Browse all the Lawforwa Resources on Criminal Law

Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Criminal Law
http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/c
Source: Washington State Bar Association

General information on common criminal law. Provides a brief overview of a person's rights when stopped by the police, when charged with a crime, or when required to appear in court. Also includes information on police searches.
full description

• What is a misdemeanor?
• What is a felony?
• Do first offenders get special treatment in sentencing?
• What is the Sentencing Reform Act?
• How do I know if I've been arrested?
• What does it mean to be detained?
• Is being detained different from being arrested?
• What happens if I've been detained?
• What are my rights if I've been stopped by the police?
• Do I have to identify myself to the police?
• Do the police need a warrant to arrest me?
• What happens following an arrest?
• What do I do if issued a citation?
• Can I refuse to let the police search my home?
• What areas may the police search with a warrant?
• What areas may the police search if I've been arrested?
• What are my rights if I'm charged with a crime?
• What are my rights in court?
• Do I have a right to see a judge?
• Do I have a right to an attorney?
• Do I have a right to a jury trial?
• How do I find a lawyer?
• Can I ask why I've been stopped by the police?
• What information do I have to give to the police?
• Can my refusal to answer questions be held against me?
• May the police frisk me for weapons?
• What do I do when the police want to conduct a search?
• What are Miranda rights?
• Should I remain silent?
• When do I get to see a judge following an arrest?
• What if I can't afford an attorney?

Current Legal Issues
http://www.defender.org
Source: The Defender Association

Home page of The Defender Association. The Defender Association is a non-profit corporation providing public defense in Seattle and King County. Site includes links to articles, discussions and resources relating to current legal issues in Washington state.
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• Where can I find criminal justice related news?
• Where can I find information on death penalty issues?
• Where can I find information regarding racial discrimination in the criminal context?
• Where can I find information on racial profiling?
• Where can I find information about license suspension and car impoundments?
• Where can I find information on crime related issues in Washington state?

Being Pulled Over By The Law Enforcement
http://www.atg.wa.gov/teenconsumer/transportation/
Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Information for teens on what a person should and should not do if pulled over by the police, including the driver's rights, what to do at a traffic stop, and personal safety on the street.
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• What should I do if I am pulled over by the police?
• What are my teen rights and responsibilities when being pulled over by the cops?
• How should my teen respond to being pulled over by a police officer?
• What should my teen not do when being pulled over by the police?

How to React to a Car Accident
http://www.atg.wa.gov/teenconsumer/transportation/
Source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Information for teens on what to do in case you are involved in a car accident, with additional information on how to avoid car accidents.
full description

• What do I do if I have been involved in a car accident?
• Where can I find information for teens and high school students about car accidents?
• How can my teen avoid car accidents?
• What should a person involved in a car accident do?

Revised Code of Washington - Title 9.41.047
http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=sec
Source: Washington State Legislature

Link to RCW Title 9.41.047 regarding Restoration of Weapon Possession Rights.
full description

• How do I restore my right to carry a weapon?