Showing posts with label law and justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label law and justice. Show all posts

$22 million from VW settlement goes toward electric transit buses and low-emission school buses

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Image from Dept of Ecology
First grants from $28.4 million state settlement will improve air quality

OLYMPIA – Dozens of Washington school districts and public transit fleets will receive a total of $22 million to buy electric or low-emission buses as part of the state’s $28.4 million settlement from the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.

The Washington Department of Ecology, which oversees the settlement funds, awarded $9.4 million to purchase 19 electric transit buses in Lewis, Benton, Spokane, Clark, Pierce, Snohomish and King counties.

Those grants follow on another $12 million from the settlement Ecology gave to help 83 school districts across the state buy 336 low-emission school buses. Together, these grants will cut emissions of nitrogen oxides by 125 tons and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,900 tons.

“Putting cleaner buses on the road is an important mile marker in investing these funds,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “By helping local agencies buy zero-emission or low-emission buses, we’re cleaning the air, protecting public health, and paving the way toward the future of transportation in our state.”

Volkswagen funding provided about $500,000 for each of the 19 transit buses – an amount intended to cover the difference between a standard diesel bus and a zero-emission electric bus – and $35,000 each for the cleaner school buses – roughly covering the costs of the clean diesel technology or for upgrading to a clean propane engine.

“Our goal for the Volkswagen settlement is to jump-start clean transportation in our state,” said Maia Bellon, Ecology’s director. “We’re excited to start putting this funding to work, and you can expect big things in the months ahead.”

In 2019, Ecology will begin making awards from the state’s $112.7 million share of the federal Volkswagen settlement. The federal settlement funds will help to expand electric vehicle charging stations and buy zero-emission vehicles for public fleets, including additional electric transit and school buses, and invest in electrifying Washington’s ferry system.

The remaining funds from the state settlement will be used to help state agencies buy more electric vehicles and support buying cleaner diesel trucks at Washington’s public ports. The Washington Legislature directed how the state settlement should be awarded, and Ecology worked with a steering committee, the Legislature and the public to develop a plan prioritizing projects from the federal settlement.

Both the state and federal settlements stem from the discovery that the automaker Volkswagen illegally installed software on its diesel cars that activated emission controls only when it detected the emissions were being tested. In ordinary driving, the software allowed the engines to emit as much as 40 times the legal limit for nitrogen oxides, violating the state and federal Clean Air Acts and threatening public health.



Read more...

Shoreline motorcyclist awarded $65k and change of KCSO policies

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Detective holding a gun on motorcyclist
Photo from Alex Randall's YouTube video
According to The Seattle Times,  Alex Randall, the Shoreline motorcyclist who was stopped by an angry plainclothes King County Sheriff's Office detective and threatened with a firearm, has been awarded $65,000 from King county. (see previous story).

According to the settlement, the sheriff’s office had agreed to alter its training and its policies by the end of this week to acknowledge that displaying a gun is a use-of-force incident that “should be reported within the Sheriff’s office subject to further consideration and evaluation by persons higher up in the chain of command.”
A permanent policy will follow that, at a minimum, recognizes that aiming a weapon constitutes a use of force which must be lawfully justified and reviewed, according to the settlement.

The detective was given five days suspension.

Full story HERE



Read more...

Recycling fraud - electronics shipped to Hong Kong for eight years

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Typical flat screen monitor
The owners and Chief Executive Officers of Total Reclaim, the Northwest’s largest recycler of electronic waste, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

CRAIG LORCH, 61, of Seattle, and JEFF ZIRKLE, 55, of Bonney Lake, Washington, admitted that they collected millions of dollars from public agencies and other organizations by falsely telling them that Total Reclaim would recycle used electronics products domestically in an environmentally-safe manner.

In fact, the defendants secretly shipped millions of pounds of mercury-containing flat screen monitors to Hong Kong, where the monitors were dismantled in a manner that risked serious health consequences to workers, and damage to the environment.

The two men face up to five years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones on February 1, 2019. LORCH and ZIRKLE have also agreed to pay restitution of up to $1.1 million.

“These defendants held their company out as one of the good guys, signing agreements promising they would keep hazardous materials out of the environment. But even as they made that pledge, they secretly shipped millions of flat screen monitors to Hong Kong where disposal practices endangered workers and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.
“Their actions were driven by greed and a total disregard for the promises they had made. As a result customers unknowingly ended up harming the environment rather than protecting it as they intended.”

