Any criminal case in the State of Washington that involves a defendant who is not a United States citizen can have, as all Seattle criminal defense attorneys know, devastating consequences on that person’s immigration status. Some states are even moving towards requiring officers to check the immigration status of anyone stopped by law enforcement for a felony or a serious misdemeanor. On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, Utah’s governor signed a number of bills that deal with immigration issues. One of the bills increases immigration enforcement in the State of Utah, and authorizes officers (similar to recent authorization given to Arizona law enforcement personnel) to check the
immigration status of anyone stopped for a felony or a serious misdemeanor. Unlike Arizona’s law, however, Utah’s laws are not just focusing exclusively on law enforcement and immigration issues, but they are also geared towards recognizing the need for, and benefit of, immigrant workers to Utah’s economy. Is Washington far behind Arizona and Utah? Are Washington officers going to be given the blanket authority to question those folks stopped for a crime about their immigration status? If so, it is certain to cause controversy across the State of Washington.
If you or a loved one is cited, arrested, charged or being investigated for a crime, it is imperative that a Seattle criminal attorney be retained as soon as possible to ensure all personal, professional and financial interests are protected. Seattle criminal lawyers Greg Schwesinger and Saad Qadri of SQ Attorneys represent defendants and petitioners through all phases of their Washington State criminal case, including the investigatory stage. The Seattle criminal attorneys of SQ Attorneys are experienced and proven negotiators that make a world of difference for those accused of committing a crime. SQ Attorneys is a team of seasoned Seattle criminal defense lawyers that work tireless to achieve the best possible outcome for each and every client they have the honor of representing. Arrested in Western Washington? Call The Criminal Defense Team of SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900 or (425) 998-8384 for an initial free consultation.