Attorney Alexander Floyd Ransom's Legal Cases

Criminal defense

Driving While Under the Influence #6Z05627**

Jul 25, 2016

OUTCOME: Reduced & Dismissed

Client charged with Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUI) under RCW 46.61.502. This is a gross misdemeanor punishable up to 1 year jail, a $5,000 fine and mandatory minimum consequence ... s including an alcohol/drug evaluation, treatment, 2-5 years of monitored probation, the suspension of driving privileges through the Department of Licensing (DOL) and the installation of a Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 1 year. Here, Client had a minor fender-bender in the parking lot of a restaurant after consuming alcoholic beverages. Police arrived. Client was investigated and charged with DUI. At the police station, however, the arresting officer failed to remove Client's dentures and lip piercing before Client took the DUI breath test (BAC test). The officer's mistake was a huge departure from standard DUI investigation protocol because foreign objects in one's mouth can skew the results of a BAC test. Consequently, Mr. Ransom drafted and filed a motion to suppress the breath test due to the officer's flawed investigation. Mr. Ransom's pretrial motion opened the door for favorable negotiations. Mr. Ransom persuaded Prosecutor to amend the DUI to Negligent Driving First Degree, which is a 2-step reduction to a simple misdemeanor. Fortunately, this reduction also avoided both the suspension of Client's driving privileges and the installation of an IID. Mr. Ransom also negotiated no jail, a small fine, no probation and 8 hours of community service. Even better, Mr. Ransom negotiated a 1-year Deferred Sentence. This outcome allows for complete dismissal of the case after Client completes the aforementioned tasks within 1 year's time.

Criminal defense

Assault Fourth Degree (DV) # SC00162**

Jul 14, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed

Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree Domestic Violence (DV) under RCW 9A.36.0431 following an argument and physical confrontaction with his wife. This crime is a gross misdemeanor punishable up to ... 1 year of jail and $5,000.00 fine. If convicted, Client would lose his right to own or possess firearms; his travel to other countries would be restricted, the Court would order him to undergo a DV evaluation with a minimum 1-year treatment program and he would be monitored by probation. Despite the challenges, Mr. Ransom successfully persuaded Prosecutor to rescind the pretrial No-Contact Order while the case was pending. Also, Mr. Ransom negotiated a resolution where Prosecutor would dismiss the charges if Client attended a DV Victim Impact Panel and showed proof of 4 months of marital counseling. Client and his wife accomplished these stipulations. His case was dismissed.

Criminal defense

Assault Fourth Degree # BUC0196**

Jun 29, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed

Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree under RCW 9A.36.041. The crime is a gross misdemeanor exposing her to 1 year jail, $5,000.00 fine, evaluations, mandatory treatment, a No-Contact Order and pro ... bation. The allegations involved client striking an individual in the face and pushing the individual out of her home. Despite the challenges, Mr. Ransom's investigations revealed the intruder was addicted to drugs and acted in a threatening manner toward Client. Mr. Ransom assembled a favorable merit package consisting of character reference letters, proof of gainful employment, favorable transcripts of completed college classes and her acceptance into Phi Theta Kappa. Also, Mr. Ransom's investigations discovered the "victim" had an extensive criminal history with impeachable offenses. Finally, Mr. Ransom brought defenses of Acting on Appearances, Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense. The combination of Mr. Ransom's tactics and efforts persuaded the Prosecutor to dismiss the charges.

Criminal defense

Possession of Legend Drug # 6Z04338**

Jun 15, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed

Client charged with Possession of a Legend Drug under BNM 9.16.080 while crossing the Canadian border back into the United States. He possessed prescription drugs purchased in Canada, however, he lacke ... d a prescription. He was a licensed medical professional who unfortunately jeopardized his career and employment opportunities with these charges. The crime is a gross misdemeanor punishable up to 1 year in jail, $5,000.00 fine, drug evaluations, treatment and probation. Fortunately, Mr. Ransom assembled a strong merit package for Client and persuaded Prosecutor to dismiss the criminal charges if Client agreed to pay a civil infraction. This resolution avoided jail, criminal convictions, evaluations, treatment and probation. Most important, it saved Client's career.

