A conviction for a misdemeanor crime could cost you a great deal of money, land you in jail, and cause significant damage to your reputation. The Kirkland Municipal Court has jurisdiction over crimes that include misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and civil infractions. However, the Municipal Court does not handle any civil or small claims cases, as they are heard by the District Court. Please note that the Municipal Court also handles anti-harassment orders.
If you're charged with a crime that will be handled by the Kirkland Municipal Court, it's important to protect your legal interests and defend your rights. Before appearing in court, do what you can to fully prepare yourself and understand the charges you face. You should also be aware of the penalties you could be facing if convicted.
Our Kirkland Municipal Court criminal attorneys can help you prepare for your appearance in court. We will investigate your case, develop a defense, and work tirelessly to resolve your case.
How The Kirkland Municipal Court Handles Criminal PenaltiesIf you're facing a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charge, you undoubtedly have questions about the punishments associated with your alleged crime. In short, a misdemeanor conviction in Kirkland can lead to 90 days in jail and fines totaling $1,000.
Convictions for gross misdemeanors are more severe, and could result in up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines. Gross misdemeanor charges often accompany municipal crimes that include DUI and shoplifting, among many others.
Municipal infractions are not considered crimes. Traffic violations are most common example of infractions, and penalties for these offenses often have a substantial impact on people's lives. The repercussions of an infraction may not at first be evident, but the full impact will likely be felt at a later date.
For example, a speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal, so you pay the fine and forget about it. A month later you discover that you're auto insurance rates have gone through the roof, and wonder if challenging the ticket would have been a better course of action.
Also consider how a DUI conviction may affect your job, reputation, and family life. The acquisition of a criminal record could make it hard to receive equal treatment when applying for a job or apartment. Losing your driver's license could make it impossible to travel to and from work, or even run routine errands. Obviously, it makes sense to avoid these repercussions at all costs.
Our Municipal Court Attorneys Will Fight To Mitigate Your PunishmentsOur Kirkland Municipal Court criminal lawyers fully understand how devastating a misdemeanor conviction can be. If you're ready to fight back against a criminal charge in municipal court, get help from qualified Kirkland lawyers who care about the outcome, and will fight to protect your good name.
Handling the Kirkland Municipal Court requires both knowledge of the law and experience with the court, so get help from our professional Kirkland Municipal Court lawyers today. At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, we offer decades of combined legal experience, and we are eager to earn your trust.
If you have concerns about the cost of your legal fees, please note that our Kirkland lawyers offer convenient payment options that suit any budget.