Total Reclaim is the largest e-waste recycler in the northwestern United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeanne M. Proctor of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.

“During an eight-year period, the company exported to Hong Kong millions of pounds of electronic products containing mercury, while fraudulently reporting to customers and state agencies that they were being appropriately recycled.”

According to records filed in the case, Total Reclaim promoted itself as a responsible electronics recycler. Total Reclaim’s website stated that “our commitment to environmental responsibility is at the core of everything Total Reclaim does.”

Total Reclaim signed a public pledge in which it promised not to “allow the export of hazardous E-waste we handle to be exported” to developing countries, where workers are known to disassemble electronics, which contain dangerous materials such as mercury, without safety precautions.

Total Reclaim signed agreements with customers, such as the City of Seattle, in which the customers agreed to pay Total Reclaim to recycle electronics in accordance with these standards. Total Reclaim was also the biggest participant in the “E-Cycle Washington” program. E-Cycle Washington allows consumers to drop off used electronics at stations such as Goodwill Industries, and pays companies like Total Reclaim to recycle to those electronics according to Washington Department of Ecology standards.

In 2008, contrary to its promises to the public, Total Reclaim began secretly exporting flat screen monitors to Hong Kong to avoid the cost of safely recycling the monitors in the United States. 

Flat screen monitors are known to contain mercury, which can cause organ damage, mental impairment, and other serious health consequences to people exposed to the material. 

LORCH and ZIRKLE caused at least 8.3 million pounds of monitors to be shipped to Hong Kong between 2008 and 2015. 

To prevent customers and auditors from learning of the practice, LORCH and ZIRKLE falsified documents, made false statements to customers, and stored the monitors at an undisclosed facility while they awaited shipping.

Defendants’ fraud was discovered in 2014 by a non-governmental organization known as the Basel Action Network (“BAN”). BAN, which studies the export of electronic waste, placed electronic trackers on flat screen monitors and deposited them for recycling. 

The trackers showed that the monitors were collected by Total Reclaim and then exported to Hong Kong. 

When BAN representatives followed the tracking devices to Hong Kong, they discovered that the monitors were being dismantled by laborers who smashed the monitors apart without any precautions to protect the workers or the environment.

After BAN notified LORCH and ZIRKLE of its findings, LORCH and ZIRKLE tried to cover up their fraud by altering hundreds of shipping records.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson.



Read more...

County Council approves funding to help individuals clean criminal records

Thursday, September 27, 2018

A criminal record is major barrier for those looking to improve their lives. It can close doors if you’re looking for housing, employment or any activity that requires a background check.

State law provides opportunities for those with non-violent offenses to clear their criminal records, but for many the cost of going to court puts this option out of the reach.

The Metropolitan King County Council is now providing an opportunity for those who want to clear their records, but can’t afford the legal representation needed for the process. The council approved legislation that will provide assistance for indigent individuals to clear their records through the Department of Public Defense.

“This legislation is both a social justice and economic tool that removes a barrier preventing far too many people from improving their lives,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, the prime sponsor of the legislation.

State law provides the opportunity for people convicted of specific misdemeanors and felonies to go to court to have their convictions vacated and their criminal records cleared. The biggest challenge for many people seeking to have this done is the cost involved.

“Lack of finances should not determine who in our community is able to access this resource,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, co-sponsor of the ordinance. “This is one step that we can take to ensure all residents of King County have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The legislation, adopted at the council’s Sept. 24 meeting, calls for Public Defense to begin offering these services to their clients starting in 2019.


Read more...

Shoreline motorcyclist sues King county and detective who pulled a gun on him

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Photo from Randall's video
Alex Randall, of Shoreline, is suing King county and the Sheriff's Office detective, Richard Rowe, who pulled him over and pointed a gun at him. 

From an article in The Seattle Times, "The lawsuit alleges the King County detective used excessive force in dealing with the motorcyclist during a traffic stop, and that the county failed to train and supervise its officers adequately. It seeks unspecified monetary damages."

Randall admitted that he was speeding and might have cut off Rowe's car. Rowe was in plain clothes and driving his own vehicle. He did not immediately identify himself as police.