Criminal defense

Malicious Mischief Second Degree #14-1-00****

Jun 09, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed

Client was a college student charged with Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree (DV) pursuant to RCW 9A.48.080(1)(a). This crime is a Class C felony exposing him to 5 years of prison and a $10,000 fi ... ne. Making matters worse, Client also risked losing his financial aid and academic/career pursuits if he was convicted of this felony. On the night of the incident, Client allegedly became very intoxicated and destroyed his college roommates' property. After being charged, the Court entered No-Contact Orders between Client and his roommates. Client was expelled from college and moved back home to his parent's house. Despite the challenges, Mr. Ransom worked extremely hard to gain favorable outcomes. He advised Client to enroll in a drug treatment program and work a full-time job. After Client completed treatment, Mr. Ransom petitioned the court to rescind the No-Contact Orders so that Client could be re-admitted to college and complete his education. Next, Mr. Ransom persuaded Prosecutor to admit Client into Drug Court through Whatcom County Superior Court. This gave Client an opportunity to dismiss the felony charges if Client paid for the damages to his roommate's property and successfully completed Drug Court's 18-month program without any flaws or relapses. Client did so. His charges were dismissed.

Criminal defense

Assault Fourth Degree (DV) #CB938**

May 09, 2016

OUTCOME: Hung Jury & Dismissal

Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree Domestic Violence (DV) following an altercation she had with her roommate/cousin in the laundry room. Assault Fourth Degree is a gross misdemeanor punishable u ... p to 1 year jail and a $5,000 fine. Also, DV crimes bring enhanced penalties, limit career opportunities, bring mandatory DV treatment and disallow international travel to some countries. Making matters worse, client was already on probation for an unrelated matter. She rightfully feared serving jail time if her probation was revoked as a result of gaining another criminal conviction. During trial, Mr. Ransom argued the City's witnesses lacked credibility and that its case lacked evidence. Ultimately, the jury was hung with 4 jurors voting "Not Guilty" and 2 jurors voting "Guilty." The judge declared a mistrial. Instead of re-trying the case, Mr. Ransom persuaded Prosecutor to dismiss in 6 months if Client maintained law-abiding behavior and showed proof of attending Anger Management sessions.

Criminal defense

Assault Fourth Degree (DV), Malicious Mischief (DV) and Malicious Mischief (non-DV) #5Z6657**

Mar 07, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed All Charges

Client originally charged with Assault Fourth Degree Domestic Violence (DV) under RCW 9A.36.041; Malicious Mischief Third Degree (DV) under RCW 9A.48.090 and Malicious Mischief Third Degree (non-DV). T ... hese crimes are gross misdemeanors. Each one of them is punishable up to a year in jail, a $5,000.00 fine, DV evaluations, drug/alcohol evaluations and 2-5 years of active probation. Being convicted also harmed Client's future employment opportunities, prohibited the owning/possessing a firearms and denied his entry into Canada. Making matters worse, Client had significant criminal history and was also in the process of trying to become a Canadian citizen. Fortunately, Mr. Ransom's investigations revealed that all parties were heavily intoxicated and Client acted in self-defense. Mr. Ransom also discovered the alleged victims did not want to pursue charges. Based on this, Mr. Ransom convinced Prosecutor to enter a 6-month Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC). Successful completion of the SOC's stipulations would result in dismissal of all charges, avoid convictions and allow Client to become a citizen of Canada. While the SOC was pending, Mr. Ransom was informed by Client's immigration attorney that Client's criminal charges must be dismissed 3 weeks prior to the SOC’s original dismissal date due to immigration concerns. Despite this unforeseen challenge, Mr. Ransom acted quickly, noted up an early termination hearing and successfully persuaded the Prosecutor and Judge to dismiss the charges three weeks early due to the immigration concerns. Client was extremely happy with this outcome.

Federal crime

Interfering With Federal Officer & Dumping a Vehicle on Federal Lands #15-PO-2**

Mar 01, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed All Charges

Client faced federal criminal charges of Dumping a Vehicle on National Forest Service Lands under 36 CFR 2611E and Interfering with a Forest Service Officer under 36 CFR 2613A. Here, the U.S. Forest Se ... rvice Officers discovered a discarded and "parted out" vehicle dumped on federal forest lands. The vehicle was owned by Client. The federal officers contacted Client and instructed him to leave the vehicle at the site while they continued investigations. Shortly afterward, however, the vehicle disappeared. Client was suspected of retrieving his vehicle against the explicit instructions of the federal officers. Immediately, Mr. Ransom conducted thorough investigations. The facts revealed the government had little to no evidence linking Client to the disappearance of his vehicle. And since the vehicle disappeared, so to did the evidence of unlawful dumping. Based on this, Mr. Ransom filed a motion to dismiss all charges on the basis of corpus delicti and lack of evidence. Filing the motions opened the door for negotiations with the Prosecutor. Consequently, Mr. Ransom successfully negotiated a dismissal of the federal criminal charges on the agreement that Client pay restitution for the law enforcement's time/energy and accepting a traffic infraction with a $100 fine. Client happily and readily accepted this resolution.

