Tag Archives: Skagit County Criminal Defense

Can’t Afford to Hang ‘Em Anymore

Death Penalty, Legislation, , ,

Cost | National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

Some states are passing legislation to end the Death Penalty over financial concerns.

Kansas is leading the effort.  “Because of the downturn in the national economy, we are facing one of the largest budget deficits in our history,” state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, a Republican, said in an opinion piece posted on TheKansan.com Friday. “What is certain is we are all going to have to look at new and creative ways to fund state and community programs and services.”

The state would save more than $500,000 per case by not seeking the death penalty, McGinn wrote, money that could be used for “prevention programs, community corrections and other programs to decrease future crimes against society.”

Fiscal concerns are just a part of the argument.  In addition, a disproportionate rate of minorities are sentenced to death.  The legislation would seek to curb the disproportion.

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.

Report finds inequalities in Washington criminal fines

Court Fines, Due Process, Race & Law, Studies, , ,

Racial Inequality in the Criminal Justice System - YouTube

A report finds wide disparities in how much Washington’s criminal defendants are required to pay in fines and fees.  According to the University of Washington study released Tuesday, Hispanics are charged significantly higher fees and fines than non-Hispanic whites; men are fined more than women; and drug cases bring greater fees and fines than violent crimes do.

There were also geographic differences. One man convicted of drug offenses in Pierce County was assessed fees and fines of $600, while one convicted in Lewis County was assessed $6,710.

The study examined all superior court cases resolved in the first two months of 2004 — nearly 3,400 cases. The researchers determined that the system is illogical and hinders people from rejoining society, especially because of the high 12 percent interest rate they must pay on the fines. Three years after the defendants were sentenced, about half had made no payments.

My opinion? This is disgraceful.  The report provides empirical data that our justice system is horribly inconsistent when it comes to administering costs/fees upon defendants.  Unbelievable.  The lesson?  Don’t get caught committing crimes if you’re minority, male, and come from out of town.

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.

 

 

 

Amend Washington’s “Three Strikes” Law

ACLU, Drug Offenses, Legislation, Race & Law, Robbery, Sentencing, Three Strikes Law, , ,

California "Three Strikes" Law - Defined & Explained

Our criminal justice system is based on the concept that the punishment must fit the crime. Stated another way, the sentence imposed for a particular crime should be proportional to the circumstances of the crime.

The problem?  Under Washington’s “Three Strikes” law, which imposes a mandatory life sentence without parole on individuals convicted of any of almost two dozen felony offenses, the crime of Robbery in the Second Degree is one of the listed crimes.  An individual can be charged with second-degree robbery even if no weapon is used or no one is injured!

A solution?  The ACLU supports the removal of Robbery Second Degree from the list of strike offenses.  The bottom line is this: while serious in and of itself, Robbery Second Degree does not rise to the level of being Strike-worthy. When dealing with a potential life sentence, it is simply unjust to include a crime that sweeps so broadly.

Additionally, the “Three Strikes” law does not deter crime, and it disproportionately affects minority offenders. It takes sentencing discretion away from judges, who should be able to consider individual circumstances when imposing sentences. It adds costs to already tight government budgets by incarcerating elderly persons who are not a threat to public safety. Passing the legislation will reduce the number of people who are imprisoned for life out of all proportion to their offenses.

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.

Change Washington’s Marijuana Laws

ACLU, Drug Offenses, felony, Legislation, marijuana, misdemeanor, , ,

Decriminalize Marijuana! - YouTube

This month, the Washington Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on  from a misdemeanor, carrying mandatory jail time, to a civil infraction and a $100 dollar fine.

According to the Washington A.C.L.U., In 2007, enforcement of Washington laws for possession of marijuana resulted in over 11,000 arrests, 3,600 convictions (with an average sentence of four days in jail), and cost an estimated $7.5 million dollars.

The A.C.L.U. says it supports Senate Bill 5615 sponsored by Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

“We don’t believe adults who use small quantities of marijuana for personal use should be treated as criminals.” ~Alison Holcomb,  A.C.L.U.

Some Washington police officials see it differently. Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer says he fears, if passed, this could open the door to further legalization and he says he doesn’t want to make the drug more attractive than it may already be.

He goes on to says; “People might have a tendency to say well it’s not going to be a criminal offense. It’s not going to affect my job… It’s not going to affect anything else involving what a criminal matter would and so why don’t I try it… And I don’t want to do that.”

From my perspective – that of a criminal defense attorney – the legislation is extremely progressive.  Far too many of my clients  – most of them young people who are gainfully employed or attending college – face criminal charges for violating our archaic marijuana laws. Indeed, alcohol abuse is FAR more debilitating and dangerous. And it’s legal!  Some people consume marijuana for medicinal purposes. It’s time for a change.

Decriminalization is a step in the right direction. True, $100 civil penalty is still imposed. Perhaps after some success with the proposed legislation (if it passes) the civil penalty will eventually be erased as well. One can only hope.

Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member face a Drug Offense or are charged with 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

911 Call, Bellingham Defense Attorney, Mount Vernon Criminal Defense Attorney, Police Misconduct, Skagit County Criminal Defense, Whatcom County Criminal Defense, , ,

Victoria Walker (icymocha5150) on Myspace

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.

Happy New Year!

Uncategorized, , ,

Alexander Ransom - Criminal Defense Law - Lawyers of Distinction

December 31, 2008

Dear Clients, Friends, & Peers:

The blog is officially up and running!  Looking forward to 2009.  Best wishes to you and your families.

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.

-Alex