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Welcome from Attorney General Bob Ferguson
Dear Friends, This month, I have several important updates to share with you. My office successfully defended the will of the voters in a recent legal challenge to the state's marijuana legalization law, and we prosecuted a case to protect our environment. We also continue our work to raise awareness around the tragic plight of immigrant children facing deportation. Here in Washington and across the country, immigrant children end up alone in the courtroom, forced to defend themselves in complex deportation hearings. Read more about these and other issues below. As always, please contact me with your questions, thoughts or concerns. Sincerely, Bob Ferguson |
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Latest news on I-502
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Justice for children facing deportationAG wants full legal protection for immigrant children in deportation hearings Unaccompanied immigrant children should not be forced to represent themselves in complex deportation hearings. My office has filed a “friend of the court” brief in U.S. District Court supporting efforts to ensure children in Washington state who face deportation have an attorney by their side. According to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) Immigration, 41% of unaccompanied children in Washington state who have lawyers are granted protection from deportation, but only 4% without lawyers are allowed to remain. I am examining ways to address the legal needs of these children with pro bono lawyers. Everett Herald Spokesman Review |
State’s first derelict vessel convictionEnvironmental criminals beware – AG’s office won’t tolerate pollution of state waters Assistant Attorney General Josh Choate recently won the state’s first derelict vessel conviction. Prosecuting environmental crimes is a top priority of my administration. Because of the high costs and damages associated with derelict vessels, we are taking an aggressive legal stance against those who abandon their boats in state waters. In July 2013, Brandon Traner abandoned his fishing trawler “M/V Forus” when it sank in the Columbia River. The vessel discharged fuel and oil, and its masts threatened the safety of barges and other ships passing through the navigation channel. Traner was sentenced to 20 days in jail and ordered to pay the state $144,000 in restitution. Cleanup and recovery cost taxpayers more than $100,000. Seattle Times KEPR TV |
Reaching out to communities in WashingtonIn the last month, I have been honored to attend and participate in numerous meetings and events across the state of Washington. These statewide activities included:
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Nick Brown
