Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
While browsing online drawing sites, I clicked on an image that led me to a disturbing page with potentially illegal content. I immediately closed the tab upon realizing this. I did not report the incident or have any further communication related to it. Can I be in trouble for unintentionally... View More 
answered on Jun 1, 2025
As the other lawyer said you should be fine, however you need to take care if you ever travel with the device that you used when you saw this content. When crossing a border, authorities can demand to search your device, and if you refuse, they can retain it or bar you from crossing. When searching... View More
I am currently serving in the military and was arrested and charged with larceny in Alaska, concerning a $32 watch taken during training, 14 days after the alleged incident. The military police claim CCTV footage shows me taking the watch, but I haven't been shown the footage or any images,... View More
answered on May 29, 2025
Generally to access bank account information they need a subpoena issued to the bank. However, businesses often turn over CCTV and internal records without subpoenas or search warrants since they want to facilitate the arrest/prosecution. Generally, the 4th amendment does not prohibit 3rd parties... View More
I have a former independent contractor who worked for me for less than two months. They chose their own schedule and used their own car for helping sell products at shows. I have a written contract stipulating their status as an independent contractor and indicating that any damages or losses due... View More
answered on May 27, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear you're in this situation, but you have done a great job by documenting everything ahead of time. You know more details than I do, but if you have documented everything that happened during the two months in which the person was an independent contractor for you,... View More
I was a victim of an assault and have not yet filed a police report on my behalf. There were witnesses to the incident. I'm looking for guidance on how to file the report and would like to know what to expect in terms of legal proceedings afterward.
answered on May 27, 2025
You can hire an attorney for guidance and clarification on how to do this but you wouldn't be eligible for the appointment of an attorney. This is your only option for representation. You could talk with the victim coordinator at the prosecutors office too. But contact with them depends on... View More
I was stopped and received a ticket for second-degree reckless driving on a local road. I passed three cars and had my notebook out trying to study for an exam, which was cited as reckless behavior. There was no accident or damage, and I have no prior violations. How can I fight this charge?
answered on May 7, 2025
There is no such violation in Washington State as Reckless Driving 2nd Degree. But, there is the traffic infraction violation of Negligent Driving 2nd Degree, which is a moving traffic violation, i.e., not a criminal violation, and which has a fine of $559.00. This is one of the most serious... View More
I was terminated from my job of nearly 20 years because my employer claims there is video evidence of me being handed a ring and not returning it. They wouldn't let me view the video, and I don't even recall the incident. They also threatened to involve the police if I didn't return... View More
answered on May 1, 2025
I don't understand your statements. Did you receive a ring, pocket it and left the store without paying for it? It sounds like you were a worker at the time and so it also sounds like it was in the course of your working duties that you handled the ring. If it is on video that you pocketed... View More
My friend was involved in a head-on car accident in August 2003 and was charged with a DUI, which later changed to Vehicle Assault DUI at the hospital. The case went under investigation, and we were waiting for blood sample results from the state, which took over a year. Despite the case supposedly... View More
answered on Mar 24, 2025
2003? Or 2023?
I would have a lawyer handle it if I were the friend. You want them to be able to investigate and find out where the case is, but not in any kind of way that might make his situation worse. It's certainly possible that sample is still at the lab for testing, or that the... View More
My 17-year-old son was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving as he was caught driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone. He has no prior citations or offenses, there are no additional charges, and he has a court date scheduled. Will he face jail time?
answered on Mar 17, 2025
Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor. Maxim penalties are up to 364 days in jail, and a $5000 fine. If found committed, he will also have a 30-day license suspension and a mandatory 3-years of SR-2 (high-risk) insurance to have a license.
