Hubbard v. Everett appeal, Court affirms dismissal

Hubbard v. Everett appeal, Court affirms dismissal

Castillo-Urbina v. Washington - Domestic Violence Rape Convictions Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals Division One affirmed Eduardo Castillo-Urbina's convictions on two counts of second-degree rape, one count of second-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, and one count of third-degree malicious mischief, all domestic violence offenses against his wife. The appellate court rejected Urbina's claims of trial court error regarding evidentiary rulings and an exceptional sentence, finding no abuse of discretion.

Robertson-Butler Appeal - Assault Drive-by Firearm Convictions Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One affirmed Frankie Robertson-Butler's convictions for assault in the second degree, drive-by shooting, and unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree. The court rejected claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, and challenges to community custody conditions. Robertson argued his counsel should have requested necessity and 'act on appearances' instructions related to his self-defense theory.

State v. Pond - Sex Offender Registration Retroactivity

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division I reversed a trial court dismissal in State v. Pond, holding that 2023 amendments to RCW 9A.44.144 (ESHB 1394) providing relief from sex offender registration for juvenile offenders do not apply retroactively to defendants whose registration duty arose from adult convictions. The court remanded the case for further proceedings.

Termination of Parental Rights Affirmed, Racial Bias Claim Fails

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, affirmed the termination of Mr. M.'s parental rights to his daughter I.C.M.M., rejecting his claims that the decision improperly relied on racial/ethnic bias and that DCYF failed to provide statutorily required services under RCW 13.34.180(1). The superior court had terminated parental rights in December 2024 after finding parental deficiencies including inability to protect the child from abuse and inappropriate physical discipline.

Tim Koetje Initiative Struck Down - Ballot Initiative Repeal of Property Tax Measure

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One affirmed the trial court's injunction preventing Tim Koetje's Initiative 2024-01 from appearing on the Whatcom County November 2024 ballot. The initiative sought to repeal a 2022 voter-approved property tax lid lift that funded the Healthy Children's Fund for childcare and early learning programs. The court held the initiative was administrative rather than legislative in nature and improperly interfered with the county council's budgetary authority.

Nowell Estate Administration Dispute - Appeal Dismissed

Washington Court of Appeals, Division One dismissed Deborah Osborne's appeal challenging the appointment of El-Fatih Paul Nowell as administrator of his deceased wife's estate. The court affirmed the superior court's denial of Osborne's motion to vacate the commissioner-ordered appointment, finding no basis to overturn the appointment made in Pierce County Superior Court.

Osborne v. Nowell - Estate Administration Appeal

Washington Court of Appeals, Division One affirmed the King County Superior Court's denial of Deborah Osborne's petition to be appointed administrator of her deceased sister Angela Nowell's estate, upholding the prior appointment of Angela's husband El-Fatih Paul Nowell in Pierce County. The court rejected Osborne's procedural challenges and due process claims, and awarded attorney fees to Nowell under RCW 11.96A.150.

Great American E&S Insurance v. Houston Casualty - Malpractice Claim Assignment

The Washington Court of Appeals reversed the superior court and held that Washington public policy prohibits an insured from assigning legal malpractice claims against retained defense counsel to a liability insurer where there is potential conflict between the insurer and insured, such as when the insurer defended under a reservation of rights. Defense counsel Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP prevailed on their motion for judgment on the pleadings.

Helsinki Commission Briefing on Ukrainian Territory in Donetsk

The U.S. Helsinki Commission (CSCE) will hold a briefing on the military importance of Ukrainian-held territory in Donetsk. The event is scheduled for April 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Room CHOB 210, Washington, D.C. This is a joint committee meeting providing an informational briefing on current geopolitical developments.