The Special Assault Defense Blog | The Marshall Defense Firm

Juries No Longer Allowed to Know a Person’s Immigration Status

11 Dec 2017

The Washington State Supreme Court has approved a new rule of evidence that can harm defendants in some domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Effective next year, information about a witness’s immigration status will generally be...

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Sex Offenders Will Now be Identified on US Passports – Here Is what you need to know

07 Dec 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

In 2016, Congress passed the “International Megan’s Law.” The law aims to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation, especially through sex trafficking and sex tourism. The law went into effect in late 2017, allowing...

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Five Terms You Need to Know if You’re Accused of Physical Child Abuse

21 Nov 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

If you’re accused of physically abusing a child, you may encounter any of these five terms. 1. Parental Right to Discipline As a parent, you are legally entitled to discipline your children. The right to spank...

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Can a Domestic Violence Case Impact Child Custody?

03 Nov 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Child custody battles are never easy but adding domestic violence issues to the mix certainly complicates matters. If a domestic violence case is clouding your efforts to reach a custody plan that is best for...

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What is the Fresh Complaint Rule?

01 Nov 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

When you are facing sexual assault charges, you may find yourself frustrated with and confused by the complexity of the legal system. Being a defendant in such a case can include an unwelcome, high-stakes education...

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What Every Foster Parent Should Know About CPS Investigations

26 Oct 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

Few people are more admirable than those who open their homes and their families to children who need a safe place to live while their own families resolve serious issues. Foster parents can help kids...

5 Things You Need to Know About Child Abuse Charges

29 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

1. You have rights as a parent. You are entitled to discipline your children in whatever reasonable manner you determine is appropriate. The right to physically discipline (i.e. spank) your child should not result in...

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What is the Difference Between Civil and Criminal Sexual Assault Cases?

26 Sep 2017

The Marshall Defense Firm

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...

Wayland Hall in Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

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...