"A video of the encounter taken with Randall’s helmet camera showed Rowe pointing a gun at Randall, cursing and threatening to “dump” him if he moved his motorcycle."

Then-sheriff John Urquhart stated that he planned to use the video to train officers.

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht in April suspended Rowe for five days without pay, citing his “excessive use of profanity” and lack of courtesy. She didn’t punish Rowe for pulling his gun, saying she believed the officer when he claimed he thought Randall may have had a weapon in his waistband.

See the full article here



Read more...

One year later: things people still don't know about the Distracted Driving law

Monday, July 23, 2018

From Public Health Insider
By Lindsay Bosslet

It’s been a full year since Washington’s distracted driving law went into effect, but according to a survey of 900 King County drivers, there is still plenty of confusion about what is – and isn’t – allowed.

Let’s explore the misconceptions.
“It’s illegal to text and drive, but it’s fine if you’re at a stop light or during standstill traffic.”
It’s not fine! You can get cited for holding your phone for any reason at a stop light – and for good reason. Studies show that it takes 27 seconds to refocus on the road after using your cell phone. Resist the urge to snap that sunset or search through playlists. Instead, find a podcast to get you through rush hour, and keep your hands on the wheel.

“You can’t make any calls while driving.”
Sort of. You can use a hands free set or speakerphone while driving and you can use a single touch to start or end a Bluetooth-enabled call – you just can’t hold your phone. In general, both hands need to stay on the wheel at all times.

“You can’t even call 911 while driving!”
Yes you can! This is the ONE exception. If you or someone else is in an emergency situation, please call 911 immediately.

“You can get a ticket for being on your phone, but not for putting on makeup.”
Using your phone while driving is a stand-alone offense. But, if you are distracted in other ways (for instance, touching up lipstick, flipping through the radio, or eating a messy cheeseburger) and you break other rules that warrant citation, the distracted driving offense is a not-so-fun addition to your ticket.

Distracted driving offenses can result in a $136 ticket (escalating to $234 for subsequent offenses in a five-year period), but a collision could be so much worse.

Entering text into a cell phone can increase crash risk by up to 23 times. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

Want know more about the state’s distracted driving law? Here's more information.


 

Read more...

Former Kenmore resident sentenced for possession of images of child rape

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat
the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse

A registered sex offender with prior convictions for raping a 12-year-old girl he met via the internet was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 20 years in prison for two federal felonies involving his receipt and possession of images of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

RICHARD DAVID BLICK, 65, was indicted in September 2017, following an investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Blick lived in Kenmore until the King County address he was registered to went into foreclosure and he could not find stable housing. He moved into a trailer and was technically homeless, moving from street to street in Snohomish County.

The original tip about him went to the King County Sheriff's Office, which contracts with Kenmore for police.

Blick was convicted in March 2018 following a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered Blick to be supervised by federal probation for the rest of his life following the prison sentence.

“Despite incarceration, treatment, supervision, and sex offender registration, this defendant remains a predator, using the internet to seek out children that he can exploit,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “He has proved time and again that he poses an ongoing and substantial threat to community safety. As a result, this long prison sentence is the only way to protect our kids from his crimes.”

According to records in the case and testimony at trial, the electronic service provider Dropbox made a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an account later linked to Blick was uploading pictures of child pornography.

The subsequent law enforcement investigation revealed Blick owned the Dropbox account and that he was a Level 3 registered sex offender with a 2001 conviction for raping a 12-year-old girl. In August 2017, law enforcement served search warrants on his residence, an RV in Edmonds.

On Blick’s various electronic devices were thousands of images of child pornography as well as chats and videos with a 14-year-old California child whom Blick convinced to send him sexually explicit images. Blick has been in federal custody since his arrest in August 2017.

“Each time an image of child exploitation is shared online, the child in that image is victimized all over again. Law enforcement discovered thousands of images on Blick’s electronic media, including the fact that he convinced a minor to send him sexually explicit images. 
"He represents the worst kind of criminal, one who preys on innocent children. Let today’s sentencing be a warning to other child predators; law enforcement officers are actively looking for you and will ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Seattle.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

The case was investigated by the King County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cecilia Gregson. Ms. Gregson is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.


Read more...

Dembowski statement on Supreme Court Crisis Pregnancy Center ruling

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

King County Councilmember
Rod Dembowski
In 2017, the King County Board of Health took steps to inform visitors to Crisis Pregnancy Centers (“CPCs”) about the limited nature of the services the centers offer and provide.

