Four Things You Need to Know about Civil Claims for Sex Abuse and Sexual Assault
While most imagine sexual abuse and sexual assault cases to be tried in criminal court, a person can also file a civil claim for sex abuse or sexual assault. With the harm to reputation... Read More
What it means to Communicate with a Minor for Immoral Purposes
The age of consent in Washington state is 16. That means that sexual acts with a 16- or 17-year-old are legal except in certain situations where there is a power imbalance between the adult... Read More
Appeals and Other Relief for Persons Convicted of Sex Crimes, Child Abuse, and Domestic Violence in Washington State
A conviction for a sex crime, child abuse, or domestic violence can feel like a devastating blow, especially after you’ve given your all in a difficult legal battle. It’s important for people who have... Read More
What Is the Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative?
The Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative, often abbreviated SSOSA (and pronounced like the last name of a famous baseball hitter), was enacted by Washington’s legislature in 1984 and has undergone several revisions since. This... Read More
The Age of Consent to Sexual Intercourse in Washington State
Every state has laws defining the “age of consent,” the age at which a person is determined to be old enough to be capable of legally agreeing to sexual intercourse. In Washington, the age... Read More
Saunders Article Featured in Washington State Bar News
Josh Saunders’s article about changes to civil protection order hearings in House Bill 1320 has been featured in the July issue of Washington State Bar News. The article summarizes the law, which went into... Read More
Major Changes to Washington’s Domestic Violence Laws Go Into Effect
Last year, legislators in Washington began debating and making major changes to how the state handles domestic violence cases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was kickstarted with the passage of HB... Read More
Consent in Washington State: What To Look For And How To Protect Each Other
In sexual encounters, consent is one of the most critical elements. Consent can make the difference between a mutually enjoyable experience, or a horrid and traumatizing crime. Consent is essential for both people taking... Read More
Promoting Prostitution in Washington
Promoting Prostitution in Washington: How A Seemingly Specific Charge is Broadly Applied When hearing about the crime of “promoting prostitution,” you might think that it has very narrow applications. Images of pimps, prostitution stings,... Read More
Defending Parents in CPS Investigations of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
No parent ever wants to discover that their family is the subject of a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) investigation. The most common of these investigations are conducted by Child Protective Services.... Read More