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…
Category: Criminal Sex Offense
Problems with Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes
Accusations Don’t Require Corroborating Evidence, Even After 25+ Years The Washington statute of limitations for most child sexual assault crimes is up to the victim’s 30th birthday. It is conceivable that a person could be prosecuted for sexually assault of a child twenty five years after the alleged incident, as long as a criminal complaint Read More…
“She Said She Was 16!”
AGE OF CONSENT vs. COMMUNICATION WITH A MINOR FOR IMMORAL PURPOSES The age of consent for sexual contact in Washington State is 16, unless the adult is more than 5 years older and in a position of authority (e.g. a teacher or employer). However, there is a lesser known crime in Washington called Communication with Read More…