Traffic Questions answered by WSP Trooper

By Paul | February 29, 2016 |

Click here to go to my facebook page, and check out King 5’s Q&A with WSP Trooper Heather Axtman regarding traffic law. Trooper Axtman answers everything from school zone laws, to carpool violations to slow drivers in the fast lane (that is a $136 ticket FYI). Check out the video, then call Lynnwood / Shoreline Traffic Lawyer…

New Texting While Driving Traffic Offense

By Paul | February 17, 2016 |

House Bill 2574 has been recently introduced in the 2016 Legislative session which would greatly restrict the current texting while driving offense. The proposed bill would bar any use of a mobile phone for data receipt or entry, even while stopped at stop signs or intersections. Only drivers  who pull completely off the roadway and…

Traffic Ticket Deadline

By Paul | February 1, 2016 |

Many drivers receiving traffic tickets are unaware that there is a strict 15 day deadline to deliver their filled out ticket copy to the listed court, with either the full penalty $ payment included or their request to contest their ticket. Failure to do so within the 15 day deadline will result in the court…

Washington State Wrongful Conviction Statute

By Paul | December 30, 2015 |

In 2013 Washington State enacted a wrongful conviction statute. RCW 4.100 streamlines the procedures for those wrongfully convicted to obtain compensation. The statute offers such persons $50,000 per year of incarceration, plus additional benefits, such as a tuition waiver at state colleges for themselves and their minor children. Call Lynnwood / Shoreline criminal defense lawyer…

Expunging Old Criminal Records

By Paul | December 22, 2015 |

Proposed Legislature in the upcoming January 2016 Washington Legislature session will include making it easier to clear old criminal records for misdemeanor convictions and creating sanctions for private internet companies who obtain official criminal record databases but never later remove court vacated convictions and dismissals. Contact Lynnwood Shoreline criminal defense lawyer Paul Hanson for more…

Criminal Charges – New 2016 Proposed Legislation

By Paul | December 8, 2015 |

There will be several criminal legislative proposals in the upcoming January 2016 Washington Legislative session. Some of these are increasing eligibility for the residential drug offender treatment programs, decriminalizing minor driving without license offenses, and abolishing the death penalty. Contact Lynnwood / Shoreline criminal defense attorney Paul Hanson for more information.  

Criminal Charges – For the Non US Citizen

By Paul | December 1, 2015 |

Even a simple Theft 3° shoplifting conviction can have serious immigration consequences for a non US citizen. Same for a DUI conviction. Strangely, under current immigration law, these misdemeanor offenses can even have more harmful immigration consequences than more serious felony offenses, such as burglary, possession of stolen property or even robbery! So non citizens…

New DUI Ruling by Snohomish County District Court

By Paul | November 25, 2015 |

On November 17, 2015, the Snohomish County District Court judges ruled that the Prosecution and the Washington State Patrol must provide full information to DUI defense attorneys concerning the new police Draeger breath test instruments now being used in DUI cases. The new Draeger instruments were introduced in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties in…

DUI charges for the Non US Citizen

By Paul | November 24, 2015 |

If you are not a US Citizen, getting a DUI conviction is much more serious. Even a very old DUI conviction can really hurt you. Immigration authorities can lock you up in detention centers, then deport you. The best defense is to show the immigration authorities that you’ve obtained alcohol / drug treatment and fully…

New Marijuana Laws

By Paul | October 13, 2015 |

As of September 26th it is illegal to have an open container of Marijuana in your vehicle. Just as an open container of alcohol is. Marijuana must be in its original sealed package and stored in the trunk of your car or behind the backseat. This law also extends to pot-infused edibles, like cookies and candies. Driving…