Durflinger Oliver & Associates PSDurflinger Oliver & Associates PS2026-03-16T08:41:25Zhttps://www.durflingeroliver.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1101157/2019/02/logo_icon-75x75.pngOn Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[What should I do after an accident in Tacoma?]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=506732022-02-22T20:23:49Z2022-02-22T20:22:01ZWHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE INJURED?
A crash can leave you with more questions than answers. Are you hurt? Is anyone else injured? What exactly happened? What should I do next?
The most important first thing is to stay calm. Take a breath, assess the situation, and think about the next step: evaluating injuries and safety. Is anyone hurt? Can you safely remain where you are? Should you stay where you are?
If you have broken bones or feel significant sharp pain, you should remain in the car until help arrives. Airbags are packed with a drying agent that smells like smoke. You might think your car is on fire immediately after the airbags deploy. Take a second to decide whether you're at risk of burning. If a fire is a risk, safely and smoothly move away from your car.
Contact 911 as soon as you can. Some new cars will allow you to call 911 through the vehicle if you can't use your phone. If need be, you can ask a passerby to call for help. Always call for emergency help following an accident. Even if you were not injured, you would eventually need a collision report from local law enforcement.
Calling 911 will also summon emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to stabilize you and any other injured persons. They can also transport you to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.
WHAT IF YOUR CAR ACCIDENT INJURY DOES NOT SEEM SERIOUS?
A car left in the middle of the road is at risk for another collision. If you can safely move without causing yourself additional injuries, then get to safety. If your vehicle won't drive, get out and move somewhere safe.
Call 911 and ask for EMS if you were injured. It would be best if you underwent an initial evaluation of your injuries at the scene. Follow the EMT's recommendations. An ambulance ride can be expensive, so many people have a friend or family member take them to an emergency department or urgent care for further evaluation.
WHAT IF YOU THINK THAT YOU WERE NOT INJURED IN A CRASH?
Injury symptoms may not develop for hours or even days. In a car crash, your body does its best to protect you from trauma by releasing a sudden surge of adrenaline. This hormone protects you from harm by triggering the "fight or flight" response when you're in danger.
Adrenaline causes several self-preservation responses, including:
Increased energy
Reduced pain
Dilated blood vessels and airways to increase the flow of oxygen
Increased strength from increased blood flow going to your muscles
Changes in your vision and hearing that focus on sights and sounds ahead of you
Right after the crash, your body floods your blood stream with endorphins that make you feel calm controled. These endorphins also affect the way you respond to pain and stress. In many cases, you don't start feeling pain after a car accident until your adrenaline and endorphins wear off, and you can relax.
IT CAN TAKE TIME FOR CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES TO APPEAR.
In addition to adrenaline masking injury symptoms after a car crash, related pain can develop as your body settles back down after the trauma.
When you're in a car crash, your body moves at the same rate of speed as the vehicle. At impact, your car stops, but your body continues moving until you're stopped by a seatbelt, airbag, or barrier. That's what causes soft tissue damage, such as whiplash and muscle strain. These ligament or muscle strains take time to develop as inflammation, swelling, and stiffness take time to show up.
Many crash victims also experience spinal trauma to their intervertebral discs. These discs act as cushions between vertebral bones and give you spinal flexibility. Disc damage can include tears, bulges, and hernias. These injuries often put pressure on nerves and the surrounding tissues, resulting in pain.
Typical delayed symptoms following a car crash can include:
Headaches;
Blurry vision or dizziness;
Nausea;
Difficulty remembering things or problems concentrating;
Trouble sleeping;
Swelling;
Back or shoulder pain;
Neck stiffness;
Numbness in your hands or feet;
Reduced range of motion.
An early diagnosis of car crash injuries can help speed up your recovery and reduce long-term pain and complications in the future. Always call the police after a crash. People often believe they have no injuries, only to discover later they were wrong.
HOW LONG CAN YOU WAIT TO GO TO A HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT?
You should see a doctor if you have any pain, bruising, or aches after a crash. The best advice is to see a doctor even if you were not injured. As we discussed above, symptoms often show up days after the accident.
A lot of crash victims don't notice their injuries right away. After an accident, the involved people are often overwhelmed with exchanging info, taking photos, getting witness names, speaking with officers, firefighters, EMTs, and more. Many injured people don't feel pain or recognize injury warning signs. All this is to say that you can present to a doctor later when you realize you were injured in the collision.
