Will harsh punishment for those who assault care workers be put into effect? If a new bill gets signed by the legislature the answer to that question is - ‘yes’. The law, if passed, is aimed at providing greater protection for those in the health care industry who face on-the-job violence. For nearly 30 years, those who allegedly assault health care workers have faced being charged with a felony. The new House Bill (HB1220) would effectively permit the government to charge those who allegedly assault healthcare workers with either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the level of violence involved in each incident. However, under the new proposed law, those involved in mental health treatment (or seeking it) may be exempt from facing - at least - felony related charges. Essentially, the proposal carves out exceptions to charging/ punishment for mental health patients. The theory goes that punishment of those in mental health crisis doesn’t effectuate change, it doesn’t thwart their actions; in short, it isn’t a deterrent for their behavior. So, what is the point in punishing them. It simply creates more problems, not less.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations, 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.