State v. Keele: Excluding Evidence and Sentencing Error in a Washington Unpublished Opinion
In State v. Alyssa Richelle Keele (No. 59201‑1‑II), the Washington Court of Appeals (Division II) issued an unpublished opinion addressing two key issues: (1) whether the trial court erred in excluding...
State v. Zerahaimanot and Washington’s Rules on Unpublished Opinions
In State v. Zerahaimanot, the Washington Court of Appeals (Division I) resolved key questions about resentencing, waiver of appellate arguments, and the limits on citing unpublished...
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...
Understanding Washington Double Jeopardy Retrial Rights
When can the State try a case again after a mistrial? In State v. O’Brien, the Washington Supreme Court addressed whether retrying a criminal defendant after...
Starting the Year in Handcuffs? What to Do About a DUI on New Year’s Day in Kittitas County
New Year’s Day may feel like a quiet holiday, but it’s a major enforcement day for the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Ellensburg Police, Cle Elum PD, and Washington...
Washington Court Holiday New Year: What to Know About Jan 1
🎆 Do Washington Courts Close for New Year’s? The winter holidays are a time for celebration — but if you’re involved in a legal matter,...
Return Season: Can You Legally Gift Back a DUI?
The day after Christmas is famous for long return lines, receipts pulled from pockets, and that awkward conversation that starts with, “It’s great, but…” Sweaters get exchanged,...
Is December 26, 2025 a Court Holiday in Pierce County District Court?
🎄 The Day After Christmas: Are Pierce County Courts Open? As the holiday season winds down, many people wonder: Is December 26, 2025 a court holiday...
Danielson Washington Supreme Court Ruling on LFO Reimbursement
On December 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of Washington issued its opinion in State v. Danielson, Docket No. 103627‑2, a case involving constitutional challenges to how legal financial obligations (LFOs) are reimbursed after a...
Admissibility of Intercepted Communication Under RCW 9.73.050
In Washington State, the admissibility of intercepted communication in court is governed by RCW 9.73.050. This statute is part of the broader state wiretapping and surveillance chapter designed to...