See a doctor as soon as you believe that you were hurt. You must seek care as soon as you can after realizing that the crash damaged you. A lot of people wait for the pain to go away. Get help from a doctor ASAP.
WHY SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR AFTER A CRASH?
Medical treatment will help you heal faster and more thoroughly. Waiting for treatment can increase healing time and prevent you from fully healing. See a doctor anytime you are in a car accident. Be honest and describe everything that happened and everything you are feeling. Too many people minimize their pain.
INJURY SYMPTOMS TAKE TIME TO SHOW UP AFTER A CRASH.
Many serious car crash injuries are not apparent, and injury symptoms develop slowly. Traumatic brain injury or an internal injuries are two of the most extreme examples. Less severe but long-term injuries such as torn ligaments, sprained muscles, or nerve damage may not be noticeable at first. Still, after a few hours, you will likely experience swelling, pain, and decreased range of motion.
GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE AT RECOVERY.
The sooner you can see a medical professional, the earlier you receive helpful treatment. Whether you need surgery, immobilization, or other medical treatment, your treatment team will get you the help you need as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent you from suffering permanent damage or an extended recovery process that can arise if your condition worsens.
PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHT TO COMPENSATION.
It can be a challenge to seek compensation for accident related losses if you do not seek medical care for that injury. The sooner you get medical treatment for your injuries, the stronger your claim for damages will be. When an attorney helps you prepare an insurance claim after an accident, they need evidence not only of the accident but also of your injuries, treatments, and the timeline for your recovery.
WHAT ARE COMMON MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INJURIES?
Car crash injuries vary depending on where a person sat in the vehicle, what they were doing just before impact, the force of the collision, and the unusual reaction of the victim's body. In one crash, some victims go unhurt while others die.
Common motor vehicle accident injuries include:
Traumatic brain damage;
Head and neck injuries;
Spinal cord injury;
Back injuries;
Soft tissue injuries;
Broken bones;
Lacerations;
Burns;
Internal injuries;
Dislocations and fractures;
Bruising.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO CRASH VICTIMS GET?
Your compensation after a crash depends on a lot of factors. If another driver caused the collision, you could seek compensation from their insurance policy. You can also sue the person who caused the accident if they didn't have enough insurance. Most car accident claims settle through insurance negotiations. Sometimes, however, you may need to file a lawsuit to force the insurance company to do the right thing.
There are different categories of compensation after an injury car crash, including:
Medical treatment costs and future medical expenses for your injuries;
Loss of income if you were unable to work or had to do lower-paying work;
Pain and suffering, including mental and emotional injuries;
Property damage to your personal property, such as a vehicle.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL A CAR CRASH LAWYER?
If you suffer a motor vehicle crash, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The costs of serious injuries can be overwhelming.
Insurance companies have the advantage when dealing with car crash victims. The insurance carrier and its representatives are very good at convincing crash victims to take less in compensation than they deserve. In cases where their insured says you're at fault, insurers will often deny your claim altogether.
A car accident attorney is your best protector. You're going against professionals, and you need a professional on your side. Our team will protect your rights against the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve. We'll evaluate the facts and circumstances of the accident and your injuries and calculate the damages you deserve for your losses. Then we'll go to battle for you.
Our attorneys will work with you to negotiate your insurance claim. Your case will likely resolve during the claims process, and we will reach a settlement agreement that meets your needs.
James Oliver and Natalie Durflinger founded Durflinger Oliver in 2010 to protect clients and guide them to the best possible results. They've built a team of like-minded professionals devoted to providing peace of mind and great resolutions.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[A dog bite may lead to a serious infection]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=500202021-12-09T12:10:11Z2021-01-21T23:07:41Za dog bite do not necessarily cease when the attack stops, though.
In roughly 50% of dog bites, bacteria enters the victim’s body. While your immune system may be able to fight off staphylococcus, streptococcus, capnocytophaga or other bacteria before they lead to an infection, you should closely monitor your symptoms.
Infections may cause noticeable symptoms
Infections that stem from dog bites are usually polymicrobial, meaning they involve many types of bacteria. Fortunately, regardless of the bacteria that causes the infection, your body only has a few ways to tell you something is wrong.
