What type of evidence can be excluded under Washington’s rape shield law?
So-called “rape shield” laws were designed to protect alleged victims of sex crimes during criminal proceedings. The laws limit the ability to introduce evidence or cross-examine rape complainants about their past sexual behavior. The... Read More
What constitutes “indecent liberties” under Washington law?
A Snohomish chiropractor was arrested recently after a number of female patients reported he had “inappropriately” touched their breasts during clinic visits. So far, six patients have made allegations of sexual misconduct against the... Read More
Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Lead to an Increase in the Use of Internet Stings?
In a recent story by Fox 29 in San Antonio, Seattle Police Department Sgt. Brandon James, who also serves as the assistant commander for Washington’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force, spoke about an... Read More
Could Racial Bias be Impacting the Determinations of Medical Examiners in Child Head Injury Cases?
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) refers to a hypothesis developed in the 1970s that violently shaking an infant can cause serious brain injury. The hypothesis has never been scientifically validated, and as some in the medical... Read More
An Alternative to Prosecution for Domestic Violence Cases
In Washington, “domestic violence” is a term applying to a variety of different offenses. It can also be a label attached to a separately charged crime which will enhance the penalties of the underlying... Read More
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Bring the Surge of Child Abuse Cases Experts Predicted?
While official 50-state data for 2020 won’t be available for several more months, top officials overseeing child welfare at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently said they’ve seen no solid evidence... Read More
Will sentencing ranges for sex crimes involving children increase in Washington?
There are few surer ways for politicians to please voters than to propose to crack down on sex offenders—no matter how much cracking down has already been done. We see this again in the... Read More
Marshall Defense Firm Client Cleared of False Rape and Kidnapping Accusations.
Charges have been dismissed against Thomas Kirk Brownlee of Kirkland. David Marshall and Kristina Selset fought for five months to defend Brownlee against a young woman’s accusation that he kidnapped and raped her. The... Read More
TV’s Troubling Portrayal of Sexual Assault
When it comes to sexual encounters, consent can sometimes be a hard thing to navigate. Unfortunately, on-screen portrayals of sex sometimes further muddy the waters and reinforce common misconceptions about consent. One prominent example... Read More
What is Required (or Prohibited) for Someone Who Must Register as a Sex Offender?
Juveniles and adults who have committed a Class A, B, or C felony or a gross misdemeanor classified as a “sex offense” are required to register as a sex offender for a period that... Read More