Will I Go to Jail After My First Court Appearance in Washington?
Will I Go to Jail After My First Court Appearance in Washington? One of the first questions people ask after being arrested is simple: “Am I...
Washington Offender Score Comparability: What Out-of-State Convictions Mean
If you have prior convictions from another state or from federal court, those convictions may affect your sentence if you are convicted of a crime...
Washington Release on Personal Recognizance: Understanding CrR 3.2
Being arrested is stressful, but many people are surprised to learn they are not automatically required to post bail before being released. Under Washington release on...
Mental Health Sentencing Alternative After Perrin
The mental health sentencing alternative gives eligible Washington defendants an opportunity to receive treatment and community supervision instead of a standard-range prison sentence. In State v. Perrin, No....
CrR 3.1: The Right to a Lawyer in Washington Criminal Cases
One of the most fundamental rights guaranteed to anyone accused of a crime is the right to legal representation. Both the Sixth Amendment to the United States...
CrR 2.3: Search Warrants and Seizures Under Washington Law
One of the most important protections in the criminal justice system is the constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. In Washington, CrR...
CrR 2.2: Warrants of Arrest and Summons in Washington Criminal Cases
Being charged with a crime in Washington does not always mean law enforcement will immediately arrest you. In many cases, a court may issue a summons directing...
CrR 2.1: Understanding the Indictment and Information in Washington Criminal Cases
When someone is charged with a crime in Washington State, the prosecution must begin the case by filing a formal charging document. Washington CrR 2.1 establishes the...
What Is CrR 1.4? Understanding the Definition of “Prosecuting Attorney” in Washington Criminal Cases
When people think of a criminal prosecution in Washington, they often picture the elected county prosecuting attorney handling the case. In reality, many different attorneys...
Washington Standards for Indigent Defense: Understanding Caseload Limits and Quality Representation
The constitutional right to an attorney means more than simply having a lawyer assigned to your case. To provide meaningful representation, defense attorneys must have...