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Many states, including Washington, have enacted three strikes laws for specific criminal offenses. Although the exact laws vary from state to state, they often follow the same general guidelines. If a person receives three convictions for certain crimes, the court will assign harsher penalties than it would if it was a first or second…

In Washington, minors who commit crimes undergo a separate criminal process than adult offenders. The Washington Juvenile Court System oversees sentencing for juvenile offenders, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation instead of punishment. Criminal penalties for minors differ from penalties for adults. Types of Juvenile Penalties in Washington RCW 13.40.0357 establishes sentencing guidelines for juvenile…

Criminal penalties for many crimes, such as drug possession, sexual assault, and robbery, can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the crime. The presence of aggravating factors can increase the severity of the consequences you may face, while mitigating factors may allow you to seek a lighter penalty. If these factors are present in…

When you are facing criminal charges, it is easy to focus on the penalty of jail time. However, a prison sentence is only one way that a criminal conviction can impact your life—and the consequences of a criminal record do not go away once your sentence ends. There are many ways that a criminal…

Possession of illegal drugs can lead to serious consequences in Washington State. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, you can face prison time, fines, and other penalties. If the crime involves large amounts of drugs, certain types of substances, and other aggravating factors, such as possession with intent to distribute, the consequences…

An arrest is an emotional, high-stress experience, but the events after an arrest can be equally as damaging. Depending on the charges you are facing, you may need to remain in police custody for a certain period of time, usually until your trial or a hearing. However, Washington offers multiple options for release, and…