Lynnwood DUI Attorney | Barefoot Bandit Coming Home

It was just a matter of time, but the “folk hero” is returning to Seattle.

From The Seattle Times:

Without saying a word, the teenager accused in a two-year string of sometimes shoeless burglaries and other crimes that helped him gain international notoriety as the “Barefoot Bandit” agreed Friday to return to Washington state to face federal charges.

Hector Dopico, an assistant federal public defender temporarily representing 19-year-old Colton Harris-Moore, told a federal judge that Harris-Moore waived his right to a hearing on whether he should be transferred to Seattle. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Dube said Harris-Moore would be handed over to the U.S. Marshals Service, which will handle his travel in the coming days.

Dopico also said he had been in contact with an attorney who will represent Harris-Moore in Seattle, but he did not name that lawyer. Harris-Moore’s mother has asked Seattle defense attorney John Henry Browne to represent her son.

As a Lynnwood DUI Attorney, I’ll be following this story closely. I’ve seen Mr. Browne in action before, and am impressed with his ability to nab high profile cases. But let’s not forget that Colton Harris-Moore is not a hero. He’s a kid. With problems. And a HUGE criminal fight on his hands. Let’s hope Mr. Browne is up to the task.

More as the story develops.

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Why the iPad could change how I practice Law

Normally I would leave something of this type to my good friend Aaron Pelley, who houses the Criminal Defense Law with an Apple blog over at his site. I’m sure he’ll weigh in on this, but I had to get my $0.02 in. Before going into this, it should be known that I created an entirely Mac Based law office for myself.

Read More about the Apple iPad

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Lying Cop Gets Job Back (WITH BACK PAY)

Having been a Washington criminal defense attorney for seven years, I know that not all police officers are always honest about everything in police reports. That being said – I want to be clear here – MOST cops are good people out there trying hard to do a good job. We all play a roll in the system, and I appreciate law enforcement officers as much as the next citizen.

However – we want our officers to be honest, reliable, trustworthy, and able to show restraint – especially as it relates to injuring suspects.

At least that’s what I thought. Meet Officer Eric Werner. Read More about Lying Cops

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Recent Case Results

Washington DUI Defense Attorney Jonathan Dichter has recently obtained some stellar results for his clients in a variety of DUI and Non-DUI cases. Here are just a few examples of cases he’s resolved in recent weeks.

High BAC Amended: Through negotiation and skilled research of all possible issues in the case, Jonathan successfully obtained a plea bargain offer of Negligent Driving in the First Degree. His client originally had a DUI charge with a BAC above .160 (more than TWICE the legal limit!)

Read More about Recent Great Results

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WSP Crime Lab Backlog – MORE problems?

Isn’t it time we really take a long and hard look at the WSP Crime Lab and their procedures? I mean it was only two years ago we found a web of lies, deceit, perjury, and conspiracy in the breath testing section.

Now, the Seattle PI is reporting a further problem with the WSP in general.

From the Seattle PI: Read More about the WSP Backlog

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Bombs in Strip Clubs

Let’s chalk this one up to unrequited love.

Oh the holidays are tough on unrequited love – but lest we forget that loving oneself is necessary, and in many cases easier. For sure it doesn’t involve criminal charges. However, Nathan Hulse thinks otherwise, as he’s been charged with making bomb threats towards a local Strip Club Read more about Strip Club Bomb Threat

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Medical Examiner Drunk at Scene of Fatal DUI Crash

We can file this under a perfect storm of mistakes and drinking. Over the weekend there was a flurry of law related activity in Washington state. From a trooper being hit by an alleged DUI driver to the horrific slaying of four officers (and subsequent slaying of the alleged slayer). But this one presents the most interesting questions in my opinion.

Over the holiday weekend, Snohomish County saw the worst fatality DUI accident we’ve seen in recent years. However, that’s only PART of the story.

A County Official, driving a county vehicle, arrived on scene to help, and ended up going home in cuffs. Read more about the drunk Medical Examiner

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Pounds of Pot RETURNED?!?

Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer Aaron Pelley has made local and national news with his recent request for pounds of marijuana to be returned to his medical marijuana patient-client.

From The Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

“Felony drug charges were filed, a deal was struck and Zugsberger ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession. Zugsberger was freed on three-months probation.

His marijuana, though, remained in custody.

At issue, attorneys for both sides allowed, was the variance in medical marijuana laws between the two states. While California and Washington both Read more about Marjiuana Being Returned

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Snohomish County Drug Court Gets Funded

Many courts have “drug” court and similar programs designed for offenders who have serious problems with substances and other problems (mental health, juveniles, etc). These courts give additional resources to these offenders so that the underlying problems can be addressed. They are, for the most part, wonderful programs. And Snohomish County’s program is getting a major funding boost.

From the Edmonds Beacon:

“Snohomish County Superior Court Presiding Judge Larry McKeeman and Prosecuting Attorney Janice Ellis, are pleased to announce that Snohomish County has received notice from the Attorney General Eric Holder that the grant submitted on behalf of the Superior Court’s Problem Solving Courts has been granted in full. Read more about Drug Court

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Economy, Drugs or Both? 30 Armed Robberies!!!

It’s not just in major cities like Seattle that drugs and the economy have driven people to desperate criminal measures. The spectre of drug addiction is present in nearly every large criminal case I’ve seen. And adding to it these tough economic times only serves to make it easier to feel so hopeless that you have to go off and do something to survive. Consider that Lake Stevens is a small community not unlike Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, Lake Forest Park, and that crime happens everywhere.

From the Everett Herald

“EVERETT — A Lake Stevens man is accused of committing as many as 30 armed robberies in Snohomish and King counties.

Read more about 30 Armed Robberies!

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