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If the weapons are jointly owned, I think that the judge has discretion to return them to the accuser. Otherwise, you should ask you appellate lawyer to consider adding this as an issue on appeal.
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It is not possible to "expunge" a criminal conviction. You can only "expunge" information/data which is deemed "non-conviction" information/data. For example, if you are charged with a crime which is later dismissed without a conviction, it may be possible to have the arrest and charging data removed from your record. However, in some circumstances you can have criminal convictions "vacated." This process is covered by RCW9.94A.640. However, the requirements include a 5 or 10 year waiting...
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The answer to this question depends largely on your words and actions at Seatac. The State has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted intentionally. Virtually all of the evidence will be testimony and video of your words and your actions. If you did not act nervously before going through security, and your statements were consistent with inadvertent possession, then you have a strong case. If you have some evidence to support a claim of inadvertent possession, your case...
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No, it should not change the possible sentence. Also, in the vast majority of cases it is much better to have a separate trial. It allows more flexibilitty in trial strategy, and eliminates the possibility of another defendant doing something at trial that is inconsistent with your trial strategy.
For first time offenses, the Prosecutor is often willing to reduce the charge to one or more gross misdemeanors -- such as criminal trespass and theft in the third degree. If you are able to get the charges reduced you may be able to avoid doing any jail time.
Often, the Prosecutor will agree to a resolution that does not result in a permanent conviction on your record. Better yet, sometimes they will agree to a continuance of the case and dismissal at the end of the period of continuance as long as you stay out of trouble, and fulfill any other agreed-upon conditions. Sometimes, you can reach a deal at the pre-trial conference.
The maximum punishment for Fourth Degree Assault is one year in prison. It is also common for the court to order an evaluation and participation in any recommended treatment/counseling program.
The first "cost" you should consider, is the cost of a bad result. The second "cost" you should consider is the regret you may feel if you get a bad result because you hired the cheapest lawyer possible. If that bad result can be avoided by good quality lawyering, then look around for a good lawyer, get a cost estimate. If the cost of hiring a good lawyer is less than the sum of the first two costs, and you can afford it, you should hire that lawyer.
Yes, you can subpoena telephone records from your accuser, and also from the phone company itself. I usually prefer to subpoena records directly from the phone company. This way, I'm more confident that the records are complete. Also, often times the phone company has more data available than ordinarily appears in phone bills. And finally, obtaining these records from a third party may allow you to surprise a witness on the stand, catching them in a false statement. Please note, however, that...
Each jurisdiction, and ofter each prosecutor, have different standards as to a "typical plea" in a case like this. In most jurisdictions, this offer is certainly in the ballpark of a typical plea offer.