found that 11.7% of respondents had experienced some form of educator sexual misconduct. The vast majority (11%) reported inappropriate sexual comments, with less than 1% reporting o ..read more

White-collar crimes typically involve intentional financial misconduct. Embezzlement and various forms of fraud often have a financial motive, as people seek to enrich themselves at the expense of others. When the Washington criminal courts hear white-collar criminal cases, judges have to make important decisions about the penalties that they impose in the event of a conviction. Anyone who pleads guilty or gets convicted of a white-collar criminal offense could serve a sentence in state custody. They may end up on probation and may have to pay large fines as one of the penalties for their crim ..read more

No matter the circumstances, people accused of sex crimes will need support as they navigate the legal and social ramifications of their charges, both before and after their trial. Here are a few options to get started. Legal aid We’ll start with the obvious. People accused of sex crimes should find appropriate legal counsel immediately. These charges are generally high stakes, so a defense strategy should begin as soon as possible. If you have the financial means, finding a good lawyer should be pretty straightforward. You’ll want someone with considerable sex crimes defense experience. You w ..read more

A solicitation charge can be potentially embarrassing and result in a damaged reputation. On the other hand, a conviction can result in more tangible, long-term consequences. Here’s a quick primer. Defining “solicitation” Washington State law’s thorough description says: Pursuant to a prior understanding, he or she pays a fee to another person as compensation for such person or a third person having engaged in sexual conduct with him or her; or He or she pays or agrees to pay a fee to another person pursuant to an understanding that in return therefor such person will engage in sexual conduct ..read more

Study drugs are prescription medications used illicitly to enhance concentration, energy and mental stamina. College students commonly use these substances to improve academic performance, particularly during high-stress exams. In Washington, as in many other regions, the misuse of these drugs raises concerns about health, academic integrity and legality. The most common study drugs are stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. While these medications can help individuals with ADHD focus better and control impulsive behavi ..read more

From shock to strategy: What should I do if my child is accused of selling drugs in Washington? We have many goals when raising our children. We may have dreams of them competing in professional sports or solving the world’s problems, but we tend to root the foundation of our parenting goals in their safety and wellbeing. Nothing can shake that foundation quite like the news that officials have accused our child of committing a crime. The weight of these types of allegations bears heavily not just on the child, but on the entire family, threatening futures and dreams so carefully nurtured. In ..read more

The 4th and 5th Amendments of the United States Constitution safeguard individual rights within the criminal justice system. These amendments protect against unreasonable government actions and ensure fair legal processes. The 4th Amendment focuses on privacy and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, while the 5th Amendment addresses self-incrimination and due process. Understanding these amendments is crucial for anyone interacting with the criminal justice system. These protections are pivotal in balancing law enforcement authority and individual civil liberties. Rights under t ..read more

A juvenile defendant for any crime is always a difficult situation. Age, maturity and sometimes simply being able to discern right from wrong makes each case unique. What should juveniles accused of sex crimes and their families expect? Assault and rape While all sex crime charges are serious, a juvenile accused of physically attacking someone has a difficult road ahead. The legal system comes down hard on these offenses. If the charge is a felony, the court may try the child as an adult. Contact an experienced sex crimes defense attorney immediately to prepare a defense strategy. Sex crimes i ..read more