Motorists with bad driving records pay an average of $2,005 annually for car insurance, while drivers with good records pay an average of $1,483 for auto insurance, according to the 2021 study by Insurify, Insuring the American Driver Report – Trends in Costs & Coverage. Just a single traffic ticket can result in an average…

In 2021, the Washington Supreme Court, in State v. Blake, ruled that Washington’s Possession of Marijuana statute, former RCW 69.50.4014, was unconstitutional for lacking an intent element. Consequently, anyone convicted under the former Possession of Marijuana law before the Washington Supreme Court’s 2021 decision is eligible to have their conviction immediately vacated (deleted). Eligible persons…

Many Washington drivers are confused about whether to contest or just pay a camera photo traffic infraction ticket. And if they do contest it, should they hire a traffic ticket lawyer? Unlike traffic tickets issued by police officers, camera photo tickets do not go on the driver’s Washington driving record. They are like parking meter…

Under Washington law, most misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal conviction may be vacated (removed) by the court after a certain time period and under certain conditions. RCW 9.96.060(2). However certain gross misdemeanor convictions are not eligible for vacation. These include convictions for DUI and sex offenses, RCW 9.96.060(2) (d) and (e). To be eligible for…

Many police officers mistakenly believe that they are required to cite drivers causing accidents with the more serious traffic infraction of Negligent Driving 2°, RCW 46.61.525(1)(a). Even when the actual traffic infraction causing the accident is only a minor one, such as Speeding, Following Too Close, Failing to Yield, Running a Stop Sign / Red…

On November 22, 2021, police departments throughout Washington will begin extra police DUI emphasis patrols. to stop suspected drunk drivers on the roadways during the holiday season. The Washington State Patrol will be deploying its Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU) to central locations for use by all police agencies. This mobile police station on wheels…

Lynnwood Lawyer Paul Hanson Washington State has an old law, the Civil Compromise of Misdemeanor Statute, RCW 10.22.010 et. seq., which authorizes criminal defendants to seek pretrial dismissal of certain minor (misdemeanor) charges where the victim suffers property damage / loss or minor bodily injury (e.g., Assault 4° (non-DV only), Malicious Mischief 3°, Theft 3°,…

Many drivers are confused about Negligent Driving 1° and Negligent Driving 2° offenses. The main difference is that Negligent Driving 1° is a more serious misdemeanor criminal charge. While Negligent Driving 2° is a much less serious traffic infraction. Like a speeding ticket or running a red light. Negligent Driving 1°, RCW 46.61.5949 (1) (a),…

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office announced on September 2, 2021, that some deputies would soon begin wearing and testing police body cameras. The body cameras will be worn during a six week test program. Deputies in the Violent Offender Task Force, Patrol division, and Motorcycle unit will wear the cameras. More than 60 % of…

Lynnwood Lawyer Paul Hanson SPECIAL AUTO ACCIDENT INFORMATION If you are in a car or auto accident involving injuries or property damage, there are certain important actions you should take. These actions will help you avoid future hassles with insurance claims adjusters. And help you obtain full and fair compensation for your bodily injuries and…