Tacoma Police Ordered to Return Man’s Pot

When a judge sides with you, as a defendant in a criminal case, it can be a relief. It can even feel empowering if the judge goes so far as to call out the police or prosecutor on mistakes they made in your arrest and prosecution. So, one Tacoma man likely feels a little bit of smug pride in the way his marijuana case has unfolded. [read more..]

Will May Day 2013 Protests Turn Ugly Like 2012?

May Day 2012 marked a day of protest around the world. In the U.S. these protests were particularly large in cities like New York, Oakland, and San Francisco. But the May Day activities in Seattle made front page news, not because of the large numbers or some positive change they effected, but because the failed and allegedly violent police response. [read more..]

Officials Promise Crackdown on Marijuana Bars

When recreational marijuana was passed in November, people across the state of Washington sparked up in celebration. It was a little Wild West as marijuana users attempted to find where they could fit in with the new laws. As a result, private clubs were formed—something officials say breaks the law. [read more..]

Washington Police Dogs Have Brutal Past

Police dogs are considered members of the force. Officers who handle them consider them both pet and partner. But when a police dog is known for brutal behavior, why isn’t he “fired”? Perhaps, like the police officers who train and handle them, police dogs are also above the law. [read more..]

Washington Cops Arresting Drivers with “Green Tongue”

Things are a little up in the air in Washington these days—police want to hold on to their marijuana enforcement powers, but are at a loss on how to do so. Evidence of their confusion comes in the reports of several people being arrested for having a “green film” on their tongues, something the cops say is evidence of using marijuana. [read more..]

Auburn Cop Under Investigation for Groping Pregnant Woman

An Auburn woman has filed a complaint with the police department and the officer in question is now under investigation for a serious offense against her—groping her while she was cuffed. [read more..]

Keeping Legal Marijuana Within Washington

Among other challenges of the new Washington state marijuana polices, and there are many, is the challenge of keeping the legal weed inside the borders of Washington. This endeavor, if done successfully, could keep the federal government from suing the state in an effort to usurp what the voters want—regulated and “free” marijuana.

According to the Associated Press, Washington Governor Jay Inslee insists it is possible, though checkpoints and fences don’t seem to be options on the table. [read more..]

Interested in Washington’s Marijuana Laws? Be Heard.

January 23 marked the first of several public forums on Washington’s new marijuana laws. According to The Olympian and several other media outlets, it was standing room only.

The Washington State Liquor Control Board is tasked with implementing the new legislation which legalizes recreational marijuana, and they want input from the public. [read more..]

Officer Sentenced to Prison for Beating Death of Disabled Man

In Spokane Washington, former police officer Karl F. Thompson Jr., 65, was sentenced to four years and three months in the beating death of mentally disabled janitor, 36-year old Otto Zehm. U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle remarked that he hoped the sentence would bring closure to Zehm’s family and the community, who reacted with justifiable outrage at the brutal death. [read more..]

Seattle Police Department Forced to Make Changes After Investigations

The Seattle Police Department is in a period of change. It has been criticized for having a culture of brutality, and now the feds are stepping in. The Department of Justice determined after an extensive investigation that the city had engaged in a “pattern of excessive force,” and now the city will be under the oversight of an independent monitor as they try to clean up their own mess. [read more..]