The following symptoms may indicate a bite-related infection:
Pain, redness or swelling around the bite wound
Fluid oozing from the wound
Fevers, chills or swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue, nausea or vomiting
If you know the dog that bit you, it may be fine simply to monitor your wound for signs of infection. If the animal is a stray or otherwise unfamiliar to you, the threat of rabies and other serious illnesses requires you to visit the emergency room.
Infections may complicate your recovery process
If a dog bite leads to an infection, you are apt to have a longer recovery, as an infection may slow your body’s healing process. Likewise, the infection may cause additional injuries, which take time to heal after the infection is under control.
Ultimately, your ability to fight off or recover from a dog infection may depend on your overall health and other factors. If you are not feeling better or your symptoms worsen, you should seek emergency medical care or talk to your doctor immediately.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[What are some mistakes that could harm a personal injury case?]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=496252021-12-09T12:10:24Z2020-12-09T18:18:38ZWhat are some mistakes that could affect a personal injury case?
If you decide to file a personal injury claim later on, there are certain mistakes that could hurt your case. For example, you're legally obligated to report all car accidents to the police, no matter how minor. If you and the other driver didn't report the accident, this information could be used against you in court.
You're also legally obligated to wait at the scene until the police arrive. If you drive away, you could be accused of leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, you should refrain from posting on social media after a motor vehicle accident. It might seem unlikely, but the insurance company's legal team might look through your social media accounts so they can find anything that allows them to deny your claim. This might be as simple as a picture of you hanging out with friends at the park, implying that your injuries weren't as severe as you had alleged.
When should you hire an attorney?
You might want to hire an attorney as soon after the accident as possible. An attorney doesn't just help you file a claim or pursue a lawsuit--they could also protect you from false accusations from the other party. For example, they could assist you if the other person's insurance company tries to claim that you were at fault.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[How alcohol can impair your ability to function]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=496132021-12-09T12:10:36Z2020-09-10T23:17:32ZImpairment may occur after consuming a single drink
When your blood alcohol level hits 0.02, you may feel relaxed and make decisions that you wouldn't when completely sober. As your blood alcohol level increases to 0.05, you may talk louder or have trouble controlling smaller muscles. The more alcohol that you consume, the harder it will be to retain your balance, hear or keep track of objects. If your blood alcohol level is between 0.20 and 0.29, your chances of getting seriously hurt increase because you are less sensitive to pain.
Always attempt to drink in moderation
According to the national dietary guidelines, a woman who drinks in moderation can consume one alcoholic beverage per day. A man who drinks in moderation can consume up to two alcoholic beverages per day. Generally speaking, 12 ounces of beer or a single shot of liquor is considered to be a single standard drink.
Other factors might influence your blood alcohol level
It is important to note that the amount of beer, wine or liquor that you consume is only one factor to consider when calculating your blood alcohol level. You also need to consider your gender, weight and family history when determining how drunk you may be. Your past drinking habits might also determine your level of intoxication at any given time.
If you are injured because of the negligent actions of an intoxicated individual, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney may help you receive payment for medical bills or other damages related to an accident caused by another person's negligence. In the event that multiple parties are responsible for your injuries, an attorney may be able to identify them and pursue legal action.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[Fracturing the femur in a high-impact car crash]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=496022021-12-09T12:10:47Z2020-09-08T23:18:51ZLocation of the femur fracture
The femur could fracture at three places: the head or neck, which connect to the hip joint; the shaft, or midsection; and the distal end, which links to the knee joint. Hip fractures are less common among crash victims and arise more when elderly people fall. These tend to be stress fractures rather than complete fractures.
Crash victims, especially adolescents and adults, break their femoral shaft or the distal end. Along with the fracture, they may tear their muscles and ligaments, experience blood loss and blood clots and, if the bone sticks out of the skin, run the risk for infection. Most victims need to be transferred right away to the hospital, or they may die.
Various medical treatments
If the femur is not displaced, victims may have a cast placed on the leg. When displacement occurs, the treatment becomes more extensive with doctors inserting a metal rod and metal plates, wires and screws to bring the pieces together and straighten the bone. To prevent infection, doctors may provide an intravenous antibiotic and have patients take oral antibiotics after they leave the hospital.
