Yesterday, it was reported in The Columbia via the Associated Press a sting operation focusing on pot shop sales of marijuana to minors allegedly resulted in 4 of 22 pot shops being non-compliant. The brief article mentioned 10-day suspensions or fines up to $2,500.00 could occur. Apparently, notice was given on May 12, 2015 by the liquor board to the various shops regarding the crackdown. Additionally, the store employees accused of the sales are having their cases referred to the prosecutors office for potential criminal prosecution. [Read more…]
“Faces of Meth” a Decade Old
January 2, 2015 By
Oregonian writer Kasia Hall recently wrote an article on the 10 year Anniversary of “Faces of Meth” launched in 2004. Anyone doing criminal defense work like me should read this article. Please find below a link to Hall’s article in its entirety. [Read more…]
Passage of New Law in 2012 May Help Expedite Evaluation of Mentally Ill Criminal Defendants in Clark County
October 30, 2014 By
News was reported in The Columbian on October 29, 2014 by Journalist Paris Achen, “Clark County may become the second county in the state to use a panel of local experts to evaluate mentally ill defendants, rather than ask the state hospital to perform competency evaluations, local officials said.” [Read more…]
Defendant Once Accused of Controlled Substance Homicide Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charges in Clark County Superior Court
October 3, 2014 By
Yesterday, it was reported in The Columbian by Paris Achen that a Vancouver woman once accused of homicide by delivery pleaded guilty to lesser charges including attempted delivery of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.
According to the article, the State encountered defects in the case with a witness who allegedly saw the defendant, Thomas, deliver the methamphetamine to John Cantwell, the decedent. Apparently, her credibility and possible mental health issues factored into the State’s decision to resolve the case pre-trial. [Read more…]
Child Abuse? Or Child Discipline? The case of Adrian Peterson Revitalized the Debate. But what is the law in Washington State?
September 16, 2014 By
Last week NFL football player, Adrian Peterson was indicted by a grand jury in Texas on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child from an alleged incident occurring in June 2013.
Since the story broke, there has been a great deal of debate in the news regarding child abuse and/or child discipline with opinions running the full gamut between support and condemnation. [Read more…]
Now Decriminalized in Washington State, Recreational Weed Infrastructure Ain’t Kush
September 5, 2014 By
In November, Oregon voters will decide whether Measure 91 (recreational weed) gets passed. Measure 91 is akin to Washington State’s I-502. However, despite their prospective kinship there seems to be a slew of reading material lately suggesting how Oregon should avoid and / or learn from the mistakes that have hampered legalized weed in Washington State since the voters passed I-502. [Read more…]
Op Piece on Criminal Justice Act of 1964 by George Will in the Washington Post
August 27, 2014 By
Interesting opinion piece on the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 by George Will in the Washington Post. Must read for criminal defense attorneys in the public sector and private sectors. The opinion article asks who is better off the pre or post act defendant? One response might surprise some. [Read more…]
In Contrast to Colorado’s Recreational Weed Laws is Washington a Prospective Case Study for Oregon
August 21, 2014 By
Interesting article by Noelle Crombie in today’s The Oregonian. Article addresses a Vancouver Pot Store’s struggle to stay open despite the demand and the legalized recreational use of marijuana in Washington State. According to the article, among the culprits for slow business: pot shortages, high prices and (perhaps most importantly, in my humble opinion) “the backlog of growers, processors and retailers awaiting state licensing”. Mj-infused edibles and concentrates are also scarce according to the article. [Read more…]
Clark County Courthouse Strives for Efficiency. Embraces Digital Filing.
July 23, 2014 By
The Columbian last Friday published an article by Paris Achen regarding the Clark County Clerk’s Office moving toward a digital filing system. I just happened to be in line that day in the Clark County Superior Court Clerk’s Office when I was asked by Achen about digital filing. And low and behold, I am in the news. [Read more…]
Amidst the backdrop of the World Cup, Hope Solo arrested on Domestic Violence Related Charges
June 24, 2014 By
As reported amongst multiple news outlets, Team U.S.A soccer goalie, Hope Solo, was arrested over the weekend on domestic violence related charges. Solo appeared in court today and entered not guilty pleas to Assault in the Fourth Degree – Domestic Violence.
Assault in the Fourth Degree is a gross misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. [Read more…]
