Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Criminal Law

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Prison Activist Resource Center (PARC)
http://www.prisonactivist.org/
Source: Prison Activist Resource Center (PARC)

Statistics, discussion, and background on the prison crisis, political prisoners, women prisoners, the death penalty, control units, and other prison issues. Includes state-by state information about the prison labor industry, as well as links to sites for restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration.
full description

• Are there alternatives to incarceration?
• Where can I find information about prison activist groups?

Police Practices - You and the Police
http://www.aclu-wa.org/issues/police/you_and_the_p
Source: American Civil Liberties Union of Washington

Information regarding a person's rights when confronted by the police. Discusses stops, probable cause, arrests, bookings and arraignments.
full description

• Can I ask the police why they've stopped me?
• What information should I give to the police?
• Can my refusal to answer questions be held against me?
• May the police frisk me for weapons?
• What is a misdemeanor?
• What is a felony?
• What is probable cause?
• What do I do when the police want to conduct a search?
• Should I ever resist an arrest?
• What do I do if I've been unlawfully arrested?
• What should I do if a police officer uses excessive force or tries to hurt me?
• Can I defend myself against a police officer?
• Do juveniles get sent to jail?
• What happens when I'm arrested?
• What are Miranda rights?
• Should I remain silent?
• What is an arraignment?
• When do I get to see a judge following an arrest?
• What if I can't afford an attorney?

Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Drugs and Firearms
http://www.dol.wa.gov/ds/minor.htm
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing

Information regarding Department of Licensing actions following a Minor in Possession conviction.
full description

• Will I lose my license if have a Minor in Possession conviction?
• Are Minor in Possession convictions reported to the Department of Licensing?
• What will show on my driving record following a Minor in Possession conviction?
• How long will I lose my license for a Minor in Possession conviction?
• Can I get a hearing before losing my license as result of Minor in Possession conviction?
• Can I get an occupational driver's license if I lose my license because of a Minor in Possession conviction?
• Can I get an early reinstatement of my license following a Minor in Possession conviction?
• Will I have to retest to get my license back following a Minor in Possession conviction?

Criminal Case Instructions
http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdc/recr.htm
Source: King County District Court

Guide to understanding a traffic ticket and the process to follow if you receive a ticket for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Driving While License Suspended/Revoked. Please note that the information provided here is specific to King County. If you do not live in King County, you may wish to consult www.access.wa.gov/government/awco.asp for more information relating to your county.
full description

• What does "Mandatory" mean on my traffic ticket?
• What does "Bail" mean on my traffic ticket?
• What if I would rather appear in court than pay the amount specified under Bail?
• What happens when I appear in court for a traffic ticket?
• What if I do not respond to a traffic ticket?
• What does it mean if "Traffic" is checked on the front of my ticket?
• Will it appear on my driving record that I received a traffic ticket?
• What does the "RCW" on my traffic ticket mean?

Tools for Schools
http://www.atg.wa.gov/safetytools.shtml
Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Resources on youth violence including bullying, teen dating violence and school safety.
full description

• Where can I find information about youth violence?
• Where can I find school resources on bullying, school safety and teen dating violence?