Patrick Michael Moriarty's Answers

Drug court? so is it true that you can have any kind of crime and still get drug court?

No, only certain types of crimes are eligible for drug court in Snohomish County. Drug Treatment Court will accept those persons charged with felonies who are eligible for release. The felony with which the defendant is currently charged must be a non-violent offense (i.e. no violent or sex offenses, either felony or misdemeanor.) The offense must be drug driven, but not be part of a commercial operation. Large amounts of drugs recovered in the arrest, which indicate that the defendant was a...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

Juvenile and theft third degree

RCW 4.24.230 provides: The parent or legal guardian having the custody of an unemancipated minor who takes possession of any goods, ...offered for sale by any wholesale or retail store or other mercantile establishment without the consent of the owner or seller and with the intention of converting such goods, wares, or merchandise to his or her own use without having paid the purchase price thereof, is liable as a penalty to the owner or seller for the retail value of such goods, wares, or...

Husband found out that there are "charges pending" filed by an employer he worked for in 2006.

A lawyer can easily determine if there were charges filed against your husband. If so, and a warrant is outstanding, a motion to quash the warrant would need to be filed in the court in which the warrant was authorized.

My boyfriends lawyer wants him to

The important question is what does your boyfriend think? If he does not understand why his attorney is advising him to enter a plea, he needs to sit down with his lawyer and have him explain it to him. (After all, that is what he is paying the attorney to do and there may be good reasons for this advice.) If he is not satisfied with the explanation, then by all means get a second opinion.

DUI amendment Vs. dismissal and refiling

The amendment of the charge of DUI to negligent driving and second-degree changes the case from a criminal matter in which a person faces a mandatory penalties (including a jail sentence and suspension or revocation of your driver's license), to a civil traffic infraction which carries no potential for a jail sentence or suspension of your drivers license. The Washington state legislature is constantly amending the DUI statute, usually by increasing penalties, but sometimes by changing what...

In march i got caught shoplifting at nordstroms. now they are are making me pay this "civil claims" and restitution

Be aware that the collection of a civil penalty does not mean that you cannot be charged with the crime of theft. RCW 4.24.230 states: (1) An adult or emancipated minor who takes possession of any goods, wares, or merchandise displayed or offered for sale by any wholesale or retail store or other mercantile establishment without the consent of the owner or seller, and with the intention of converting such goods, wares, or merchandise to his or her own use without having paid the purchase...

Juvenile Sentencing Guidelines for Class 3 Rape

The consequences of a conviction for any sexual offense are very harsh. It if imperative that you speak to an attorney knowledgeable about such cases as soon as possible. The following is informational only and is not intended as legal advice. Pursuant to RCW 9A.33.060, a person is guilty of rape in the third degree when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first or second degrees, such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person, not married to the perpetrator:...

Im a juvenile and ive been charged with theft in the 3rd degree for the third time. what might happen?

A juvenile may enter into 2 diversion agreements. Since this is a third offense, it is likely that the State will file a charge and you will be required to go through a formal court process. It begins with the filing of an information (charging document) and summons being issued for you to appear for arraignment. You should enter a plea of not guilty at arraignment and consult with an attorney. You are presumed innocent and you have a constitutional right to trial on the charge. If...

How do I find a good criminal defense lawyer?

The most obvious answer is research. Ask family, friends and co-workers whether they know or have heard of an attorney that they have employed and respect. Look up those attorneys on the state bar association website or avvo if available. Many state bar websites provide information regarding whether the attorney has had disciplinary problems and whether they carry professional liability insurance. Finally, meet with the attorneys you're interested in hiring. Determine for yourself whether...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer