Legal Insights
Practical guidance for legal decisions that matter.
Articles from Platt, Thompson & Buescher on Washington family law, criminal defense, DUI, search and seizure, firearm-related issues and the legal questions affecting Island County families.
Our blog provides general educational information—not legal advice for a particular case. Laws and procedures can change, and every matter should be evaluated individually.

Washington Law
Articles & analysis
Latest Legal Insights
Practical explanations of Washington legal issues.
Browse recent articles from the firm. New legal insights will appear here automatically as they are published.
Can you fight a protection order in Washington State?
Family Law Can you fight a protection order in Washington State? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law July 14, 2026 Receiving notice that someone has asked the court for a protection order against you…
How deployment affects your parental rights
Family Law How deployment affects your parental rights On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law April 27, 2026 For service members stationed in Island County and across Washington, deployment is a regular part of life.…
Can evidence from an illegal search be used against you?
Warrants Can evidence from an illegal search be used against you? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law January 21, 2026 If police searched you, your car, or your home, you may wonder whether the…
Should you consider collaborative divorce?
Divorce Should you consider collaborative divorce? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law October 23, 2025 Collaborative divorce allows couples to work together in handling the end of their marriage. Unlike traditional court battles, this…
What are the different types of gun crimes?
Felonies What are the different types of gun crimes? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law July 23, 2025 Gun crimes in Washington State cover a range of offenses related to the unlawful possession, use,…
You MIGHT be an “Illegal Alien” if…..
US Immigration You MIGHT be an “Illegal Alien” if….. by Craig A. Platt June 30, 2025 [*NOTE: I wrote this a while ago. Right after the Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship dropped. So, this post addresses the underlying…
What are Washington’s laws on paternity?
Family Law What are Washington’s laws on paternity? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law May 9, 2025 In Washington, you must establish paternity for child custody, child support, and other family law matters. When…
What legal rights do minors have in Washington courts?
Presumption of Innocence What legal rights do minors have in Washington courts? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law January 31, 2025 The criminal justice system treats juveniles differently than adults. Washington state enforces specific…
Can your spouse file for divorce while you are away on leave?
Divorce Can your spouse file for divorce while you are away on leave? On Behalf of Platt, Thompson and Buescher, Attorneys at Law October 30, 2024 Military service can put a strain on relationships, especially when one spouse…
Explore by Topic
Find articles relevant to your situation.
01
Family Law
Parenting plans, deployment, paternity, protection orders and other family-law questions.
02
Divorce
Collaborative divorce, military-family concerns, property and practical separation issues.
03
DUI Defense
Field sobriety testing, traffic stops, breath and blood evidence and DUI consequences.
04
Criminal Defense
Felony allegations, juvenile rights, evidence, constitutional protections and criminal procedure.
05
Search & Seizure
Warrants, illegal searches, suppression issues and Washington constitutional protections.
06
Rights & Legal Analysis
Presumption of innocence, notable cases and broader analysis of legal rights and institutions.
A Note About Our Articles
General information is not a substitute for legal advice.
Blog content may discuss laws, cases and procedures that later change. Reading an article does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no article can account for every fact affecting a particular matter.
For advice about a current legal issue, speak directly with a qualified attorney who can review the complete circumstances.
Questions About Your Situation?
Speak with an experienced Island County attorney.
A confidential consultation can help you understand how Washington law may apply to your circumstances and what practical next steps are available.
180 NW Coveland St, Coupeville, WA 98239 · reception@plattbuescher.com