Latest news with #SeattleMunicipalCourt
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle
The Brief A jury found Miles Hudson, notoriously known as the "Belltown Hellcat," guilty of reckless driving and reckless driving racing in Seattle between December 1, 2023, and February 24, 2024. On the stand, Hudson claimed the viral street racing video was a staged and edited Need for Speed–style skit for his Instagram audience, asserting the car never actually reached 107 mph as shown in the Instagram video he posted. Despite Hudson's claim of video editing and performance art, jurors were swayed by police testimony and video evidence allegedly showing real-life dangerous driving through Seattle's public streets. SEATTLE - The Seattle Municipal Court jury has reached a verdict in the highly publicized case of Miles Hudson, finding the 22-year-old social media personality, guilty on both counts of reckless driving and reckless driving racing. The incidents in question took place between December 1, 2023, and February 24, 2024, on the streets of downtown Seattle and the Belltown neighborhood. Hudson, known to his hundreds of thousands of online followers as the "Belltown Hellcat," was charged after multiple videos surfaced showing his uniquely painted black and beige Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat — alleged to be driven by Hudson — speeding, weaving through traffic, and appearing to engage in street racing. Prosecutors argued that the conduct posed a serious public safety threat and was glamorized online for social media content. What we know The city presented three witnesses — two Seattle Police Department officers and a detective — who testified about the danger and illegality of the high-speed maneuvers depicted in Hudson's online videos. Footage showed cars revving engines, performing maneuvers in downtown intersections and reaching speeds upwards of 100 mph. One critical piece of evidence was a video clip allegedly showing a speedometer reading of 107 mph. The prosecution argued this was proof of street racing and reckless endangerment in a busy urban area. Hudson took the stand in his own defense Tuesday, denying that he ever raced or reached those speeds. Instead, he characterized the videos as "skits," designed as content for his Instagram page, SRT Miles. "It's like a movie. You saw the final result of me and the homies," Hudson testified. "We staged some Need for Speed stuff … it's entertainment." Miles Hudson Hudson claimed that what appeared to be speeding was achieved through video editing, using tools like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. He explained that a "dynamic mask" was used to overlay the speedometer, fabricating the 107 mph readout. He also said the sound effects were added in post-production. The defense emphasized that many of the scenes were scripted and rehearsed, and that props like Nerf guns and ski masks were used to enhance the illusion of intensity. However, the jury was not persuaded. What they're saying After a brief deliberation, the jury returned with a guilty verdict on both counts. Judge Melanie Tratnik, who presided over the trial following a last-minute reassignment from Judge Andrew Simons, set a sentencing date of July 7. Although Hudson's attorney asked the court to lift his home monitoring requirement, the judge declined to change the terms of his release. Hudson will remain on electronic home monitoring, and restrictions on his social media use will also stay in effect until his sentencing on July 7. What we don't know It is unknown if Hudson's attorney, Sheley Anderson, will appeal the verdict. City Prosecutor, Christopher Karr, led the case for the city of Seattle. Hudson's sentencing is expected on Monday, July 7. He could face fines, license suspension, mandatory driving courses or even jail time, depending on the judge's decision. This case has sparked broader conversations about Seattle's new reckless driving law and social media's influence on risky behavior, especially among young car enthusiasts. The Source Information in this story came from the Seattle Municipal Court and FOX 13 Seattle original reporting. Bodies of 3 missing Wenatchee, WA girls found, father wanted for murder 'I am in a lot of pain': Lakewood, WA mass shooting survivors being released from hospitals Alaska Airlines announces nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome WATCH: TikTok video of woman digging for geoduck in WA goes viral Carnation fed up with traffic from Remlinger Farms concerts To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Belltown Hellcat' Miles Hudson on trial for reckless driving in Seattle
