State v. Abrahamson

¶1 Under RCW 37.12.010, the State of Washington assumed criminal and civil jurisdiction over Indians on Indian lands for eight specific areas of law, including the “[operation of motor vehicles upon the public streets, alleys, roads and highways.” RCW 37.12.010(8). As a member of the Spokane Indian Tribe, Manuel S. Abrahamson asserts the state court did not have jurisdiction to convict him of the crimes of driving while under the influence, attempting to elude, and driving while license revoked, committed on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. Abrahamson claims the State’s assumption of…