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Practice Advisories

WDA staff and the resource attorneys have created practice advisories on issues relevant to indigent defense. These documents are in Word format and you are encouraged to cut and paste them into your motions and other documents.

If you have an issue that you feel we should prepare an advisory on, let us know. If you have prepared practice advisories and would like to submit one for publication to the indigent defense community, please contact staff for publication to our data base.

As with all resources, WDA attempts to keep these documents current, but it is your responsibility to check the law for changes.

Here are the main subcategories for our Practice Advisories.

Below are the most recently updated documents and links in all practice advisories categories

Accommodation: Client Needs Accommodation GR 33

This WDA Practice Advisory discusses the procedure and includes links to the form for seeking an accommodation for a client to access the courts pursuant to GR 33.

Vacate Misdemeanor (10.2014)

This advisory discussed the rules for vacating Washington adult court misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor convictions.

Vacate – Felony (8.2014)

This advisory discusses the rules for vacating a Washington felony conviction.

Interview of Witness Prior to Trial (10.2014)

DOSA – 2019 Update (2.2019)

This practice advisory discusses the DOSA treatment based alternative sentence for felony crimes sentenced pursuant to the SRA.

Suicidal Client – Ethical and Practical Concerns (2.2019)

This WDA Practice Advisory provides guidance on what an attorney can do when a client is suicidal. What can you share? What about competency?

Exceptional Sentences Down/Basis for Departure (01.2019)

This advisory discusses what qualifies for a departure downward and what doesn't, as well as areas for expansion.

Good Time Eligibility (Felony) (01.2019)

This advisory discusses the rule for early release, or "Good Time" on felony sentences in Washington, including what qualifies for "Good Time," how much is available and how to earn "Good Time."

Exceptional Sentence Down Below the Standard Range (01.2019)

This WDA Practice Advisory discusses the law and strategic considerations for using mitigation and seeking an exceptional sentence below the standard range.

Indeterminate Sex Offense Sentences – Plea Alternative Table (10.2018)

This Practice Advisory is a table of plea offer alternatives you can consider or propose when representing a client facing an indeterminate sex offense. Thanks to Brad Meryhew.