In State v. Blake in 2021, the Washington Supreme Court determined that Washington’s strict liability drug statute violated due process because it “criminalize[d] innocent and passive possession.” This case has had a tremendous impact on Washington drug possession cases. A Washington criminal conviction that is based on an unconstitutional statute…
A Washington criminal conviction can have significant and lasting consequences. Convictions may result in greater sentences for subsequent offenses, the loss of firearm rights, and the loss of voting rights. In some circumstances, some rights may be restored. In a recent case, a man who had lost his firearm rights…
Community supervision and probation are often preferable to confinement, but some people can find it difficult to comply with their times at times. Additionally, the requirements for the state to prove a violation of such terms do not require the same level of proof as would be required for new…
In some Washington drug cases, a court may impose alternative sentencing if doing so is in the defendant’s and community’s best interests. Defendants may be eligible for a drug offender sentencing alternative (“DOSA”) if they meet certain conditions under RCW 9.94A.660(1). One of the conditions is that the defendant may…
Juvenile cases are sometimes transferred to adult criminal court. The requirements regarding a court holding a hearing on the issue of declining jurisdiction are set forth in RCW 13.40.110. An appeals court recently considered whether Washington juvenile court jurisdiction could be waived for any type of case, or if the…
To convict a defendant of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, the prosecution must show the defendant knowingly possessed the vehicle and that he acted with knowledge it was stolen. When a person is charged with a crime, the charging documents must include all of the essential elements of that…
A defendant in a Washington criminal case is entitled to a fair and impartial jury pursuant to both the state and federal constitutions. Washington court rules allow parties to strike some prospective jurors without a stated reason through peremptory challenges. A party may not, however, strike a prospective juror for…
Washington criminal defendants have a right to confront the witnesses against them pursuant to the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This means a defendant generally has the right to cross-examine witnesses who provide testimonial evidence against the defendant at trial. In cases involving charges related…
A defendant in a Washington criminal case is entitled to a self-defense jury instruction if he shows some evidence of self-defense. The use of force by a person “about to be injured” is not unlawful if it is not greater than necessary. RCW 9A.16.020(3). Another statute provides that a homicide…
Washington juvenile courts may impose “local sanctions” for certain low level offenses committed by a juvenile offender. Local sanctions include up to 30 days confinement, up to 12 months community supervision, up to 150 hours community restitution, or up to a $500 fine. RCW 13.40.020(18). The juvenile court may impose…