The so-called Bellevue Sting has imploded, reportedly resulting in over 60 prostitution cases being dismissed. After discovery that the undercover cops recorded conversations of the suspects without providing notice, the bulk of cases were thrown out of court. Washington state law requires two party consent to record audio conversations, even by the police. The Bellevue Read More…
Author: Jan Olson
Teenage Selfie Prosecuted as Child Pornography
Tweens and teens spend a tremendous amount of their social lives on digital and social media. They communicate through text, chat, e-mail or live video feed. A teenager is just as likely to send a picture or video through Snapchat or Instagram then have an in-person conversation. Not surprisingly, with hormones raging, many of these Read More…
Probation for Life – An SSOSA is Forever
A ‘Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative’ can mean lifelong probation. When I started practicing law in 1981, judges had enormous discretionary sentencing powers. Judges could impose a twenty-year prison sentence for a felony, but then suspend some or all of the time. The suspended time could, of course, later be revoked. Judges would continue supervising Read More…