Most of the people we represent have never been in trouble with the law, but ignoring a misdemeanor charge could lead to jail time, expensive fines, and a damaged reputation. The Gig Harbor Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and civil infractions committed in the municipality. The Gig Harbor Municipal Court does not handle civil cases or small claims, because they are heard by the Pierce County District Court. The Gig Harbor Municipal Court also handles protection and no-contact orders that are locally based.
If you're charged with a crime that requires you appear in Gig Harbor Municipal Court, it's important to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Before appearing, be fully prepared, understand the charges you face, and be fully aware of the punishments you may be subject to, if convicted.
Our Gig Harbor Municipal Court criminal lawyers can help you prepare for your appearance in court, and will ensure that you know what to expect when you walk through those doors. When you retain a member of our legal team, they conduct an investigation of your case, develop a defense, and work tirelessly to ensure the best end result possible.
How The Gig Harbor Municipal Court Handles Criminal Punishment and PenaltiesIf you're charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor in Gig Harbor, you probably have questions about the punishments incurred if you're convicted. Misdemeanor convictions in Gig Harbor can lead to 90 days in jail and fines totaling $1,000.
Gross misdemeanor convictions are more severe, and may lead to a year in jail and $5,000 worth of fines. Gross misdemeanor charges may also accompany charges for other municipal crimes like DUI and shoplifting.
There is a distinction with municipal infractions, which are not considered crimes. The most common example of a municipal infraction is a traffic violation. Penalties for these offenses may not lead to jail time but can still have a substantial impact on a person's life. Sometimes the damage caused by an infraction is not readily evident, but the full impact is felt at a later date.
Consider how a speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal. You pay the fine and quickly forget it ever happened. Then a month goes by and you discover that you're auto insurance rates have doubled. You wonder if challenging the ticket would have been a better course of action, but it's too late to do anything about it.
DUI convictions are another example, because your job, reputation, and family life may all be affected. Acquiring criminal record may make it hard to get a job, an apartment, or even travel over the border into Canada. If your driver's license is suspended, you may not be able to travel to and from work, or run routine daily errands. Avoiding these unseen repercussions should be your highest priority.
Our Municipal Court Lawyers In Gig Harbor Will Fight To Mitigate Your PunishmentsOur Gig Harbor Municipal Court criminal attorneys understand how devastating any misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction can be. If you're ready to fight a criminal charge in municipal court, get help from our qualified Gig Harbor attorney. We care about the outcome, and will fight to protect your good name in the pursuit of justice.
Handling the Gig Harbor Municipal Court requires legal knowledge and experience with the court. Get help from our professional Gig Harbor Municipal Court attorneys today by contacting us for a free consultation. At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, we are eager to earn your trust by representing your interests in Gig Harbor Municipal Court.
If you're worried about paying our legal fees, please note that our Gig Harbor attorneys offer convenient payment options if you qualify, so be sure to ask about this option if necessary.