Posts by Paul
Big Probation Changes at Snohomish County District Court
On May 1, 2018, all four divisions / courthouses of the Snohomish County Distirct Court (SCDC) will restructure their probation model. New evidence based practices will be introduced for all defendants placed on court probation. The Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) will be used as the probation assessment instrument. It will classify Defendant’s probation as…
Read MoreOver 5,000 Distracted Drivers Stopped Since New Laws Began
Since last July 2017 when Washington State started enforcing stricter distracted driving laws, WSP Troopers have stopped 5,083 drivers for operating a vehicle and holding an electronic device at the same time. That is just over 43 drivers per day. Of these 5,083 distracted drivers, only 770 received citations, with most only receiving a warning.…
Read MoreNew Illegal School Bus Passing Tickets
On Monday October 2, 2017, the King County Sheriff’s Office will being issuing $419.00 tickets for illegally passing an unloading school bus. Exterior cameras have been put on 120 Seattle Public School buses. These cameras, similar to the school zone cameras, will get video of the illegally passing vehicle and its license plate. The vehicle’s…
Read MoreTickets for Not Stopping for School Buses
When do you stop for a school bus? Get it wrong and you could get a $430 ticket in Washington State. Many drivers get it wrong on two lane roads. If you’re driving on a two lane road, cars coming from both directions must stop when the school bus puts out its stop signal or…
Read MoreDrunk, Drugs or High: It's a DUI
Extra DUI police patrols will hit King and Snohomish County roads starting Friday September 1st to target those who get behind the wheel after having a few drinks or smoking too much marijuana. This DUI emphasis patrol is aimed at encouraging everyone to get a safe ride, especially if alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medicine, or…
Read MoreOther New State Laws Starting Sunday, July 23rd
Other new laws that take effect Sunday: —Prosecutors will be able to file felony charges if a person gets a fourth DUI within 10 years. Under the new law, offenders would be sent to prison for 13 to 17 months, rather than serve shorter sentences in county jails. —Courts will be allowed to issue permanent…
Read MoreNew Distracted Driving Law Starts Sunday 7/23/2017
Starting this Sunday, July 23rd Washington drivers will have to put down their phones or else face tougher penalties under a new distracted driving law. Texting or holding a phone to your ear is already against the law in the state, but the new measure now prohibits anything else that requires drivers to hold their…
Read More2017 Law Day in Snohomish County District Court (South Division)
Attorney Paul Hanson was pleased to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Judges at the Snohomish County District Court (South Division) in Lynnwood, WA for his volunteer attorney services at the court’s annual LAW DAY events. Now in its 31st year, Law Day was founded when several South Division court employees and Lynnwood attorney…
Read MoreNew Law Bans Cell Phones While Driving
In mid July, 2017, drivers will no longer be able to hold any electronic device (cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices) in their hands while driving. Not even while stopped in traffic or while waiting for a traffic light to change. It replaces the current Washington law which on prohibits texting or holding a…
Read MoreNew Cell Phone While Driving Law
The 2017 Washington Legislature has recently passed a bill that completely bans holding a cell phone, or any electronic device, while driving or being stopped in traffic. The bill will also double the fine for a 2nd and subsequent offenses within 5 years. This changes the current law which only bans talking, with the phone…
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