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 [...]
Federal law says that you are guilty of identity theft if you use someone else's personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. A conviction of identity theft is punishable by confinement in federal prison and potential fines (possibly reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars). Please contact a criminal defense attorney now if you are [...]
In Washington State, theft is classified into three degrees based primarily on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft. Each degree carries different penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you or someone you know is facing theft charges, understanding the distinctions between the degrees of theft is crucial. [...]
Washington law acknowledges two degrees of arson. These are arson in the first degree and arson in the second degree. You commit second degree arson in Washington if you knowingly and maliciously cause a fire or explosion which damages a particular structure or object, like a building, motor vehicle, boat, or aircraft. Arson in the [...]
Under Washington law, you are guilty of arson in the first degree if, under certain circumstances, you knowingly and maliciously cause a fire or explosion. First degree arson is a felony offense (as opposed to a misdemeanor) and the crime is punishable by a possible life term in prison. Please contact a skilled criminal defense [...]
U.S. federal law says that you commit a crime if you assault, resist, or impede a federal officer. Depending on the specific facts involved in the offense, the penalties can include a potential 20 year prison sentence. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you or a loved one is being charged with [...]
Washington law says that you are guilty of possessing child pornography in the second degree if you knowingly possess a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The crime is charged as a felony offense (as opposed to a misdemeanor), and a conviction can lead to a decade behind bars. [...]
Under Washington law, you commit the crime of possessing child pornography in the first degree if you knowingly possess a visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (with "sexually explicit conduct" including something like sexual intercourse or masturbation). A conviction of a first degree possession charge is a serious felony [...]
U.S. federal law says that you commit a crime if you knowingly fail to appear in court for a felony offense. The crime is charged in addition to your underlying felony, and it can add years to any federal prison sentence imposed for that felony. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you [...]
If you are charged with a crime in Washington State, one of the most serious factors that can increase your sentence is the use of a deadly weapon. Washington law includes a "deadly weapon sentencing enhancement," that can significantly increase the amount of time you spend behind bars, even beyond the standard sentencing range for [...]
