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.
Domestic Violence
An Oregon Christian ranch promises refuge to people in crisis. Former residents say they were harmed instead
The board of 5Rock Ranch nearly shut it down more than a decade ago, but former residents say harmful practices continue
Oregon woman opens up about alleged domestic violence before receiving 10-year sentence over baby's death
A judge said the alleged domestic violence Deborah Albin experienced did not meet Oregon law’s strict criteria to avoid a mandatory-minimum sentence
Why sentencing reform for domestic violence survivors keeps falling short in Oregon
Advocates are pushing for a survivor justice law like those in other states, but a two-thirds legislative majority presents a major hurdle
Some states offer domestic violence defenses to parents charged with failing to prevent child abuse. Should Oregon?
Parents in eight states can be acquitted if they can show “reasonable fear” of escalating violence
Spokane prosecutors are suddenly declining to charge more felony domestic violence cases, citing staffing issues
As Washington reduces public defender caseloads, prosecutors say that's forced difficult charging decisions
Oregon prosecutors said she didn’t protect her baby. She says she was surviving abuse.
Even in states like Oregon without an explicit “failure to protect” law, abused mothers can face prison time
Parents, advocates say guardians ad litem need more guardrails. These Washington reforms could help
More training and limiting the scope of investigations could improve how domestic violence and child abuse are handled in custody cases
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
WA crime victim orgs call for state help as falling federal funding has them at a ‘breaking point’
Nonprofits say temporary state dollars haven’t been enough to stave off cuts to sexual abuse and domestic violence programs
Many Washington counties aren’t verifying if accused domestic abusers are turning over their guns
While some counties are devoting money to track down guns, others rely on the honor system to ensure firearms are turned over
Sheriff candidate in small WA county faces claims of domestic violence, dishonesty
State Legislature failed to pass bill last session that would have disqualified him from running
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