Pain medications will help ease the pain after surgery. Usually, victims also need to undergo regular physical therapy and rehabilitative care to regain strength in their leg. They will be advised to develop an exercise regimen of their own, too.
Legal representation for an injury case
If the MVA you were in was not your fault, then you can file a claim against the responsible party. With a lawyer by your side, you may be able to seek out a reasonable settlement out of court, litigating if the other side refuses to pay compensation. A successful claim could cover all medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and vehicle repair costs.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[Can I Waive My Arraignment?]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=495972021-12-09T12:10:59Z2020-07-18T19:11:42ZWhat is an Arraignment?First, you may be asking yourself, what is an arraignment? An arraignment is usually the initial court proceeding in a criminal case. At the arraignment, the prosecutor formally presents the charges to the Court and the defendant. The Court will also establish "conditions of release" for the accused, including bail or release on personal recognizance. Hiring a private defense attorney before your arraignment will allow him or her to prepare the best possible arguments to avoid bail. At Durflinger Oliver and Associates, our attorneys have handled thousands of arraignments while always achieving the best possible release conditions for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation at office.Every defendant has the right to be represented by an attorney at their arraignment. If you do not have an attorney, you will be appointed one for the arraignment. But, there can be huge benefits to hiring a private attorney in advance of your arraignment. One of those benefits, you may be eligible to waive your appearance for the arraignment.
How Can I Avoid Going to my Arraignment?
You may be wondering whether you need to attend your arraignment. The short answer is maybe. In some cases, a defendant may be able to waive their appearance at arraignment. Some Washington State criminal courts allow defense attorneys to waive arraignment on behalf of their clients, which means that the defendant doesn't need to appear for that hearing. Here's what you need to do for the best chance at avoiding your arraignment. First, you MUST hire a private defense attorney to represent you. The private attorney will then be able to file a Notice of Appearance and Motion to Waive arraignment on your behalf. Unfortunately, not every criminal case is eligible for this approach.Typically, only misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors allow a defendant to waive arraignment. Felony courts require attendance at the first hearing for every defendant. Also, certain gross misdemeanors are not eligible; specifically, DUI's, Domestic Violence cases, or any case involving a weapon. You should contact our office today for a free consultation to determine if your case is eligible to have your arraignment waived office. Durflinger Oliver and Associates has handled thousands of arraignments on behalf of our clients. There are benefits to hiring an attorney before your arraignment, including not having to go, so don't wait. We will arrange the best possible defense on your behalf to make sure your release conditions are as minimal as possible. Call us today for a free consultation office. ]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[How Will The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Affect My Criminal Case?]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=495942021-12-09T12:11:10Z2020-05-26T03:12:33Z Covid Court Closures[/caption]
Were you arrested for a crime? Here's what courts during The Coronavirus Outbreak.
The first stage of a criminal proceeding, following an arrest, is called an arraignment. An arraignment is when the court presents you with the charges, and your Defense Attorney enters a not guilty plea on your behalf. In Washington State, some first appearances are taking place even amid the Coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, the Courts are still conducting video arraignments for individuals who are in custody. Video hearings are necessary because an arrested individual has a right to see a judge for arraignment within 72 hours. Any person taken to jail should immediately hire an attorney to ensure that their Due Process Rights are protected.If officers arrested you or a family member, you should contact an attorney immediately. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations, and you can reach them at office.
What is happening with my pending criminal case during The Coronavirus Outbreak?
