Jenifer Greff Howson's Answers

Stopped for DUI but urine test is negative for all drugs and alcohol. Can you still be charged for DUI?

As mentioned, every State can be different so it is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney in the State of arrest. In my experience, sometimes a DUI can be charged because the prosecuting attorney and/or the officer are unaware of the negative urine tests that are done days later at the hospital. their report ends after the arrestee is taken to the hospital. Sometimes law enforcement alleges a refusal to take a blood and/or breath test and they simply charge DUI in light of the...

I had charges reduced in a juvenile case. Can a background check still see my original charges?

Most likely you can get your record sealed and it is recommended that you so. The Washington State Patrol keeps the records that you can easily find on line at their site, to see what is reflected there. (Called WATCH) We are located in Skagit County if your case arose there we are happy to answer any more specific questions you may if you contact our office. You can get this accomplished without an attorney, but it is certainly easier to fill out the documents and get them submitted to the...

I just got a 4th degree assault charge for 'allegedly'pulling a girls hair,(witch I didn't).I have 1 prior 10 years ago.what....

There is a chance of jail time on any assault 4 if there is a conviction. It is important to get a good attorney to help you resolve the case. A good attorney can seek to avoid any conviction at all. If you did not pull this girl's hair, there should be some way to prove your innocence. The maximum penalty is a year in jail and the standard jail sentence is usually quite less than 30 days. However, it is uimportant to challenge the case so you do not get convicted at all.

My husband forgot about a court date and was so given his third bench warrant. What will happen when he turns himself in?

It is not possible to give you a detailed answer as to what will happen without knowing more facts about the underlying charges that your husband is being supervised for. The nature of the charges can make a difference. It also may be possible to call the court clerk and ask if there is a fee that your husband can post (he has to do it himself) in order for the clerk to get the warrant quashed and set a new court date. I practice in Mount Vernon and there are procedures in place for this. It is...

How much time will someone get for 2nd degree burglary.

I practice in Skagit County. There can be a big difference in how the Prosecutor and the Court looks at a case of Burglary. They will look at the kind of evidence and quality of evidence against your brother as well as the kind of history he has before deciding what sentence to recommend. You and/or your husband can have input with the prosecutor to assert your wishes. Perhaps treatment, education, or counseling would better serve your brother and the community in the long run? You can speak...

I missed my first probation meeting today. What are the circumstances of this?

You state in your question that you were arrested for MIP and Possession but not that you were convicted. So it is unclear why you have a proation officer. I practice regularly in Anacortes and I am familiar with the Judge. He wants to make sure that you are complying with the Cour's order. You need to contact an attorney and get it straightened out-the attorney can call the PO and/or the Court to see what is expected of you and help you get into compliance right aware. Be aware that they will...

What is the consequence of "minor operating a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol" in Washington state?

The difference between DUI and this Minor Operating charge is primarily that the level of BAC result is much lower for the Minor charge. The DUI requires a valid .08 and the Minor OP. charge only requires a valid .02 result. Also, for Minor Op, they do not have to prove you were "under the influence". But they do have to prove the validity of that test result. A good lawyer can attempt to challenge that result. Also, It is critical that you return the Notice of Right To Hearing Form to the...

How do I find a good criminal defense lawyer?

To find a good criminal defense attorney it is important to try a variety of approaches. Look on-line in your area, look in the telephone book in your area, and ask everyone you know who the respect as an attorney. The more you ask around, the more you will hear about the attorneys that have the best reputations. Then interview several and determine who feels like the best fit for you and your case. It is important to find an attorney with sufficient experience in defense of murder charges. You...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

Traffic Violation

Best to check with your local state laws for sure, but usually these types of citations are infractions-which means they are not criminal charges. Traffic law attorneys in your area can challenge these citations so that your points do not increase your insurance costs and they can help protect your driving record. Be aware of timing deadlines to challenge infractions-take action immediately per the ticket.

I have a warrant issued for my arrest for failure to appear. If I go to the court to settle this, will I be arrested when I go?

I recommend calling a local attorney to find out what it will take in that court to quash the warrant. It would be helpful to re-license before you go to court but that is not always possible with a warrant. Call a lawyer in the area near the court and ask them the best way to proceed. Some courts allow you to post a small fee to quash the warrant via the clerk and then the court sets a court date for you to appear. If your court will do that for you that will give you the time needed to re-...