Washington

Criminal Lawyer in Contempt for Defending Client

A Washington state lawyer has been found in contempt of court for his defense of an alleged serial rapist who has already served his 25-year sentence for a single rape conviction. Kevin Coe, 60, is still being held, however, because he is considered likely to re-offend, and Tim Tragesser advised…

Aug 24, 2007 3:25 PM CDT

Prosecutor Apology Ends Iraqi’s ‘Nightmare’

A federal prosecutor has apologized to an Iraqi refugee who was improperly arrested and jailed for failing to register under a special system. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sullivan of the Western District of Washington said the arrest was because of a good-faith mistake by Border Patrol Agents, the New York Times…

Aug 24, 2007 2:43 PM CDT

Proposed Laws Target Abusive Bosses

Nobody wants to work for a jerk. But unless abusive bosses violate specific prohibitions, such as discriminating against someone because of race or gender, treating employees badly generally isn’t illegal. That could be changing, however. At least four states are considering legislation that would give workers a right to sue…

Aug 21, 2007 4:37 PM CDT

More Sex Issues for WA Prosecutor

Originally accused of having an affair with the mother of a 17-year-old arson defendant and using the relationship to get confidential defense information a Washington state prosecutor is now facing additional professional issues. Liam Michael Golden’s sexual conduct reportedly may have been intermingled with his office’s handling of as many…

Aug 16, 2007 10:16 PM CDT

Did Affair With Mom Help Prosecute Son?

A prosecutor in Washington state has been accused of gaining information through an affair with the mother of an arson defendant to help prosecute her 17-year-old son. Lewis County Prosecutor Michael Golden reportedly admits he had a relationship with Kristine Wallace, but denies any wrongdoing, saying that the relationship ended…

Aug 7, 2007 9:16 PM CDT

WA Teens Sue for Custody of Parents

In what may be the first case brought under a new Washington state law that gives children a legal pathway to seek a restoration of parental rights, two twin brothers are petitioning to be put back in the custody of their parents. Timothy Wolcott was removed from the family home…

Aug 7, 2007 8:32 PM CDT

Dentist Wins Toothy Coverage Case

The joke isn’t on Dr. Robert Woo after all. The Washington state dentist is going to get the last laugh—and $750,000—the Washington Supreme Court has decided, in an insurance coverage case over an office prank. The prank—temporarily implanting an assistant with fake boar tusks and photographing her while she was…

Jul 27, 2007 11:38 PM CDT

7 Charged in WA Voter Reg Fraud Case

Seven people were charged today in what officials say is the biggest voter-registration fraud case ever brought in Washington state. The seven allegedly are responsible for submitting nearly 2,000 fictitious registrations, but the case reportedly involves lazy employees seeking to reduce their workload rather than an attempt to influence election…

Jul 26, 2007 10:18 PM CDT

Court Voids Class-Action Ban

Cingular Wireless raised the bar too high when it banned class actions in its standard subscriber contracts, the Washington Supreme Court has ruled. The provision is unconscionable and cannot be severed from a clause compelling mandatory arbitration, making both unenforceable, the court said in an en banc ruling. The class-action…

Jul 12, 2007 6:21 PM CDT

$160,000 to Start in NYC—and Seattle

An intellectual property boutique has raised its starting pay in Seattle to $160,000, matching the salary its first-years earn in New York City. The move by Darby & Darby is the latest in a series of such salary increases by West Coast law offices, according to the National Law Journal…

Jul 6, 2007 10:13 PM CDT

At this Prosecutor’s Office, a Furry Soft Spot for Kids

Unconditional love, sad to say, isn’t what brings children to the offices of the King County Special Assault Unit.

Jul 1, 2007 7:25 PM CDT

AG Meets With Slain Prosecutor’s Family

During a visit to Seattle, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales met today with the family of a federal prosecutor shot and killed by an unknown sniper five years ago as he sat working in his home near a window. The visit gave Tom Wales’ family hope for an increased federal…

Jun 28, 2007 2:27 AM CDT

New Site Will Rate Lawyers

A Seattle-based startup company is launching a Web site to help consumers find lawyers. The new company, Avvo, will rate listed lawyers on a 1-to-10 scale and post consumer comments, the Seattle Times reports. Avvo claims it lists every licensed attorney in Arizona; California; Washington, D.C; Georgia; Illinois; New York;…

Jun 5, 2007 5:34 PM CDT

Wash. Ruling Limits Capital Factors

A Washington Supreme Court ruling could limit death penalty prosecutions in the state. Yesterday the court limited the circumstances in which aggravating factors can be applied in murder cases, according to the Seattle Times. Aggravating factors are a requirement for the death penalty. The court ruled in the case of…

Jun 1, 2007 6:30 PM CDT

Arguments Today in Civil Gideon Case

The Washington Supreme Court will hear an appeal today that contends an indigent divorce litigant who lost custody of her children was entitled to a free attorney. Brenda Leone King said she could not afford an attorney to represent her during the divorce trial in 2004. Her husband, Michael King,…

May 31, 2007 3:20 PM CDT