Recent Blog Posts
Washington court sentences alleged cartel manager to 20 years
People facing the possibility of conviction on drug charges in Washington may have reason to wonder whether the court is judging them on the basis of the evidence or on preconceived perceptions and extraneous information.
Six months ago, a man pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful gun possession and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine upon appearing in a Washington court. Extradition had taken place from Mexico, where he had been living since 2011 after allegedly attempting to sell a gun to an undercover law enforcement agent. From Mexico, the prosecution claims, he used social media and other communication tools to continue to manage the local drug business. It is unusual for U.S. courts to take the step to request extradition from Mexico for someone to stand trial in this country.
Sentencing took place last week, and the judge imposed a jail term of 20 years upon the 39-year-old man. The judge expressed hope that the remorse the man expressed before the court was genuine, yet did not accept the protestations of the man and his attorney that he was allegedly under threat of violence from superiors in the drug cartel as an excuse for the wrongdoing to which he admitted. It is unclear how the 20 years the judge handed down compare with what the prosecution requested in sentencing documents.
Can you still find employment after a white-collar conviction?
When you have made a mistake that has compromised your employment in Washington and left you facing a serious criminal conviction, you may be feeling anything but optimistic about your future. However, after you have taken responsibility for your actions and are cleared to continue living your life, you may have a much better chance of finding employment if you approach this process the right way.
To begin, your focus should be on the content of your resume. Focus on your competencies and the things that you do well. Highlight the reasons why you would make an excellent employee and how your involvement would provide valuable resources to anyone who chooses to hire you. In the work history portion of your resume, be forthright about addressing any gaps in your work history if you were required to spend time behind bars.
The Herald-Tribune, suggests that in an interview setting, you answer questions related to your conviction with honesty. Address what happened and take full responsibility for the mistakes that you made. You may also consider discussing how your conviction and ultimately the consequences you paid, helped mold you into the person you are today. Choose to turn your focus toward smaller companies who often have much more lenient rules for hiring people who have previously been convicted of crime. Utilizing resources such as a professional job counselor can also be helpful in your quest to find a job.
Arrested for DUI? Here is what to do next
No one should get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. During the last St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Washington police arrested 59 drivers in King County alone.
A first DUI conviction in Washington state can still bring disastrous consequences. For a first offense, drivers can still face up to one year in jail as well as up to $5,000 in fines. It is best to begin mounting a defense immediately right when the police arrest you. Here are the essential steps to take to have the best shot of getting out of this situation all right.
Take the chemical test
Due to Washington’s implied consent laws, you must submit to a chemical test at the police station after the cops arrest you. If you refuse this test, then the DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license. The police may still have plenty of evidence to suggest your intoxication, so you are better off taking the chemical test and cooperating for the time being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy’s role in overcoming anger
When people are convicted of a domestic violence-related crime in Washington, their consequences may not be over even after they pay their dues to the legal system. Often, their reputation is forever marred by a mistake and they may experience the frustration and exhaustion of trying to rebuild relationships despite their background.
However, there is hope that people who choose to put their best foot forward and seek help may be able to learn valuable new habits that can help them regain the trust of those they love. One method that is widely used in helping retrain the brains of people who have a tendency to get angry, is called cognitive behavioral therapy.
According to the American Psychological Association, this particular method is a process where professionals help their patients through simulated events that may cause them to feel anger. Education is provided to help patients identify coping mechanisms that work without causing destruction or harm. This type of therapy also provides opportunities for people to recognize irrational and negative thoughts or beliefs and remove obstructions that may cause them to think irrationally.
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