Currently, courts have continued all pending criminal proceedings where the defendant is not in custody. The majority of courts in Washington State have continued all out of custody matters to dates after June 4, 2020. Some courts, however, are scheduling cases into July and August. If you have a pending criminal case, the court will mail you a Notice of Case Setting, which will inform you of your new court date. This paperwork will go to your last known mailing address, so you will need to update this information with the court and the Department of Licensing. Additionally, you will want to speak with your attorney about updates as soon as possible.IF you have not hired an attorney for your pending criminal case, you should do so immediately. Even though your court has continued your case, it is essential to have an attorney who will represent your interests and protect your rights. While courts have canceled hearings, attorneys are still working from home and can negotiate on your behalf. Hiring an attorney ensures that your case is always moving forward. Hopefully, you can resolve your matter by the time you must reappear in court. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for free consultations, and you can reach us at office.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[Tricks Insurance Adjusters Use To Cheat You]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=495382021-12-09T12:11:21Z2020-03-28T03:10:38Z How to deal with insurance after the accident.[/caption]
You were injured in a car crash, and your doctor put together a solid treatment plan for you. The program made sense, and you did everything that you were supposed to. You did the surgery or the treatment. You did the physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatment. You invested a lot of time getting better, and it worked. So why is the insurance company refusing to pay for all of your medical bills?Insurance companies are in business to take as much money as possible while paying out as little as they can. The experienced accident lawyers at Durflinger Oliver understand this. We've also seen all the games that insurance companies play so that they don't have to pay.Our lawyers have more than three decades of experience helping clients navigate the personal injury claims process. Partner, Jim Oliver, brings his experience working for insurance companies to help injured persons get all the money they're entitled to. Our team will fight for you to make sure that all of your treatment bills, and other expenses, are paid. Insurance companies know this, which often makes them more willing to negotiate a fair settlement with us so that they don't risk going to trial against us.
Some Ways that Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying Out
Insurance companies play some pretty basic games to try and avoid paying money to injured people. Here are some of the more common ploys:
Pre-existing Condition. Insurance adjusters often argue that your medical treatment was related to injuries other than your crash. Sometimes that matters, sometimes it doesn't. If your crash made a prior injury get worse, the insurance company owes you money for your bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Causation. Adjusters often claim that the accident didn't cause your injuries. Don't listen to the adjuster. Your doctor is a professional, and their opinion matters. As long as they said that your injuries are related to the crash, the adjuster's estimation doesn't matter.
No Pain Right After The Crash. Most people injured in a car crash don't start suffering pain until hours or even days later. Again, if your doctor said that your suffering was related to the accident, then the insurance company is probably liable to pay for your injuries and related damages.
You Weren't Transported By Ambulance. Adjusters often claim that people who get rides to the hospital or drive themselves obviously weren't injured. Don't believe the adjuster's bogus claims. There is no law that says you need to ride in an ambulance to make an injury claim.
You Are Exaggerating Your Injuries. Adjusters almost always believe that you are not as injured as you claim. That's why your treatment records are so vital. Make sure that your treatment team is accurately documenting your injuries, pain, and symptoms. It's also essential to document how your injuries caused you problems in your day to day life.
Too Much Treatment. Insurance companies are obligated to compensate you for reasonably necessary treatment related to your injuries. Medical care is justified if it reduces pain, helps you heal, or simply keeps your injuries from getting worse. Adjusters will often claim that you had more treatment than necessary. They will then decline to pay for that "excessive" treatment. Again, your doctor's opinion and reliable records will make a big difference in getting you a good result.
When the adjuster first opens your claim, they put information about you and your accident into a computer software program that produces a "value" for your claim. The software also creates an estimated amount of necessary treatment. If your actual treatment costs exceed the insurance company's estimate, the adjuster will balk and claim that you should not get full compensation. As stated above, your doctor and quality medical records are essential to getting a great result.
Protect the Full Car Accident Recovery You Deserve
The car crash attorneys at Durflinger Oliver have successfully battled insurance companies for more than a decade. After a Tacoma car crash, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the tricks that insurance companies use to pay you less than you deserve. Our lawyers understand the insurance company's game, and we will fight to get you the best result while providing as much peace of mind as possible.Call the legal team at Durflinger Oliver & Associates today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We will give you an honest and reliable opinion about your case, and, if you retain us, we will fight hard to get you the recovery that you deserve. office.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[Study finds correlation between car crashes and time change]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=495322021-12-09T12:11:33Z2020-03-12T19:52:50ZDaylight saving time: harmful or helpful?
Washington is one of a handful of states that has considered getting rid of the switch between daylight saving and standard times, and with good reason: multiple studies have found that changing the clocks forward or backward can be hazardous for one’s health. Not only is there an increase in heart problems following a time change, but there is also an increase in traffic accidents.
How much of an impact could a one-hour change really have?
A review of 732,835 fatal car accidents occurring between 1996 and 2017 found that changing the clocks forward correlates to a 6% increase in deadly accidents. The accident rate is even higher on the western side of states, where residents already have to cope with a later sunrise and sunset. For these individuals – who get an average of 19 fewer minutes of sleep per night than people in other parts of the state – the fatal traffic accident risk increased by 8%.
