Severance of Charges in Washington: State v. Krause Explained
Introduction The Washington Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Krause clarifies when courts must grant a motion to sever criminal charges. The case focuses on the standard...
Washington Felony Harassment Law After State v. Calloway
The Washington Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Calloway, No. 103374-5 (filed March 19, 2026), is an important case on Washington felony harassment law, the First Amendment,...
Indigent Defense Caseload Limits in Washington: What In re Detention of M.E. & R.S. Means
The Washington Supreme Court’s decision in In re Detention of M.E. & R.S., filed March 19, 2026, addresses a major question for civil commitment and public...
King County Negligence Claim Fails in Estate of Brown v. King County
The Washington Court of Appeals’ published decision in Estate of Jordan Benjamin Brown v. King County, No. 40983-0-III, filed March 19, 2026, addresses an important negligence...
Reyna Juror Public Trial Violation: How Washington Courts Protect Open Jury Selection
Introduction The Reyna juror public trial violation highlights a critical constitutional safeguard: in Washington, jury selection and juror challenges must be conducted in open court, accessible to the...
State v. Lile (2017): Is a Continuance a Discretionary Ruling?
Introduction In State v. Lile, the Washington Supreme Court addressed whether a judge’s decision to grant a continuance—even one agreed to by both parties—constitutes a discretionary ruling under RCW 4.12.050, thereby...
State v. Rich: DUI Is Not Enough – Reckless Endangerment Requires More
Introduction State v. Rich, 184 Wn.2d 897, 365 P.3d 746 (2016), clarified that while a DUI conviction may involve dangerous behavior, it does not automatically support...
Fair Cross-Section Jury in WA: Paul Rivers Case
. The Washington Supreme Court recently considered whether King County violated a defendant’s right to a fair cross-section jury. Paul Rivers, a Black man, argued that...
Washington Courtroom Restraints: Supreme Court Holding Cell Ruling
In the recent case of State v. Luthi (No. 101828-2), the Washington Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether a criminal defendant can be required...
State v Keller Breath Test: Washington Supreme Court Ruling
In the case of State v. Austin River Keller, the Washington Supreme Court addressed the issue of breath test admissibility, specifically focusing on the Dräger...