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If you receive a criminal conviction, you may face penalties such as jail time, fines, community service, and mandatory rehabilitation programs. In some cases, the court may assign you to parole or probation, usually in lieu of imprisonment. Parole and probation may sound similar, but they refer to two different processes—especially in Washington state….

A criminal record can impact your life for a very long time after conviction. In Washington state, you may have the right to remove your criminal record from public view. To request this privacy, you will need to know the difference between expunged and sealed records. What Does It Mean to Have Your Record…

In Washington, it is illegal for any person to take another’s property without the owner’s consent. A theft conviction can result in hefty fines, prison time, and other requirements, such as community service. However, criminal penalties are not the only consequences a defendant could face. In addition to criminal theft charges, the victim may…

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…

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…

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…