The Rule and Regulation adopted by the Board (No. BOH17-04.2) requires CPCs to post a notice on-site and in their advertising stating “This facility is not a health care facility.”

King County Board of Health Chair Rod Dembowski released the following statement today regarding the United States Supreme Court decision on the California FACT Act in the case of the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra:

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is an unfortunate step backward for women’s reproductive health care in America. Limiting information and enabling misleading practices in the reproductive health field puts women at risk.
“When I authored King County’s crisis pregnancy centers notice requirements, I worked with our legal team to carefully tailor our regulation to ensure compliance with the Constitution. We paid close attention to the California law and the legal challenges to it and similar laws around the country. We intentionally crafted King County’s rule to be less broad than the California FACT Act disclosure requirements, while still ensuring that women who are or may be pregnant understand that limited service pregnancy centers are not health care facilities.
“The Supreme Court made clear in their decision today that they “express[ed] no view on the legality of a similar disclosure requirement that is better supported or less burdensome.” NIFLA v. Becerra at 20. 
"King County’s Rule and Regulation is both better supported and less burdensome. It was based on a strong and extensive factual record showing the confusing practices and adverse impacts to women in King County. The Board of Health adopted strong and detailed findings to support the rule after hearing extensive oral and written testimony. In addition, our rule is less burdensome than the California rule struck down by the Court today.
“I am reviewing the Court’s decision with our legal team. If we need to fine tune the particulars of the form of the disclosure, we will do so. Regardless, I am optimistic that the County’s more narrow regulation that was supported with a strong factual record is constitutional and will remain in place. 
"I will fight to protect this critical public health notice that offers essential information for women in King County such that they have an understanding of the types of services they may or may not receive when walking into a crisis pregnancy center.”



Read more...

Hawkes Law Firm recognized as a 10 Best for client satisfaction

Friday, March 16, 2018

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of Washington’s Personal Injury Law Firm, Hawkes Law Firm, P.S. as 2018 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm for Client Satisfaction.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Personal Injury attorneys in each state.

Attorneys who are selected to the "10 Best" list must pass AIOPIA's rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOPIA’s independent evaluation.

AIOPIA's annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys' relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney's top priority, AIOPIA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Personal Injury law without sacrificing the service and support they provide.

Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.

AIOPA says, "We congratulate the Hawkes Law Firm, P.S. on this achievement and we are honored to have their firm listed as a 2018 AIOPIA 10 Best."

You can contact Hawkes Law Firm, P.S. directly at 206-367-5000. They are located in Shoreline at 19909 Ballinger Way NE, 98155



Read more...

County council sends levy for Automated Fingerprint Identification System to ballot

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Metropolitan King County Council today approved sending to the voters on the August primary election, a proposition to support continuation of the regional automated fingerprint identification system program (AFIS); the program that matches suspects to crimes through fingerprint identification technology. 

“County voters will have the opportunity to continue supporting a system that protects our communities,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn.

AFIS, which is managed by the King County Sheriff, provides services to all local and county jurisdictions, the Seattle Police Department and all suburban Police Departments. AFIS uses a computerized system to store fingerprints and palmprints that can be accessed by law enforcement for solving crimes and identifying criminals.

“This is a renewal of a levy and will cost less than previous years!” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “It is an important tool for our law enforcement and helps move us into modern technology.”
“Since its creation in 1986, AFIS has helped our law enforcement agencies solve thousands of crimes and has promoted greater information sharing among governments, saving taxpayer dollars,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci. 
“This renewal, to be considered by voters on the primary ballot in August, would continue this legacy of service at a lower rate of taxation than is being levied today.”

The AFIS levy renewal will fund the operation of systems and the technology to collect, search, and store fingerprints and palm prints in an electronic database. This database helps identify arrested individuals through fingerprint matching, solve crimes by identifying “latent” prints left at crime scenes, and establish criminal history. AFIS assists in the apprehension of criminal suspects and confirming the identity of individuals who are detained or booked into jail.

The levy that will be sent to the voters would authorize an additional property tax for six years beginning with a rate of $0.035 (3.5 cents) per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2019. If adopted, the levy is estimated to raise approximately $21 million a year for the AFIS program, at a cost of approximately $15.75 a year for the owner of a $450,000 home. The funds raised by the AFIS levy will be used for maintaining current operations, as well as annual costs of maintaining a new cloud-based system (costs associated with the system migration are covered under the existing levy).

