When a homicide occurs, one of the first legal questions is: what kind of murder charge applies? In Washington State, murder is primarily classified into two degrees, first-degree and second-degree, each carrying serious consequences. But the difference between the two often comes down to intent, planning, and circumstances. Here’s what you need to know. First-Degree [...]
Washington law says you are guilty of the crime of residential burglary if you enter someone's residence with the intent to commit a crime. The offense is charged as a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) and a conviction can result in a decade behind bars. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if [...]
There are several degrees of assault under Washington law. You are guilty of assault in the fourth degree under certain circumstances that do not amount to assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, or assault in the third degree. An example is when you threaten to harm someone. Fourth degree assault is [...]
You are generally guilty of second degree robbery in Washington if you take another person’s property by means of force, violence, or fear of injury. Second degree robbery is charged as a felony (as opposed to misdemeanor) and a conviction can result in a state prison term of up to 10 years. Please contact a [...]
Washington’s robbery laws say that you are guilty of robbery in the first degree if you commit a robbery and do so under aggravated circumstances (like while armed with a deadly weapon or while injuring someone). The crime is charged as a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) and a conviction can lead to a [...]
Washington law carves out several degrees for the crime of assault. You are guilty of assault in the second degree under certain circumstances that do not amount to assault in the first degree (for example, assaulting someone and inflicting substantial bodily harm on the “victim”). Assault in the second degree is a serious felony in [...]
Washington law says that you commit the crime of assault in the first degree in certain situations when you threaten to harm or use force against another person, and you do so with the intent to inflict great bodily harm. The offense is charged as a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) and a conviction [...]
Washington law recognizes two degrees of the crime of extortion. These are first degree extortion and second-degree extortion. You commit second degree extortion if you obtain someone else’s property or services and do so by a certain type of threat (for example, a threat to accuse another person of committing an offense). Extortion in the [...]
Washington criminal law sets forth two degrees of extortion. You are guilty of extortion in the first degree if you obtain someone else’s property or services and do so by a certain type of threat. Extortion in the first degree is a serious felony that is punishable by up to a decade in state prison. [...]
Harassment is often charged as a gross misdemeanor in the State of Washington. However, there are instances when a prosecutor may charge the crime as a felony. An example is when you harass a person and have a prior conviction for harassing the same “victim” or a member of the “victim’s” family. Please contact a [...]