Criminal defense

Kidnapping First Degree, Robbery First Degree, Assault Second Degree # 15-1-014**-1

Feb 10, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed and Resolved in Juvenile Court

Juvenile client was originally charged as an adult accomplice to Kidnapping in the First Degree under RCW 9A.40.020(1), a Class A felony, Robbery in the First Degree under RCW 9A.56.200(1), a Class A f ... elony, and Assault Second Degree under RCW 9A.36.021, a Class B felony. Client's exposure was 10-25 years prison and/or $20K-$50K each in fines. Also, all of these felonies are strike offenses under WA’s “3-strikes” laws. Making matters worse, being convicted of the Kidnapping charge brought automatic registration as a sex offender for 5-15 years because the victim involved a minor. The facts were such that the alleged victim was lured to the home of his former girlfriend because he stole a firearm from her step-father. The co-defendant stepfather imprisoned and tortured the juvenile; who was forced to strip naked and enter a freezer with rotten meat. Client allegedly assisted these actions, robbed the juvenile of his clothes and placed a handcuff on the juvenile's wrist afterward. This event made local news: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/crime/article50130975.html Fortunately, Mr Ransom negotiated a very favorable resolution under the circumstances. He convinced the Prosecutor that Client was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Along with "lack of evidence" theories, Mr. Ransom also worked up substantive defenses of Duress and Necessity if the case proceeded to trial. Ultimately, the Prosecutor agreed to dismiss the adult charges in Superior Court in exchange for pleading guilty to far lesser charges in Juvenile Court. The juvenile court imposed 30 days detention (local sanctions), all of which client received credit for time served. Also, Mr. Ransom shall seal Client's juvenile criminal history in one year. This prevents potential employers from accessing his juvenile record. In sum, the resolution reached by Mr. Ransom effectively avoided harsh consequences which would have ruined Client's life well into adulthood.

Criminal defense

Felony Unlawful Imprisonment (DV) & Possession of Heroin # 14-1-012**-3

Jan 06, 2016

OUTCOME: Dismissed All Charges

Client was arrested for Felony Unlawful Imprisonment (DV) on accusations that he locked his ex-girlfriend in the basement of her father's home after they argued. Unlawful Imprisonment is a Class C felo ... ny exposing Client to 5 years prison and a $10,000.00 fine. Later, Client was pulled over by police officers and arrested on the charge. Officers allegedly recovered contraband during the search incident to arrest and charged Client with Possession of Heroin under RCW 69.50.4013(1). This drug charge is also a Class C felony. Mr. Ransom drafted and filed a pretrial Knapstad motion to dismiss the Unlawful Imprisonment charge on the argument that the victim was never "imprisoned" because her father, who was home during the incident, freed her minutes after Client departed the house. Regarding the drug charge, Mr. Ransom filed pretrial motions to dismiss the drug charge based on lack of probable cause and unlawful search and seizure pursuant to State v. AA, No. 31587-8-111 (2015). Mr. Ransom also moved to sever the two counts pursuant to pursuant to CrR 4.4(b), and State v. Gatalski, 40 Wn. App. 601 (1985). Prosecutor decided to dismiss charges because of the pretrial motions and the victim's lack of cooperation.

Alexander Floyd Ransom's Legal Cases (153)

Driving While Under the Influence #6Z05627**

Assault Fourth Degree (DV) # SC00162**

Assault Fourth Degree # BUC0196**

Possession of Legend Drug # 6Z04338**

Malicious Mischief Second Degree #14-1-00****

Assault Fourth Degree (DV) #CB938**

Assault Fourth Degree (DV), Malicious Mischief (DV) and Malicious Mischief (non-DV) #5Z6657**

Interfering With Federal Officer & Dumping a Vehicle on Federal Lands #15-PO-2**

Kidnapping First Degree, Robbery First Degree, Assault Second Degree # 15-1-014**-1

Felony Unlawful Imprisonment (DV) & Possession of Heroin # 14-1-012**-3