The AFIS levy will appear on the August 7, 2018 primary election ballot.




Read more...

Washington state appeals FCC decision on Net Neutrality

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a petition to appeal the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to rescind net neutrality rules.

The FCC’s decision repealed Obama-era rules that prohibited internet service providers from treating websites differently based on their content. The FCC order also prevents states from being able to protect their consumers from illegal actions taken by internet service providers.

Along with a coalition of 21 other states and the District of Columbia, the Attorney General’s Office filed the petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The petition is the first step by states to attempt to block the FCC’s decision, and it will allow the attorneys general to move forward with the appeal in the future.

“Allowing powerful special interest to act as the internet’s gatekeepers harms consumers, innovation and small businesses,” said Ferguson. “We believe the FCC acted unlawfully when it gutted net neutrality, and I look forward to holding the FCC accountable to the rule of law.”

On December 14, the FCC voted to rescind rules that prevented internet service providers, such as Comcast and Century Link, from discriminating based on content. That same day, Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee announced their intent to appeal the decision.

“Protecting net neutrality is as critical as protecting free speech. The FCC’s attack on the open internet is bad for Washingtonians, bad for business and a major step backward. I’m glad that Washington is leading the fight against the FCC’s kowtow to corporate lobbyists and continuing the fight for net neutrality,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.

The attorneys general allege that the FCC decision violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the process for federal agency rulemaking. The states also challenge the decision, stating that it violates the Constitution and the Communications Act of 1934.

Assistant Attorney General Tiffany Lee of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is lead attorney in the case for Washington.



Read more...

Judicial Oath of Office and Reception for Lake Forest Park Municipal Judge Linda Portnoy on Tuesday

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Judge Linda Portnoy
Photo courtesy City of LFP

The public is cordially invited to attend a reception for Judge Linda Portnoy on November 21, 2013, beginning at 6:30pm, preceding the regular Lake Forest Park City Council meeting. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Immediately following the reception, at the City Council's regular meeting beginning at 7:00pm, Mayor Mary Jane Goss will take the final steps in appointing Judge Linda Portnoy to a four year term. Judge Portnoy will take the judicial oath of office immediately following.

Portnoy has served as the Lake Forest Park municipal court presiding judge for the past 15 years. The Lake Forest Park Municipal Court is located on the second floor of City Hall and is in session on Mondays and Wednesdays each week.


Read more...

Ronald Wastewater Board votes to hire attorney, challenge assumption by City of Shoreline

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

At its meeting on June 25, 2013, the Ronald Wastewater Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the hiring of an attorney to challenge the Letter of Agreement it signed with the City of Shoreline in 2002.

The City's understanding is that the LOA was an agreement for the City to assume Ronald Wastewater over a 15 year period. The City has been working steadily toward that goal, through several administrations.

Ronald Wastewater is challenging the wording and intent of the LOA and fighting to remain independent of the City.

All they agree on is that there is "a clear distinction between the District's interpretation and the City's regarding the intent of the LOA, how it is to be executed, and the State law."

The two entities recently exchanged letters which drew the lines between them and hardened their positions, and now it appears that the matter may be resolved in court. (Ronald's letter. Shoreline's letter.)

Interestingly, one of the signers of the LOA 15 years ago was Commissioner Arthur Wadekamper, who is still on the Board. 

Commissioner Arnie Lind was challenged for his commissioner position in 2011 by Robert Ransom, who ran on a platform of absorbing the district into the City. Shortly after Ransom won his seat on the three position Board, the Commissioners voted 2-1 to increase the Board to five members. They appointed Lind to one of the new seats, along with Richard Matthews.

The resolution passed by the Board on June 25 was signed by all the Commissioners except for Bob Ransom, who wrote "Abstain - I think mediation and talking should come first."


Read more...

City of Shoreline response to Ronald Wastewater

Monday, June 24, 2013

On Thursday, June 20, 2013, Ronald Wastewater District General Manager Michael Derrick wrote an op-ed piece for the Shoreline Area News. Included was a link to a letter from Michael Derrick to City Manager Julie Underwood regarding an upcoming meeting between the City Council and the Board of Commissioners of Ronald Wastewater. Below is a link to the City Manager’s June 20 response to that letter. 