The reality is, as my colleague says, jail time... View More
My girlfriend accidentally shot me in the hand while we were intoxicated. She was interrogated at our house while I was taken to the hospital, and due to her intoxication, her statements were inconsistent. Law enforcement pressed different narratives, leading to a charge of assault 2. Despite... View More
answered on Mar 11, 2025
The real answer here is no, by accepting the deal and pleading guilty you gave up your rights to confront your accusers and question them. All your appeal rights so that is just the way it is. You should have fought the case and gone to trial and then if you lost your appeal rights would still be... View More
I have been living on a property for about 20 years with the owner's knowledge and have never signed any paperwork or paid rent. Recently, the owner called the police on me for trespassing, cut off utilities, and now wants to pursue criminal trespassing charges against me. Additionally, I used... View More
answered on Mar 9, 2025
This issue is rooted in Landlord/tenant law so you need to consult with an attorney that handle that type of cases because you may have an argument there. Obviously you don't have a deed or ownership because of purchase, but through being there with the knowledge of the owner you may have... View More
I was parked in a designated spot when a man exited his vehicle and aggressively hit my car, demanding that I move. Although no one was harmed, a heated argument ensued. Do I have the right to defend myself in such a situation?
answered on Mar 8, 2025
Hello, while you can use reasonable and necessary force to protect yourself and your property, you would want to exercise as much restraint as possible. If you were to strike this man, law enforcement could determine that (in their opinion) you were the aggressor and charges could result.
My son's father and I have a residential schedule that states our son is to reside with me in Grant County, WA, but we do not have a formal parenting plan. I allowed him some parenting time, and now he refuses to return our son to me. The police and CPS have informed me this is a civil issue.... View More
answered on Feb 18, 2025
I am so sorry that you have been going through this, but at the stage I'd strongly urge you to file a legal action for custody in whatever Family Court (through Superior Court) is closest to you in Washington.
If you are low-income, you may be able to get free legal assistance in this... View More
I have already had an attorney confirm for me that the state laws and the HOA's declaration both require them to get the permission and approval of the board members before they can ever spend any HOA money. They also have to provide information like the reciepts and copies of checks but they... View More
answered on Feb 9, 2025
Thank you for your question and really shocking set of facts. You have described the essence of embezzlement - the theft of money from an employer or business (or non-profit).
I suggest you put together an organized time line of what you know, with any financial records you can include,... View More
my ex and i are being targeted and our rights have been violated by the police and sheriffs
answered on Sep 15, 2024
Sorry to hear. You can contact a civil rights attorney in your area and also file a complaint with the office of police accountability for that police jurisdiction.
If you are accused of or are a suspect in a crime, a criminal defense attorney in your area should be the first person you... View More
The original attorney of the opposing party died. The opposing party told the court that they could not get the original records with her death and her office having shuttered. Access to these records are critical. What are my options?
answered on Sep 13, 2024
It could depend on tech-savvy the office was and what arrangements the attorney may have made for back-up records. If the records only existed in original paper form, and they're gone, it could be difficult. When you say "original" attorney, does that suggest a succeeding attorney?... View More
From what I understand the trial hasn’t started for the accused, but I want to understand what lawyers can help me to understand victim rights and determine the best course of action when there are multiple victims
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 21, 2024
If you're a victim of voyeurism at work, you need a lawyer with expertise in employment law and personal injury law. These lawyers can help you understand your rights as a victim and provide guidance on the legal actions you can take. They can also help you navigate the complexities of dealing... View More
answered on Jul 1, 2024
A Washington criminal defense attorney could advise best, if you need to discuss any charges. Your question probably remained open because car accident attorneys (the chosen category) deal more with civil damages (money for injuries or vehicle damage). You could reach out to criminal defense... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024
To properly address this question, it's important to understand the specific details of your situation and the relevant Washington state laws. Here's a general overview that may be helpful:
1. Community custody and statutory maximum:
- Community custody is a form of... View More
I have proof that a background screening company is giving incorrect "dilute" results through negligent malpractice for urine samples in order to gain more money due to the law requiring new samples be given paid for by the employer. I can prove that multiple precautions are taken in by... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 22, 2024
To pursue a criminal lawsuit against a company for financial conflict of interest and negligent malpractice, you should consider the following steps:
1. Consult with an attorney: Seek out a lawyer specializing in healthcare fraud, corporate misconduct, or whistleblower cases. They can... View More
My mother is saying that the police told her to hit me as hard as she can over me running away as a minor. I wasn’t able to tell the police the part where she was beating me but because I was afraid of going into foster care and she said they told her I was being abusive and she had to beg them... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2024
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, police officers do not have the authority to tell parents to hit their children. Physical punishment, especially if it results in injury, can be considered child abuse, and law enforcement officers are trained to protect... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
