In the criminal justice system, the term “auto decline” is 0ccasionally used. It is not about automobiles in any way. The term refers to part of the process used to determine whether a juvenile will be treated as an adult if the juvenile is charged with a violent serious offense. Generally, if a defendant is […]

In a recent story published in public media, a California juror posted personal comments about the trial on Facebook after instructions from the court not to tweet, to stay off the internet, and away from the media. The Juror was dismissed from the jury. The case is a serious murder case and the juror’s conduct […]

A few weeks ago, Matt Enzler and I attended a training program related to the investigation and prosecution of Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault cases.  The program was conducted in Spokane Valley at the Spokane County Sherriff’s Training Facility. There were Troopers from the WSP, Deputies from Spokane County, and several prosecutors from various eastern […]

Tuesdays can be busy in Superior Court, because it is the day that the criminal docket is handled.  Some cases are continued to another day, (usually by agreement); in some cases the parties and the court determine the “status” of the case (in its progress to resolution); some cases have motions that are heard, and […]

Last Saturday night, a Colville City officer was called to a local motel on a report of a vehicle prowling in which a firearm was taken from a vehicle.  This is more common at this time of year because thieves apparently see more opportunity to get valuable items from vehicles as hunters and travelers pass […]

Deer hunters can also take cougar when season opens around state The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issued a press release to remind hunters that cougars are also fair game anywhere in the state. Under this year’s rules, deer hunters with a valid cougar license and transport tag can take a cougar during […]

On August 16, James Earl Richards, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of Rape in the 3rd Degree, for sexually assaulting two young women this summer. These women were friends of his children and had been around him and his family for some time. The two young women revealed the abuse to each other and then […]

Last week I wrote about the Initiative 1183 to get the state out of the operation of liquor stores. Another important issue facing Stevens County voters this election is whether to add a very small increase to the sales tax. The very mention of a tax increase in these hard times brings a shudder to […]

This election, voters are faced with several issues which have been getting lots of play in the media. One is Initiative 1183. This has to do with the distribution of liquor in the State of Washington. This measure would close state liquor stores, license private businesses to sell, set license fees bases on the amount […]

This past week, the Attorney General’s Office send out a press release to warn people about a text message scam which has become active recently. The purpose of the text messages is to lure people to provide financial information in response to what appears to be a message from a bank. The message warns of […]