Black & Askerov, PLLC

10/09/2026

Explore common defenses to Washington domestic violence charges and how a Seattle criminal defense attorney can protect your rights.

Being arrested or charged with a domestic violence offense in Washington can have serious and immediate consequences. A court may impose a no-contact order, restrict access to a shared residence, and, depending on the circumstances, impose fi***rm restrictions. A conviction can also affect employmen...

09/16/2026

Learn when juvenile records can be sealed in Washington, who qualifies, and how sealing a record can help protect your future.

A juvenile criminal record can follow someone long after a case is over. In Washington, juvenile court records generally remain open to public inspection unless they are sealed. Fortunately, state law provides a process for sealing many juvenile records, potentially limiting the impact of a past cas...

08/20/2026

Learn what to expect at your 1st court appearance in Seattle, including bail, release conditions, your rights, and how an attorney can help.

07/23/2026

Explore common questions regarding federal sentencing. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov are here to help!

Crimes can take the shape of state crimes or federal crimes. If an offense is a state crime, then it’s charged in state court at the state level. If an offense is a federal crime, then it’s charged in federal court at the federal level. Examples of federal crimes include: Certain drug offenses, ...

07/16/2026

Learn the top three defenses to a theft charge in Washington State, including lack of intent, claim of ownership, and insufficient evidence.

A theft conviction in Washington can have serious and lasting consequences. Depending on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged offense, you could face jail time, significant fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, being charged with theft d...

06/26/2026

What happens when a minor is arrested in Washington? Learn about juvenile detention, court proceedings, and how a defense attorney can help.

06/18/2026

Learn what happens when drugs are found during a traffic stop, potential charges, legal defenses, and how a defense attorney can help.

A routine traffic stop can quickly become a serious criminal matter if law enforcement officers discover drugs in a vehicle. Whether the drugs belong to the driver, a passenger, or someone else entirely, the consequences can be severe. Understanding your rights and the legal issues involved is criti...

06/10/2026

Federal stalking charges can carry severe penalties, including prison time. Learn how federal stalking laws work and available defenses.

Stalking allegations are serious under both Washington and federal law. While many people are familiar with state stalking offenses, fewer understand that stalking can also be prosecuted in federal court. A federal stalking conviction can lead to significant prison time, substantial fines, and a per...

06/04/2026

Can self-defense be used in a Washington criminal case? Learn when self-defense may apply and how a Seattle criminal defense lawyer can help.

If you have been charged with assault or another violent crime in Washington, you may be wondering whether you can argue that you acted in self-defense. In many situations, Washington law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from harm. When supported by the fact...

05/27/2026

Can returning stolen property reduce theft charges in Washington? Learn how prosecutors may view returned property and other factors.

Being accused of theft can be overwhelming and stressful. In many cases, people immediately wonder whether returning an item or paying it back can make the situation disappear. A person accused of shoplifting, taking property from a workplace, or being involved in another theft-related offense may t...