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
‘Fear and uncertainty:’ Advocates, immigrants on edge following flurry of contradictory orders
Attorneys for unaccompanied minors ordered to stop work without explanation, followed by sudden reversal
Oregon bill takes aim at ‘epidemic of violence’ around missing and murdered Indigenous people
Proposal would provide resources, form partnerships and improve data collection among agencies
Washington bill aims to give judges more guidance in high-conflict custody cases
Supporters say it will help prevent dangerous parents from getting custody. Opponents fear it will do the opposite
Suicides highlight apathy, lack of accountability at Idaho’s Canyon County jail
InvestigateWest review finds deputies violated policies that could have saved detainees
Most WA sheriffs say they will follow state’s ‘sanctuary’ law — with a few exceptions
InvestigateWest and Cascade PBS surveyed 39 counties’ chief law officers on how they plan to balance conflicting state and federal laws
Proposed Washington law aims to address racial disparities in traffic stops
Bill would limit when police can stop motorists for traffic violations
WA bill that would reduce sentences for inmates with juvenile felonies moves through Legislature
Opponents say it would re-traumatize victims and burden the courts
Washington courts plod through historic effort to vacate hundreds of thousands of illegal drug convictions
Less than one-fifth of eligible cases have been vacated thus far
She was raped and relentlessly demanded answers — until the city took her to court for harassment
In a small Seattle suburb, a rape investigation sparks a war over speech and power
Fueled by harsh drug sentences, Idaho leads nation in women's incarceration, report finds
Idaho Justice Project calls for drug policy reforms, but lawmakers say public safety is at stake
WA courts ordered 70% fewer court fines and fees between 2018 and 2021 — but disparities remain
Washington defendants owed nearly $300 million as of July 2023
‘A different standard’: Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows
Though disparities for other races improved, InvestigateWest analysis reveals Native Americans five times more likely to be searched despite ongoing scrutiny