Category Archives: Whatcom County Criminal Defense

Retired Judge Says It Is Time To End War On Marijuana

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Here’s an excerpt of on Op-Ed by retired Whatcom County Superior Court Judge David A. Nichols:

“It is my fervent belief that this state and nation must come to recognize that continuing to treat drug users as criminals perpetuates an evil that rewards the drug sellers and corrupts our society. Until we honestly and appropriately deal with the entire drug issue as a health problem analogous to tobacco or liquor, and not as a ‘war’ we cannot win, we will continue to reap the whirlwind of huge world-wide illegal drug profits which are costing us billions, threatening the stability of nations, causing soaring crime rates and diverting money which is sorely needed elsewhere.” ~ Judge David A. Nichols

Judge Nichols also says that if we ever want to stop the craziness and futility of our present anti-drug approach, we must de-criminalize possession and use of all drugs. Education, addiction treatment and state regulation need to replace arrests, trials, jail sentences, growth of cartels and drug gangs, corrupt government institutions, and the mindless head-bashing against brick walls that characterize what we are doing now.

My opinion?  Way to tell the truth, Judge!

Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member face a Drug Offense or any other crimes. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.

Law Firm Client Obtains $150,000 Damages Award for Police Negligence

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Good news. The Law Offices of Alexander Ransom, PLLC., obtained a $150,000.00 settlement against Island County in a police misconduct lawsuit.

As reported in the South Whidbey Record, the 2006 incident was one of the biggest scandals in memory for the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Client Victoria Walker was held against her will and assaulted by a friend at his parent’s cabin. She called 911 from the cabin two times. The sheriff deputy who was dispatched to the 911 call merely knocked on the door, talked to Victoria’s friend and departed the scene without speaking to Victoria at all. In short, the deputy failed to adequately respond. Ms. Walker eventually escaped from the cabin and contacted authorities. The deputy was terminated from employment.

Mr. Ransom filed a public disclosure request seeking all information regarding the case. He obtained police reports, internal investigation reports, an arbitration decision, and a past disciplinary notice given to the deputy for similar failures to respond. Mr. Ransom also filed a Notice of Claim against Island County claiming police negligence.

The case was resolved through out-of-court negotiations with the Washington Counties Risk Pool.

Ms. Walker reports she is “extremely happy with the outcome,” and “hope(s) these circumstances never happen again for anyone else.”

Congratulations, Victoria!  You were my good friend long before you were my client. I cherish our memories. Ride or die 4-evah!

Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with a crime. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.