2026 is now upon us and with it some new laws in Washington State. One such law relates to domestic violence. Senate Bill 5101 expands the Domestic Violence Leave Act, which allows workers to take reasonable leave for mental health when they have been subjected to domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault. In like kind, the law also allows those subjected to hate (hate crimes/ biases) to take reasonable leave and ask (and receive) appropriate accommodations. This law extends employees that have family members subjected to domestic violence and/or hate, not just the employee herself. Of course, employers can require verification but cannot retaliate or discriminate if the employee does in fact verify the domestic violence or hate perpetrated on themselves or their family member. How this law is implemented in real time is yet to be determined.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney 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.