RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(i)(D) temporarily prohibits firearm possession in Washington State by any driver twice convicted of DUI / Physical Control within 7 years. This temporary 5 year firearms prohibition also applies to DUI related prior offenses of Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, and to Reckless Driving and Negligent Driving 1 if reduced from DUI charges. RCW 46.61.5055(14)(a)(i)-(xvii).…

Lynnwood Criminal Defense Lawyer Lynnwood attorney Paul Hanson has been honored again to be selected for this recognition. The National Trial Lawyers organization bases its selection on the standard of upholding the highest level of excellence. Only a select group of top attorneys from each state or region are selected.

Traffic infraction moving violations are treated differently than non moving infraction violations in Washington State. Under Washington Administrative Code(WAC) 308-104-160, traffic “moving violations” consist of all driving offenses that involve dangerous or potentially dangerous actions while operating a vehicle. Such as speeding, running stop sign/red light, changing lanes without signaling, talking on a cell phone,…

In the last 16 years, several western Washington cities have enacted municipal ordinances creating a new domestic violence criminal offense: Exposing a Minor to Domestic Violence. These cities are Edmonds, Marysville, Everett, Renton and Tukwila. Their municipal codes make it a gross misdemeanor offense to commit domestic violence in the immediate vicinity of a minor,…

Generally, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. So the owner of the at fault vehicle is usually primarily legally responsible for all accident caused injuries and property damages. The owner’s car insurance usually pays. However, if the car owner’s insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover all accident injuries & damages, then the…

The Washington Legislature amended its Fair Chance Act (EHB 1747), effective July 1, 2026, to impose new restrictions on employer criminal background checks on job applicants. Under the new laws, Washington employers with 15 or more employees must now wait until after a conditional job offer has been made before running a criminal background check…

Lynnwood criminal defense attorney Paul Hanson has been very honored to be nominated for inclusion in the 2026 Lawyers of Distinction’s Legal Directory. This is a prestigious honor as the Lawyers of Distinction’s Selection Committee annually recognizes less than 1% of American lawyers as leaders in the field of criminal defense law. It’s a real…

Lynnwood DUI / criminal defense attorney Paul Hanson is honored to be nominated for the Attorney & Practice Magazine’s 2026 Criminal Defense Law Attorney-Raising the Bar Directory for Washington State. This quarterly online magazine and monthly blog focuses on law firm management and the evolving technology that impacts law firm practice. Each year, its directory…

In Washington State, a knowing violation of a court issued civil protection order is a gross misdemeanor criminal offense. It can become a felony criminal offense on repeat or aggravated violations. RCW 7.105.450(1)(a)(4)(5). Under RCW 7.105.100(1), there are presently six types of civil protection orders in Washington where a knowing violation carries criminal penalties: 1.…

The Lynnwood City Council recently passed a new city criminal ordinance making it a gross misdemeanor offense to knowingly or recklessly expose children to most controlled substances / illegal street drugs, particularly fentanyl and cocaine. The new city ordinance also covers exposure to vulnerable adults with developmental disabilities. The new ordinance carries a maximum penalty…