Law Office of Chris Van Vechten

02/23/2026

I made the news on this one. SB5067 is a terrible bill that does nothing to lower traffic fatalities but does a lot to lower systemic accountability

Legislators are exploring lowering the drunk driving threshold for the fourth straight year.

02/03/2026

https://thecascadian.com/protecting-the-public-from-drunk-drivers-or-protecting-police-officers-from-any-and-all-accountability/

Senate Bill 5067 just passed the Washington State Senate by a vote of 26 to 23 and it’s on its way to the House where many expect this secession it will pass. If it does, Washington State will become…

01/20/2026

https://thecascadian.com/when-is-it-legal-to-use-physical-force-against-a-police-officer/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPcvU9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedBjFh2nZTnjwHd2HYTXku4xkEekNTWRqJyeCkBRMPcn5qJ9iQOA3_TBrUUI_aem_ZibQu-ssIdpFIAoZiQ-LBA

Given some of the claims passing through social media in the wake of recent deadly encounters with law enforcement, it seems necessary to advise the public of some basic concepts. When I say “police…

12/15/2025

Hello Everyone! I've made this post public and tagged a bunch of you to ask you to please SHARE this great **FREE** opportunity with your networks. With the turmoil in employment and jobs right now, this is a great opportunity for anyone looking to re-skill into a quality family-wage job by getting an Associate of Applied Technology degree in two great green economy fields!
These programs are being offered by Clover Park Technical College at the Eastside Training Center (6002 E McKinley Ave) next to Earthwise Architectural Salvage.
Again, those living in certain zip codes can do this program **FOR FREE**!!! (98446, 98445, 98444, 98443, 98424, 98421, 98418, 98409, 98408, 98405, 98404, 98402)
Here is more information from Dr. Joyce Loveday, President of Clover Park Technical College:
Dear Community Partners and Friends,
I’m excited to share a no-cost educational opportunity beginning January 5, 2026, for residents living in specific zip codes on Tacoma’s Eastside. This training is offered in partnership with Workforce Central and funded through a Quality Green Jobs grant they received.
Attached is a flyer with details about this program. There are still seats available, and we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word to your congregation, friends, neighborhood associations, and others who may be interested.
Although the flyer identifies that registration closes December 19, late registrations may still be considered if space is available. Additionally, there is potential for a spring quarter cohort for students interested in the certificate option.
Here are a few key points about the program:
> Open to adults 18 and older
> High school graduation is NOT required
> Thanks to Workforce Central’s grant, there is no cost to participants
> Participants must live in one of the following zip codes:
98446, 98445, 98444, 98443, 98424, 98421, 98418, 98409, 98408, 98405, 98404, 98402
> Classes will be held Monday–Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m. at the Eastside Training Center (6002 E. McKinley)
> Both programs lead to family-wage jobs and offer an Associate of Applied Technology degree:
> Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security – 5-quarter program
> Heating & Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician – 4-quarter program
>Students starting in winter quarter are eligible for the degree option at no cost; students entering a possible spring cohort will be eligible for a certificate at no cost.
>Employment support will be provided after training
Thank you for helping us share this opportunity with your networks. Please reach out if you have any questions or need additional information.
Dr. Joyce Loveday, President
Clover Park Technical College
Link:

07/15/2025

On this Bastille Day, I pass another milestone. #300 was a very nice lady with severe developmental disabilities who was accused of attempted Assault in the Second Degree with a knife and Felony Harassment. The alleged victim was her caretaker. The case was foreseeably dumped on capacity grounds give that she had been the ward of a guardianship for 30 years.

The good news is she's very well cared for and - even though she receives 24 hour supervision and care - is holding a part-time job as a custodian at an area fast-food restaurant.

06/02/2025

New Rule in Milton Muni Court

LCrRLJ 3.2 RELEASE OF THE ACCUSED – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES
Any person arrested on probable cause (without a warrant) for an offense classified as a Domestic Violence offense under Chapter 10.99 of the Revised Code of Washington as the same exists or shall hereafter be amended shall be held in jail without bail pending the defendant’s first appearance in the absence of a judicial order. The defendant shall appear the Tuesday following arrest which shall be deemed the earliest practicable judicial day for the hearing.

You can comment on this rule at [email protected] before June 27 and I encourage you do so.

This was mine:

"I strongly oppose this proposed local rule for many reasons, including my skepticism that the automatic denial of release to someone because of their charge and not their character is constitutional. The Bill of Rights requires Courts to view those who come before them as individuals rather than a class of persons and thus the conditions of release must be tailored to identifiable facts about the defendant rather than the class of crime they are accused of. Furthermore, a person arrested on a Wednesday would not be seen by the Court until 6 days later, and CrRLJ 3.2.1 requires the court to make a judicial determination of PC within 48 hours with the prosecution being required to file a complaint within 72 (excluding weekends and holidays)."

11/14/2024

Former client doing well

From a troubled past to a hopeful future, Indigenous actor Damian Castellane helps put reservation life in the spotlight. ------------------------...

07/26/2024

See my interview with former Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor

Join Philip Lindholm and guests as they explore criminal justice and public safety at a deeper level. Guests are Sheriff Paul Pastor and Defense Attorney Ch...

06/26/2024

My wife works to expand low income older adult assisted living housing, and her Chef serves truly incredible, tasteful, nutritious, from-scratch food. He's in a fierce Chef competition, so go cast a vote for a man with a passion to serve nutritious, delicious, beautifully-plated food to our Tacoma neighbors:

Chef Jim made it through the first two rounds, and now we're on the 3rd round, and he's in 3rd place - help us bump him back into 1st place by casting your free vote here:

https://favchef.com/2024/jim-pollet?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2LSWMq6mcu2EiZb7eQgw0f1sCwgercKX5SXvZY8kXIrvwHu2i2MIfCLZU_aem_I9YVTGbv6SMpAbF-4CDmDg

One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

06/19/2024

04/26/2024

Lawyer lounge in a nutshell