The Brief Miles Hudson, known as the "Belltown Hellcat," appeared in Seattle Municipal Court Tuesday for the start of his criminal traffic trial, where he faces reckless driving and racing charges. The case, brought by the city of Seattle, includes three prosecution witnesses — two SPD officers and a detective — while the defense, led by Sheley Anderson, plans no witnesses aside from Hudson himself. Jury selection began Monday following motions in limine; both sides expect the trial to conclude by Thursday. SEATTLE - Miles Hudson, widely known as the "Belltown Hellcat" for his viral street racing videos in his modified Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, appeared in Seattle Municipal Court Tuesday for the start of his criminal traffic trial. The case centers on allegations of reckless driving and street racing through densely populated areas of downtown Seattle. Keep reading to learn what happened in court today and who the city is calling as its witnesses. What we know Originally scheduled to be heard by Judge Andrew Simons, the case was reassigned Tuesday morning to Judge Melanie Tratnik. Hudson entered the courtroom dressed entirely in black and wearing a black face mask. He was accompanied by his defense attorney, Sheley Anderson. The city, represented by the Seattle City Attorney's Office, submitted 19 motions aiming to limit defense arguments and testimony, particularly any reference to potential penalties if Hudson is convicted. The city also sought to introduce Hudson's prior contact with law enforcement under Washington Rule of Evidence 404(b). Defense counsel submitted motions to exclude hearsay from responding officers and to prevent impeachment of Hudson based on prior convictions. Hudson plans to testify on his own behalf, and Anderson confirmed no additional witnesses will be called by the defense. Judge Tratnik recessed court for lunch at 11:45 a.m., with plans to resume at 1 p.m. Jury selection was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., following final rulings on outstanding motions. The court requested a pool of 27 potential jurors to be brought in for voir dire. Both parties estimate the trial could conclude by Thursday. Dig deeper The city intends to call three witnesses to the stand: Officer Joshua Vaaga, Seattle Police Department Officer Oliver Murphy, Seattle Police Department Detective Robert Belshay, Seattle Police Department The prosecution alleges that Hudson's conduct endangered public safety, citing speeds exceeding 100 mph, burnouts and donuts recorded on social media in downtown Seattle. Hudson has already accrued tens of thousands of dollars in civil penalties and gained notoriety online for his high-octane stunts. Big picture view This case is just one in a string of legal challenges Hudson faces. In March, he pleaded guilty to disclosing intimate images without consent in a separate case, resulting in a five-year domestic violence no-contact order and a firearm ban. He has also violated electronic home monitoring conditions and failed to appear for prior court dates in Seattle and Renton, leading to multiple warrants and bail forfeitures. The outcome of this week's trial could carry significant consequences for Hudson's legal standing — and his freedom. The Source Information in this story came from Seattle Municipal court documents and court appearances and FOX 13 Seattle original reporting. Bodies of 3 missing Wenatchee, WA girls found, father wanted for murder 'I am in a lot of pain': Lakewood, WA mass shooting survivors being released from hospitals Alaska Airlines announces nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome WATCH: TikTok video of woman digging for geoduck in WA goes viral Carnation fed up with traffic from Remlinger Farms concerts To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
'Belltown Hellcat' pleads guilty to disclosing intimate images in Seattle court
The Brief Miles Hudson, also known as the "Belltown Hellcat," pleaded guilty to disclosing intimate images of his ex-girlfriend in Seattle court. Hudson is now banned from owning any firearms, and had a five-year domestic violence no-contact order imposed against him. SEATTLE - Miles Hudson, also known as the "Belltown Hellcat," pleaded guilty to disclosing intimate images in a Seattle courtroom on Monday. The backstory Hudson, notoriously known for his online stunts in his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, previously faced charges of stalking and revenge porn relating to his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors recommended dismissing the stalking charge as part of Hudson's plea deal, and imposing a 24-month suspended sentence, which the Seattle judge agreed to. Based on this conviction, the judge ruled Hudson is no longer allowed to own any firearms, and imposed a five-year domestic violence no-contact order. What's next Hudson also has a pending reckless driving charge, where he is accused of incidents like doing burnouts and donuts on Seattle streets, and driving at speeds over 100 mph. He's expected to be in court Tuesday morning for the reckless driving case. The Source Information in this story is from the Seattle City Attorney's Office, Seattle Municipal Court and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Fire destroys, damages multiple Cybertrucks in Seattle lot Family wants justice years after Graham, WA man's death Bryan Kohberger defense ramps up legal maneuvers in bid to keep Idaho murders suspect off death row Major TSA change to shorten airport security wait times, DHS says: What to know Seattle Seahawks trade DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh Steelers To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
