Legal Blog

In the case of Lyle v. Lyle, Division Three of the Washington State Court of Appeals dealt with the case of a Commissioner’s order that was revised by a Superior Court Judge.  Specifically, the court reaffirmed that Superior court judges are authorized to review court commissioner decisions through a motion for revision. Although new evidence may not be considered, a

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It is important to know that for family law cases, the filing of a motion for revision does not stay (place on hold) the Commissioner’s order, and the order shall remain in force (effect) unless a separate motion is made to the court and an order staying the Commissioner’s order is granted by the assigned Judge or the Commissioner who

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​In Clark County, Washington and in many other counties throughout Washington, Superior Court Commissioners handle family law matters routinely. Superior Court Commissioners are not elected judges part are judicial officers hired by the court to decide legal matters as authorized under Washington law. Washington law makes clear that Court commissioners play an important role in the Washington State court system. The

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As a Divorce Lawyer, I know divorces can be one of the most emotionally draining events in a person’s life.  The court ultimately has the authority to make decisions that can affect everyone involved for the rest of their lives potentially.  And of all the things the court can decide in a divorce, one of the most important and contentious

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DUI Changes The State of Washington continues to harshen consequences for drinking drivers in the state by changing the law and now making a fourth driving under the influence offense a felony in Washington state if it has occurred within the last 10 years.  Prior to the change, Washington driving laws required four misdemeanor DUI convictions over a 10-year period

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Part 3 of 3 Regarding the Anatomy of a DUI Arrest Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) This final phase before arrest, the officer typically will order the suspect out of his vehicle and offer him or her the opportunity to take “voluntary” field sobriety tests (FSTs).  Now the law regarding the taking of field sobriety tests was muddled relatively recently by

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Part 2 of 3 Regarding the Anatomy of a DUI Arrest In the personal contact phase, law enforcement officers are making as many observations about the person as possible:  Do they detect the odor of alcohol, marijuana or some other form of intoxicant on the person?  Now remember, if someone is 21 years old it is not unlawful or illegal

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Part 1 of 3 Regarding the Anatomy of a DUI Arrest Law enforcement officers are taught that the DUI arrest process is broken down into three main sections generally:  1.  Vehicle in motion, 2.  Personal contact with the suspect, and 3. Pre-arrest screening.  Officers typically have to justify each step to move on to the next in order to ultimately

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How to Keep Driving when Washington State Suspends Your Drivers License for DUI or Drug Related Offenses. Today’s world revolves around people being able to drive—it is a mainstay to keep employment and otherwise live your life.  Unfortunately, sometimes people make mistakes that result in a person’s ability to legally drive to be suspended.  Fortunately, in Washington State the legislature

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She set mobile home ablaze after boyfriend broke up with her By Jessica Prokop, Columbian Courts Reporter Published:May 26, 2017, 8:00 PM Summary ​A La Center woman who set multiple fires inside the mobile home she was renting, following a breakup with her then-boyfriend, was sentenced Friday to nine months in jail. ​ Cindy Jo Clem, 50, previously pleaded guilty

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