Assenberg sues attorney

Michael Assenberg of Colfax June 4 filed a civil suit against Spokane Attorney Douglas Phelps of Phelps and Associates. The suit alleges negligence by Phelps in his representation of Assenberg in criminal and civil actions. The suit cites the criminal case in 2012 in which deputies seized marijuana plants at Assenberg's residence in Colfax and a civil suit which he subsequently filed against the county.

The suit cites alleged shortcomings by Phelps in his presentation which were argued before the Ninth District Court March 29. The civil action contended Assenberg was damaged when he was not allowed entry into a public meeting, when he suffered a seizure while in jail and when he was arrested in the drug raid. That criminal case was eventually stopped by a medical marijuana defense.