Is the increase in accidents actually caused by the time change?
The higher risk of fatal crashes was consistent across the years, even when the springtime change advanced from April to March. One of the researchers said that people experience a type of jet lag when they move the clocks forward, an effect that can last up to two weeks. Changing the clocks in the spring means that the sun suddenly rises an hour later than usual, which can lead to more accidents in the morning. There can also be more accidents after the time change in the fall, when people start having to drive home from work in the dark.
As always, be vigilant
Though Washington residents should always take care when driving, there is undoubtedly an increased risk of personal injury right after there is a switch to or from daylight saving time. If you have been the victim of a car crash, you may want to consult with an attorney to discuss possible remedies to which they could be entitled.]]>On Behalf of Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS<![CDATA[Tacoma Expungement Attorney – New HOPE Act]]>https://www.durflingeroliver.com/?p=495292021-12-09T12:11:44Z2020-03-05T04:13:47ZThere is excellent news for people who want to get rid of their Pierce County felony or misdemeanor conviction. The State of Washington has now made it possible for a Tacoma expungement attorney to clean up even felony assault charges.
When people think of cleaning up a felony conviction or a misdemeanor conviction, they often refer to the process of expungement. Technically, the proper term is “vacation”. You can vacate criminal convictions, which then become what’s called “non-conviction data”. Once something is non-conviction data, you may be able to expunge that court record after a waiting period.
Vacating Process - Get Rid of a Conviction
To remove a felony or misdemeanor conviction from your history, you need to petition the Court to vacate the judgment and sentence. The Court will look at the type of crime committed, the date of the conviction, whether you did everything required, and how long you’ve stayed out of trouble. If your offense is eligible for vacating, and you did everything necessary long enough ago, the Court will vacate your conviction.
Vacating a Conviction
After filing the petition, the next step in getting rid of your conviction is when the Court vacates the Judgment and Sentence (J&S) in your case. That action brings the case back to life. The Court then dismisses the case against you “with prejudice”. That means that the State can never again bring those charges against you. Washington law then says that the government cannot use that vacated conviction against you. Once the court vacates your sentence, you can honestly say that you were not convicted of that crime!
After vacating your conviction, the Court will send a copy of the Vacate Order to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). WSP will then update your public history to hide your original conviction. WSP will also update the FBI, which will also reflect that your past is now conviction-free. At that point, law enforcement agencies are not allowed to share your conviction history with any non-criminal justice entities.
Judicial Discretion to Expunge or Vacate
Courts are required to follow the law, but judges still have a lot of power to say no to your request. That’s why it is vital to be very careful and make sure that your paperwork for the Court is perfect. If something is wrong, the judge will shoot you down without any explanation. That can be frustrating and time-consuming.
What Can You Vacate?
Class A offenses cannot be vacated. Many Class B convictions are likewise not eligible for vacation. Courts can vacate most Class C felonies, but there are exceptions for crimes against police officers and other people. Likewise, Courts can clean up most misdemeanors, but there are differences between Domestic Violence (DV) offenses and non-DV ones. Alcohol-related offenses also have some interesting nuances. It is very important to understand the differences between convictions before you invest time and money in cleaning up your criminal history.
The experienced Pierce County expungement attorneys can help you clean up your history, restore your firearm rights, and even stop registering. Call today to schedule your free consultation, office.]]>
First, you may be asking yourself, what is an arraignment? An arraignment is usually the initial court proceeding in a criminal case. At the arraignment, the prosecutor formally presents the charges to the Court and the defendant.
The Court will also establish "conditions of release" for the accused, including bail or release on personal recognizance. Hiring a private defense attorney before your arraignment will allow him or her to prepare the best possible arguments to avoid bail. At Durflinger Oliver and Associates, our attorneys have handled thousands of arraignments while always achieving the best possible release conditions for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation at office.
Every defendant has the right to be represented by an attorney at their arraignment. If you do not have an attorney, you will be appointed one for the arraignment. But, there can be huge benefits to hiring a private attorney in advance of your arraignment. One of those benefits, you may be eligible to waive your appearance for the arraignment.