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When you are charged -with a crime in Washington, the state will assign penalties based on the category that the offense falls under. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you could face charges for a felony, misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor—all of which can result in serious penalties and future implications. If you are…

A criminal conviction can have severe impacts on a person’s life, even after release from prison. A history of criminal offenses can make it more difficult to find housing, employment, volunteer work, or even insurance policies—but a recent law in Washington state may help remove these barriers. The New Hope Act, designed to help…

In 2012, Washington voters approved recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. However, many Washington residents still have misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records—impacting their ability to find employment, immigrate to different parts of the world, or secure professional licenses. If you have a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana on your criminal record,…

There are many cases where someone may feel unsafe around another person, including experiencing domestic violence, being a plaintiff in a criminal case, or falling victim to a stalker. In these situations, Washington courts will order a protection order to separate the aggressor from the victim — including no-contact orders. What Is a No-Contact…

Laws in Washington state protect landowners from unwanted visitors by imposing criminal penalties for trespassing. If you are on someone else’s land without permission, law enforcement officers can easily arrest you and charge you with this crime — and depending on the circumstances, you may receive higher penalties if your trespassing was criminal. There…

Shoplifting from a store is a crime that can have varying consequences. In some situations, you may receive a gross misdemeanor charge and have to pay fines and complete community service – and in some cases, may result in jail time. In others, you might have to face felony-level penalties, including higher fines, additional…