Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor and Felony Crimes in Olympia

Any criminal charge is capable of turning your life upside down and can leave you with a great sense of fear and even uncertainty about what the future holds. In Olympia, Washington, crimes are categorized into three different levels: misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. Each of these carries different degrees of punishment and consequences for the offender.

Misdemeanors are usually considered the least serious offenses and often result in less severe penalties that can include fines, jail time up to 90 days, and probation. Some of the more common examples of misdemeanor offenses in Olympia include petty theft, simple assault, or driving under the influence (DUI). While these crimes seem on the minor side, even a simple misdemeanor can have a long-lasting impact on your life and reputation and can result in a criminal record that follows you.

Gross misdemeanors are considered more serious crimes and can carry penalties of up to a year in jail and much higher fines. Some examples of these crimes include repeat DUI offenses, domestic violence, and reckless driving. These usually result in more harm being done, which is what makes the penalties more severe. They can also increase the likelihood of a criminal conviction that can seriously impact other aspects of your life, including employment and housing.

Felonies are the most severe crimes in Olympia and are often attached to long prison sentences and hefty fines. Some crimes in this category include murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. Felonies are also classified into degrees, with first-degree felonies having the harshest penalties. Overall, the consequences for felony crimes are long-lasting and extend far beyond the legal repercussions we have mentioned.

For this reason, you want to have a qualified criminal defense attorney on your side. They can prove to be your greatest ally as you navigate the complicated legal process and work to minimize your charges as much as possible to help ensure a brighter future post-conviction.

Washington State Laws and Statutes Relevant to These Crimes in Olympia

Now, let’s break down some of the more relevant state laws and statutes you will find when dealing with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony charges in Olympia, Washington.

Misdemeanors

According to RCW 9A.20.021, misdemeanors are usually punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, there are exceptions to this, and the punishment may vary depending on the actual offense that was committed.

• Simple Misdemeanors: These are the least serious offenses and include crimes such as disorderly conduct, minor theft under $750, and public intoxication.
• Gross Misdemeanors: This is more serious than a simple misdemeanor but not as severe as a felony. Some common gross misdemeanors include a first- or second-offense DUI, domestic violence offenses, and reckless driving. They are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Sentencing Enhancements: You can find these under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (RCW 9.94A). This says that certain misdemeanors can carry enhanced penalties, but it depends on the extent of the offense and aggravating factors, like a prior criminal history, the involvement of a weapon, or whether the crime was committed under certain circumstances, like in a school zone.
• Criminal History: Under that same statute, you can also find more information about what might happen if you have a prior criminal history. This statute allows for sentencing enhancements for subsequent offenses.

Felonies

Felonies are the most serious offenses and carry severe penalties. The statutes that govern felonies in the state cover a wide range of crimes, from violent crimes like assault and homicide to theft, kidnapping, and sexual offenses.

• RCW 9A.20.010: This covers felony crimes related to assault, robbery, and homicide and covers sentencing guidelines, including sentencing ranges and enhancements.
• RCW 9A.32: This defines homicide offenses, including first-degree murder and manslaughter.
• RCW 9A.56: This covers felony theft offenses, including first-degree theft and armed robbery.
• RCW 9A.36: This is about assault-related felonies, including first-degree assault and assault of a law enforcement officer.
• RCW 9A.40: This covers kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, including first-degree kidnapping charges.
• RCW 9A.44: This covers felony sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault.

A Blend of Government, Nature, and Legal Challenges in Olympia

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is known for its blend of government activity and natural beauty. This city, which you can find right along Puget Sound, offers a ton of outdoor experiences. It also features charming neighborhoods, parks, and trails while still serving as a political and administrative center for the state.

Despite the positive reputation this city has, it still experiences crime that affects its residents. Misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies are a part of these legalities and happen throughout the city. Understanding the legal framework involved is important when you are charged with a minor offense or a more serious felony. You want to seek legal representation in Olympia to help get through all the complexities involved.

The Power of a Professional Defense Team in Olympia for Criminal Charges

When you are head to head with criminal charges in Olympia, you need a skilled defense attorney at your side, fighting for your rights. These experts have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the laws, the judicial process, and how things work.

They can challenge any evidence presented against you, negotiate plea deals, and provide you with strategic guidance to help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

A criminal defense attorney is also an advocate who can work to minimize the penalties, help you avoid conviction, and even secure a case dismissal in some instances.

We firmly believe that every type of misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony charge can be successfully challenged. Our dedicated attorneys have been defending clients against these criminal charges throughout Western Washington for years.

If you or a loved one are facing these criminal charges, you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced attorneys will use various strategies to ensure your case has a chance at a favorable outcome. They are aggressive, knowledgeable, and ready to defend you.

Misdemeanors

The most general breakdown of crimes depends on the maximum potential penalties. Crimes with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine are called misdemeanors. Any type of criminal conviction, including misdemeanors can include other types of penalties, such as probation, court ordered classes, no contact orders, stay out of area orders, court costs, and much more. A prosecutor for the State or City has up to one year to decide on whether or not to file a criminal charges on something that would be a misdemeanor.

Municipal courts and County District courts handle misdemeanor cases. This would include the Thurston District Court, the Yelm Municipal court, the Olympia Municipal Court, and the Tumwater Municipal Court.

Common misdemeanor charges include driving while license suspended 3°, negligent driving 1°, hit & run unattended, and criminal trespass 2°.

Gross Misdemeanors

Crimes which have a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine are classified as gross misdemeanors. If you are convicted of a gross misdemeanor, the court also has the authority to impose additional penalties, such as probation, court costs (in addition to a fine), classes (i.e. anger management, drug & alcohol, parenting, driving), driving restrictions, and also no contact orders. The statute of limitations on a gross misdemeanor is 2 years which means the prosecutor has up to two years to file the criminal charge against you.

Just like with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanors are handled by municipal courts and county district courts. These types of charges are commonly handled by the Thurston County District Court, Olympia Municipal, the City of Lacy, Yelm Municipal, and Tumwater Municipal.

Common gross misdemeanors you may encounter include DUI, Reckless Driving, Theft 3°, hit & run attended, DWLS 2°, and Assault 4°.

Felony

The most serious types of crimes are designated as felonies. Felonies are crimes with a maximum penalty over 364 days in jail. Felonies are then broken up into three different classes which also signify their severity.

A class A felony is the most serious type of crime possible. They have a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Class A felonies include murder, manslaughter 1°, assault 1°, and assault 2° with sexual motivation.

Below a class A is a class B felony. Class B felonies have a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Class B felonies include theft 1°, assault 2°, malicious mischief 1°, manslaughter 2°, and motor vehicle theft.

Finally, there are class C felonies. Class C felonies have a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Felonies classified as class C include unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference 1°, theft 2°, malicious mischief 2°, rape 3°, assault 3°, and malicious harassment.