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Felonies are serious criminal offenses in Washington state, often resulting in jail time and fines. When you are arrested for a felony, a prosecutor or a grand jury will decide whether to formally charge you with a crime. Depending on the situation, they may file a criminal complaint or an indictment to initiate the…

If you are facing criminal charges, your case can go to trial before a jury or before a judge. When a judge oversees your case, it is known as a bench trial. Jury trials, which involve a 12-person panel, are much more common in the criminal justice system.  There are several key differences between…

There are several types of drug charges that a person can face in Washington state. One of the most serious is drug trafficking, or the sale, transport, or import of illegal drugs.  Also known as drug distribution, drug trafficking is a federal crime that results in very serious felony penalties. If you are facing…

The mental capacity of a defendant plays a major role in a criminal case. While many states treat incapacitated individuals the same as mentally competent ones, others consider whether the defendant’s insanity could have led to the crime that took place. In Washington, if a person faces conviction for a crime and successfully proves…

In Washington, owning a gun comes with several requirements and responsibilities. For example, you cannot carry a firearm while on public school premises unless you are a military or law enforcement officer. You must register your firearm and store it in a safe, secure location. When driving, you may wonder if you can carry…

Every person has the right to defend himself or herself in a dangerous situation. For many, carrying self-defense weapons could deter attackers, but many states have laws against certain devices like stun guns. In these situations, you may wonder: are stun guns legal in Washington state? The answer is yes: the sale, possession, and…