Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
Criminal Justice
Pierce County violated state law by diverting millions in tax revenue meant to improve 911 calls, state audit finds
Officials repeatedly ignored guidance regarding their $4.5 million purchase to boost law enforcement radio connection at a government building in Tacoma, jeopardizing federal funding
Records reveal Snoqualmie police chief was fired for sexual comments, said recruit ‘could not keep her legs together’
Report renews concerns about treatment of women at department that recently charged a rape survivor with harassment
Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington
A ‘model code’ would have only licensed mental health professionals making parenting plan recommendations to the court
Renewed investigation leads to criminal charges against wife of Portland identity theft victim
Suspects accused of stealing a spouse’s identity rarely face prosecution
A WA mother had custody of kids and protection from her abuser. Then a guardian ad litem got involved
Mother filed a lawsuit alleging that the guardian ad litem and her abuser’s attorney colluded to flip the narrative against her
WA civil legal aid organizations mourn state funding cuts: ‘It’s a gut punch’
The groups are critical in helping to vacate unconstitutional drug convictions as far back as 1971
WA Legislature’s budget doubles public defense funds — but counties say it’s still not enough
Counties have struggles to recruit and retain attorneys without state’s help
Idaho’s Owyhee County joins ICE agreement to enforce immigration law
ICE's 287(g) agreements — ended under the Obama administration following abuses like racial profiling of Latinos — are back
New WA law makes clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse
Bill proposed in response to InvestigateWest article makes no exemptions for allegations shared during confessions
Washington’s Yakima County represents breaking point in state’s public defender crisis
State’s patchwork approach to providing attorneys pits constitutional rights against public safety, legal experts say