An Idaho law targeted fentanyl dealers. Prosecutors are using it to charge users, too
An InvestigateWest review found at least 30 people charged with trafficking without evidence of selling or distribution. They face mandatory minimum prison terms.
Criminal Justice
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
‘We have lots of work for you guys’ — emails show coordination between deputies in Idaho’s Kootenai County and immigration officials
Cooperation with federal authorities tests bounds of law and policy, stirs fear in immigrant communities
WA families are using ‘Joel’s Law’ for involuntary commitments more than ever. Is it working?
Joel’s Law petitions increased by 266% since 2020 statewide
‘It’s an uphill battle’: Decades-long effort to unify Washington’s court system again falls short
While the state’s nonunified court system allows flexibility at the local level, research shows the patchwork of approaches often results in inequities and ‘justice by geography’
Washington bill aiming to address racial disparities in traffic stops dies in committee
Proposal would have limited when police can stop drivers for non-moving violations
Snoqualmie woman charged with cyber harassment in ongoing battle over unsolved rape case
Charges stem from vulgar emails sent to Snoqualmie police chief and mayor