Read more...

Judges and Courts in Shoreline

Monday, July 30, 2012


Judge Douglas Smith
Judge Marcine Anderson


In March of this year, I attended a Shoreline community meeting about the local court system. Judges Douglas J. Smith and Marcine Anderson presented information about the Shoreline District Court., which serves Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline.  Among other things, I found out that court proceedings are open to the public – why watch daytime TV?  Also, you can pay a traffic ticket or get a passport at the Shoreline District Court. You can even get married – although there are specific hours when the judges are available for this. Possibly useful things to know!

First of all, the Shoreline District Court is within the King County District court system and handles criminal infractions (misdemeanors), civil cases, and small felonies.  These courts are local and have limited jurisdiction.  Examples of cases include small claims (up to $5,000), anti-harassment orders, domestic violence protection orders, name changes, traffic and parking infractions, search warrants, civil litigation matters up to $75,000 and many other things. 

The next layer “up” is the King County Superior Court, which handles felonies greater than $75,000, and takes appeals cases from the district court.  There are additional layers above this, up to the State Supreme Court. Note that the US Federal Court System is an entirely separate system that goes up to the US Supreme Court.

Within the King County (KC) District Court system, there are specialized courts that certain cases may be deferred to: the Mental Health Court, the Veteran’s Court, and the Domestic Violence Court.  These courts are designed to handle special needs for specific cases.

Another shared service within the KC District Court system includes interpreter services.  451 interpreters can assist with translating in a total of 142 different languages – including Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Mandarin, Korean, Somali, Cantonese, Arabic, and Cambodian.  This allows for everyone to have a fair trial while keeping costs down.

Furthermore, the KC District Court system a number of features to improve the overall process.  Judges may use supervised probation to improve public safety and reduce recidivism – Shoreline District Court has two probation officers to serve this need.  While the judge assesses and determines probation conditions, the probation officers monitor for compliance with conditions.  Such services are for high impact and repeat offenders, and focus and keeping them from re-offending.

Judges may also opt to use alternatives to jail time, such as work crew, electronic home monitoring, work release, or community service for a non-profit.  These options reduce costs while allowing for useful service and monitoring defendants.

Technology is in the courtroom, too!  Paper files are a thing of the past with electronic court records; court sessions are videotaped to record proceedings. Additionally, multiple court facilities are linked through technology and governance: A court user can pay a ticket, clear a warrant, access court files, find out about their case, file legal papers, or research a case from any location within the KC District Court system. 

All in all – I found this presentation to be informative and impressive – truly a great example of how government serves us all.  For more information, you can go to their website 

Victoria Rhoades, ND, practices in Lake Forest Park.  Her husband has served jury duty in King County Superior Court – which I now know handles felonies!  Unfortunately, he couldn’t tell me a single thing about “his” case until it was all over. 

Read more...

Marcine Anderson appointed new Shoreline District Court Judge

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Metropolitan King County Council appointed Marcine Anderson to serve as a King County District Court judge in Shoreline at its February 22 meeting. Anderson will fill a new position authorized by the Council last year to address increasing District Court caseloads.

Before her appointment to the bench, Anderson has been serving as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School, Anderson has been a practicing attorney for 22 years and is a resident of Shoreline.

“I am confident Ms. Anderson will serve the residents of North King County well,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson, Shoreline’s representative on the Council. “The addition of Ms. Anderson as a judge in Shoreline will improve access to the court for individuals involved in civil and criminal cases.”
“I am excited to be a part of the district court at this very critical time of diminishing resources and great need for a court system that is fair and impartial,” said Anderson. “I look forward to serving the people of King County.”
The Shoreline District Court serves North King County residents and handles over 21,000 cases a year including traffic infractions, certain civil matters, and misdemeanor criminal offenses. The University of Washington Police and the Washington State Patrol also file cases with Shoreline District Court. Anderson will serve with Doug Smith as the two judges for Shoreline District Court.

Anderson’s appointment is effective until certification of the next general election in November. King County District Court judges are elected from local districts to a four-year term. The Shoreline District Court electoral district consists of the cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore.

There are 23 King County District Court judges. Under state law, the County Council is responsible for making appointments to fill judicial vacancies.

Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP