The Special Assault Defense Blog | The Marshall Defense Firm

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When you learn that someone is accusing you of sexual assault, there are probably a number of questions running through your mind – how did this happen? What is at stake for me? Do I...

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What Could You Lose When You’re Accused of Physical Child Abuse?

21 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

We all have a natural desire to protect kids. When it comes to child abuse accusations, however, this instinct may seem overshadow the concerns of the adult involved. If you’ve been accused of physical child abuse,...

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How Accurate is a Child’s Memory?

12 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Frequently in child abuse investigations and trials, the primary evidence is that given by the child involved. Sometimes this evidence is the only evidence that the alleged abuse ever occurred. But is a child’s memory...

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Is a SSOSA Right for Me?

08 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

If you’ve been convicted of a sexual offense in Washington State, you may be eligible for sentencing under Washington’s Special Sexual Offender Sentencing Alternative (SSOSA). What is a SSOSA, you might ask? Under Washington law, some...

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What Is Sexual Exploitation in Washington State?

05 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Washington law forbids the sexual exploitation of children. This prohibition seems simple enough at face value, but what kind of conduct does the law actually prohibit, and how broadly is the law applied? The law...

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IX Reasons You Should Hire an Attorney for Your Title IX Hearing

01 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

If you’re accused of sexual assault on campus, you should carefully consider engaging an attorney to defend you. Let’s consider the reasons. I. There is a lot at stake here. An attorney representing you in...

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How Do the Courts Decide Who Gets off the Sex Offender Registry?

29 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

If you are required to register as a sex offender, you’re probably very eager to have that duty lifted as soon as possible. But how and when can the duty to register be lifted? This...

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[PODCAST] What You Need to Know About Sentencing Juvenile Sex Offenders

28 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Last year, Washington State revised the way it sentences juvenile sex offenders, however many attorneys remain unaware of these changes. Recently, our very own Aimée Sutton gave a speech to help other attorneys understand the...

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Is it Legal to Spank a Child in Washington State?

25 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

As a parent, you expect decisions about your own child’s well-being to be up to you. Can the law interfere with your ability to discipline your child? Can the law forbid you from spanking your...

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V Things Wrong with Campus Title IX Investigations

18 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Most people think Title IX is something that affects only whether women’s sports programs get funding on par with the men’s program. However, it’s also become an avenue for educational institutions to investigate particular types...

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The Problem with Making the Names of Level I Sex Offenders Public

11 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

In Washington State, Level I sex offenders are those offenders who are the least likely to re-offend. They are therefore deemed to pose the least risk to the wider community. While Level I offenders are...

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When are Police Stings Entrapment?

08 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

When does law enforcement cross the line between conducting a legitimate undercover operation and illegally pressuring a normally law-abiding individual to commit a crime? Many arrests for Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes arise out...

What Happens If You Fail to Register as A Sex Offender in Washington State?

04 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Certainly, no one wants to be required to register as a sex offender. It’s unpleasant, embarrassing, and surprisingly bureaucratic. But neglecting your duty to register can result in serious consequences that may have a long-term...

Courtyard of Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, USA

Should You Hire an Attorney for a Title IX Hearing?

01 Aug 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Facing disciplinary action from a college or university can be a harrowing experience for any student. Not only is your reputation at stake, but also your ability to complete your education. If you have been...

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What Is a Sexual Assault Protection Order?

28 Jul 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

When you learn that someone is seeking a Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO) against you, you will naturally have a lot of questions. What is a SAPO? How will it affect me and those closest...

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Why Teens Who Commit Sex Offenses Rarely Do It Again

24 Jul 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Many of us get our perceptions of sexual assault and other crimes from the media, television, and movies. While these depictions focus on stories that will boost ratings, web traffic, and ticket sales, they may...

To Testify or Not to Testify? What Factors Defendants in Special Assault Cases Should Consider

21 Jul 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

If you are facing special assault charges, one of your concerns may be navigating the complexities of trial. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen at trial and especially about the possibility that...

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Reducing the Adult Consequences of Teenage Mistakes

18 Jul 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

This spring’s news about the Oregon State University baseball team shows how teenaged errors of some kinds can dog a person into adulthood. Luke Heimlich, the star pitcher of the OSU team, found himself in...

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DNA’s Gold Standard Begins to Tarnish

07 Jul 2017

Alexei Garick

The forensic gold standard that is DNA has begun to show signs of tarnishing. Once believed to be infallible, the shortcomings and potential errors inherent in testing ever smaller quantities of DNA have begun to...

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Here Is What Happens When You Register as a Sex Offender in Washington

06 Jul 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Registering as a sex offender is an understandably daunting and unpleasant task. Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities, however, is crucial to making sure you can get on with your life. This piece answers common...

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Grooming: Fact or Fiction?

01 Jun 2017

Alexei Garick

Recently the Court of Appeals reversed a Washington man’s convictions, finding that a prosecutor committed misconduct by arguing facts not in evidence about the phenomenon known as “sexual grooming.” In our cases at The Marshall...