In January 2022 House Bill 1140 took effect and went into law under RCW 13.40.740. House Bill 1140 concerned juvenile access to attorneys when contacted by law enforcement. The law arose as part of a series of reform bills drafted in response to protests against police brutality. The law enacted in January 2022 requires that juveniles being questioned in connection with a crime must first have the opportunity to confer with an attorney before speaking with, or interviewed by, police. Juvenile statements made to law enforcement personnel before speaking with an attorney - with exceptions of human trafficking or imminent danger – are deemed inadmissible.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge (whether you are a juvenile or not), immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.