kriscarrascoAs Washington State considers a dramatic shift in its DUI laws by lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08% to 0.05%, many drivers are left wondering: what does this mean for me? Senate Bill 5067 (SB 5067), if passed, could alter not only how DUI cases are prosecuted but also how they … Read more
A new DUI Law proposal currently working its way through the Washington State Legislature is Senate Bill 5067 (SB 5067), which aims to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving from 0.08% to 0.05%. If passed, this would mark a dramatic shift in Washington’s DUI laws, potentially affecting thousands of drivers—and raising … Read more
A new bill introduced in Washington’s legislature (House Bill 1118) seeks to fix a significant oversight in the state’s firearm rights restoration law that has been particularly problematic since July 2023. The proposed legislation would address two major issues that currently prevent many Washington residents from restoring their firearm rights. The Current Problem Under the … Read more
Washington state legislators have introduced six significant firearm-related bills that deserve careful analysis. As a criminal defense attorney specializing in firearm rights restoration, I believe it’s crucial to understand how these proposed changes could affect both gun owners’ rights and public safety. Background Check System Updates (SB 5056) Senator Wagoner’s SB 5056 addresses a critical … Read more
In July 2023, Washington State updated its laws under RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(i)(D), adding several misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors that, if convicted, result in the loss of firearm rights for offenses committed on or after July 23, 2023. These include: Why the Expansion? The state legislature is trying to reduce gun violence by disarming individuals with recent … Read more
A case our firm handled, which arose from a 2021 incident outside a local tavern, recently ended with the dismissal of the charges against our client. While we must keep identifying details confidential, we want to share a few facts to illustrate how nuanced such cases can be. Background on the Incident The underlying events … Read more
If you have a criminal conviction in Washington, it can impact your job prospects, housing options, and personal reputation. Vacating a conviction can help you move forward, but the process varies depending on the nature of the offense. Specifically, domestic violence (DV)-related convictions have different requirements and waiting periods compared to non-DV offenses. Understanding Domestic … Read more
As Washington State prepares for significant changes to its DUI laws, drivers should be aware of the new regulations set to take effect in 2025. These changes aim to reduce DUI-related fatalities and introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders while providing expanded opportunities for rehabilitation. 1. Lowering the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit One of … Read more
Understanding Mandatory Minimums and Alternatives Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Washington State, carrying strict penalties that can significantly impact your life. One of the most pressing concerns for individuals facing a DUI charge is whether jail time is mandatory. This blog will explore the mandatory minimum jail sentences for DUI … Read more
In 2024, Washington State continues to expand its firearm regulations, focusing on enhancing public safety and imposing stricter requirements on gun dealers and owners. Governor Jay Inslee recently signed several new bills into law, which introduce significant changes to firearm possession, reporting requirements, and security measures for dealers. Here’s an overview of the key legislative … Read more