In 1995, Ernest Benson, then age 20, plead guilty to two counts of Aggravated First Degree Murder. He was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence without parole (‘LWOP’). In 2021, our Washington Supreme Court held LWOP sentences were unconstitutional for offenders between 18-20. Personal Restraint of Monschke, 197 Wn.2d 305, 329 (2021). The court later Read More…
My Blog
TALES FROM THE TRENCHES ‘Victim’ Rights Trump Defendant’s in Rape Case State v. Krause (Supreme Court 3/26 #103856)
Mr. Krause was charged with four counts of rape involving three separate alleged victims, who all knew each other and came forward to report him when they heard each other’s story. All four charges involving the three young women were joined for trial. Mr. Krause made multiple motions to sever, which were all denied. All Read More…
TALES FROM THE TRENCHES Right to Silence Really Means Something Murder Conviction Reversed! State v. Ianniciello Division I 86711-3-1
Julie Ann Ianniciello was convicted of First Degree Murder after a jury found she shot and killed her husband. There was marital conflict (Ms. Ianniciello was in an affair, with texts indicating she wanted out of the marriage). On appeal, she argued she did not receive a fair trial because the State elicited testimony regarding Read More…