Five Common Myths of Criminal Cases DeBunked
Criminal case law for non-lawyers can be confusing and complicated, and many people come to believe some odd things. Does my criminal case get dismissed if an officer doesn’t read me Miranda rights? Is eyewitness testimony really evidence? Sometimes the answers are clear and sometimes they are complicated. Rumors and misconceptions do not make it […]
DUI Stop: Can Drivers Refuse a Breathalyzer Test
Rules for Breathalyzer Testing During a DUI Stop. It may surprise you to learn, that in Washington State, there is no law requiring drivers to submit to breathalyzer testing at any time during a DUI traffic stop. However, there are some incidental ramifications that a driver could face from choosing to decline breathalyzer testing. What […]
Under Arrest by The Police? What is an Arrest and What are Your Rights?
“You’re under arrest!” We often see arrests on TV and see it depicted in movies. And if you have ever had those words spoken to you by a law enforcement officer, you know how ominous and chilling they are. But most people do not realize that the police power of arresting people can only be […]
Got a Traffic Ticket? What You Need to Know About Fighting It.
Local law enforcement is planning a crackdown on speeding. What will you do if you get a traffic ticket? We can help. On Sunday, July 31st, the Bellingham Herald reported that Whatcom County law enforcement is conducting emphasis patrols on speeding from August 5th through Sunday, August 7th. When emphasis patrols are announced, we usually get questions about […]
Fireworks Laws: July 4th Fireworks Banned in Bellingham, Violators Face $250-$1000 Civil Fines.
People Celebrating July4th in Bellingham Should Be Aware of City’s Stringent Fireworks Laws. The Bellingham City Council passed a police power ordinance banning all fireworks within the City limits a few years ago. Under its current Fireworks Laws, contained in the Bellingham Municipal Code, any person who violates the fireworks ban may be cited with […]
The Border Hold, Posting Bail in Criminal Cases, and What Happens Next
What is the Border Hold Process and Can You Post Bail in a Criminal Case With a Border Hold on You? As criminal defense attorneys practicing law near the border in Bellingham, WA, we sometimes have to deal with the “border hold” process, posting bail for international clients, and the U.S. Federal rules for […]
Students: Act Smartly and Know Your Rights in Any Police Encounter
Act Smartly and Know Your Rights in any Police Encounter. We begin with debunking six common myths among college age students with regard to criminal law and criminal procedure. 1. MYTH: The police must automatically read Miranda rights and warnings to you as soon as you are placed under arrest. FACT: No, in the State […]
Getting to Know Washington’s New DUI Breathalyzer: The German Made Dräger Alcotest 9510
Washington State’s new DUI breathalyzer is called the Alcotest 9510, which is manufactured by a German company called Dräger Industries. In 2005, the Washington State Patrol wanted to replace its aging fleet of DataMaster and DataMaster CDM DUI breathalyzer machines which had been in service since 1984. After DataMaster manufacturer National Patent Analytical Systems, announced […]