Many people make the mistake of thinking a misdemeanor crime won’t have much of an impact on their life. While in some cases this may be true, depending on a person’s situation a misdemeanor conviction can have far reaching negative implications.
Seattle Municipal Court handles all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, infractions, and civil violations. If you’re facing any of these charges you will have to deal with the Seattle Municipal Court, and perhaps even appear before a judge.
When dealing with any court, preparation is essential. Our Seattle Municipal Court criminal attorneys can help you understand the charges you face, explore various defense options, and help you prepare your defense if a court date becomes necessary.
Understanding Penalties of the Seattle Municipal CourtYou are likely concerned about the penalties that could be levied by the municipal court in your case. If convicted of a misdemeanor you will face a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanors can incur a sentence of up to a year in jail and $5,000 fine. Common gross misdemeanor offenses in Seattle include DUI, domestic violence, and shoplifting.
An infraction is not legally described as a crime, but they still are prohibited by the law. Common infractions include parking citations and speeding tickets. Civil offenses are heard by the Seattle Municipal Court when the city seeks to enforce possible code violations.
Obviously, any penalty issued by the municipal court will have an impact on your life – some more than others. Many impacts may not be readily apparent, and often these are the most devastating to the individual. A speeding ticket can lead to higher insurance rates, and a DUI could affect your family, your job, and your reputation.
Our Primary Goal is to Help you Avoid Costly Penalties and Protect your Legal RightsOur Seattle Municipal Court criminal lawyers understand the impact even the smallest infraction can have on a person’s life. Worse, sometimes honest, hard-working people are accused of crimes they didn’t commit. In cases such as this it’s vital to get legal advice from a Seattle lawyer with experience in municipal court.
With so much at stake, it makes sense to talk with someone about your specific situation that can help you understand the law, protect your rights, and help you prepare for court. At the law offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we offer a cost-free consultation so that we can help you determine the best course of action when dealing with the court.
Our team of Seattle Municipal Court criminal lawyers has over 30 years of combined experience, and we are ready to put it to work for you.