Tacoma Municipal Court

Tacoma Municipal Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and other infractions that occur within the city limits. While these charges may not carry the same severity as those tried in Tacoma Superior or District Court, a conviction can still result in significant penalties like jail time, steep fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your Washington state criminal record that impacts employment, housing, and other areas of your life.

Our Tacoma-based defense attorneys know the Tacoma Municipal Court. We understand the local processes, the tendencies of its judges and prosecutors, and the defenses that resonate in this specific courtroom. If you're facing charges here, our legal team will fight to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and secure a favorable outcome for your case. Contact our Tacoma law offices today to learn how we can help.

Local Legal Expertise For Tacoma Municipal Court Cases

With our two decades of experience defending clients across Western Washington, we know how to handle criminal cases. Call our law offices now if you are facing any of the following charges at Tacoma Municipal Courts:

• Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
• Reckless Driving
• Negligent Driving In The First Degree
• Hit-And-Run (Unattended Vehicle)
• Hit-And-Run (Attended Vehicle)
• Driving With A Suspended Or Revoked License
• Theft In The Third Degree
• Criminal Trespass In The First Degree
• Criminal Trespass In The Second Degree
• Assault In The Fourth Degree
• Disorderly Conduct
• Malicious Mischief In The Third Degree
• Minor In Possession Of Alcohol
• Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia
• Violation Of A No-Contact Order
• Harassment
• Public Intoxication
• Failure To Obey A Traffic Control Device
• False Reporting To A Public Servant
• Unlawful Issuance Of Bank Checks

Our experienced lawyers in Tacoma understand the nuances of Tacoma Municipal Court, from the judges' preferences to the strategies used by local prosecutors. With our skilled legal representation, you have a better chance of building a strong defense, challenging evidence, and achieving a favorable resolution for your case.

Why Our Attorneys Are Trusted In Tacoma Municipal Court

Our Tacoma court attorneys have been defending clients for over 20 years. We're known for crafting strong defense strategies, whether we're challenging a DUI, theft charge, or assault allegation. Our local knowledge gives us an edge in crafting defense. We have helped countless clients in Tacoma secure reduced penalties, dismissals, and acquittals.

How Our Defense Team Fights Charges In Tacoma Municipal Court

Defending cases at Tacoma Municipal Court requires a strategic approach. Our attorneys specializing in court defense help you through every step of the process.

1. Thorough Case Analysis: We start by carefully looking at every aspect of your case. Our team investigates beyond the charges. We'll examine all the evidence, witness statements, and the circumstances that led to the situation. We also review police reports and any available video footage to make sure all procedures were followed correctly.
2. Challenging The Prosecution's Evidence: In Tacoma Municipal Court, the strength of the prosecution's case often depends on evidence that’s less than solid. Our job is to challenge anything that doesn’t hold up, whether it's evidence that was mishandled, radar readings that aren’t accurate, or witness statements that don’t align. When we find flawed evidence, we'll file motions to suppress it.
3. Tailored Defense Strategies: We craft defenses specific to your charges. In theft cases, we may argue a lack of intent or mistaken identity. In assault cases, we focus on self-defense or disproving the intent to harm. For DUIs, we challenge the accuracy of BAC tests and procedural compliance by law enforcement.
4. Negotiating With Pierce County Prosecutors: Our strong relationships with Tacoma's prosecutors enable us to negotiate effectively on your behalf. Whether seeking a reduced charge, diversion program, or plea deal, we use our local knowledge to advocate for a favorable resolution.
5. Leveraging Local Knowledge: Every judge and prosecutor in Tacoma Municipal Court has their own approach. We use our deep familiarity with the court's personnel to anticipate how they will handle your case and adapt our strategy accordingly.
6. Courtroom Representation: If your criminal case proceeds to trial, our attorneys will fight aggressively on your behalf. From cross-examining witnesses to delivering persuasive arguments, we use our experience to present a strong defense that resonates with the judge or jury.

With skilled attorneys who know Tacoma's legal landscape, you'll get expert support for your case. Contact our law offices today to discuss your situation, and let us put our experience to work for you.

How We Work To Reduce Penalties In Tacoma Municipal Court Cases

If a conviction in Tacoma Municipal Court is unavoidable, our focus shifts to minimizing the penalties you'll face. For criminal cases, we may negotiate plea agreements to reduce charges from gross misdemeanors to lesser offenses, avoiding jail time. In traffic cases, we work to eliminate points on your driving record and protect your license from suspension. We explore alternative sentencing options such as probation, community service, or participation in diversion programs, which can keep a conviction off your record.

Tacoma's Most Trusted Local Attorneys Are On The Case

With so much to offer, Tacoma is a great place to live. Whether you're exploring the stunning trails of Point Defiance Park, marveling at the artistry in the Museum of Glass, or enjoying the waterfront views along Ruston Way, there's always something to do. You can also catch a Tacoma Rainiers game at Cheney Stadium, take a stroll through the historic Proctor District, or experience the cultural treasures at the Washington State History Museum.

We know this city, and we know Tacoma Municipal Court. With our deep understanding of the court system and decades of experience, we also know that every case can be challenged. No matter the charges you're facing, our Tacoma-based attorneys will find a way to fight for you. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation to get started.

Get Professional Guidance From Qualified Tacoma Municipal Court Attorneys

Many people living in Washington mistakenly believe that a misdemeanor conviction will have little effect on their daily life. This could be true in some cases, but it's far more likely that a misdemeanor conviction will have implications that greatly exceed your expectations.

Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes are handled in Tacoma Municipal Court. This court also handles infractions and civil violations. If you've been charged or cited with any of these crimes or infractions, you will likely have to deal with the Tacoma Municipal Court. You may even have to appear before a judge.

Before your appearance in court, you need be fully prepared to tell your side of the story. Our Tacoma Municipal Court criminal attorneys will help you understand your charges and the penalties associated with them, so that you are ready to deal with the Washington legal process.

Tacoma Municipal Court, Criminal Penalties, And Your Rights

Most of our Washington clients are concerned about the penalties associated with a conviction. Misdemeanor convictions incur a jail sentence of up to 90 days and fines of $1,000. A gross misdemeanor conviction for a crime like domestic violence, shoplifting, or DUI incurs penalties that include up to a year in jail and fines of $5,000.

Infractions are handled separately from crimes and include parking violations, speeding tickets, and the like. Civil offenses usually focus on the enforcement of code violations, and are also heard by the Tacoma Municipal Court.

The penalties associated with crimes, code violations, and infractions all have a negative impact on the lives of those convicted. These repercussions may not be evident at first, but can be devastating to someone who is unprepared. For example, consider how a speeding ticket usually causes auto insurance rates to skyrocket, or how a DUI conviction could affect a person's job, reputation, and family in countless ways.

Avoiding Costly Penalties Is The Primary Goal Of Your Tacoma Lawyer

Our Tacoma Municipal Court criminal lawyers routinely see how even the most minor infractions can dramatically impact a person's life. Sometimes, innocent people are accused of crimes or infractions they didn't commit. If this happened to you, then it makes sense to get reliable legal advice from a Tacoma attorney who will fiercely protect your rights in municipal court.

If you are facing formal charges that require dealing with the Tacoma Municipal Court, we will protect your legal rights and help you better understand how the law applies to your situation. The Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe offers a free case evaluation, so that you can get more information about dealing with the Tacoma Municipal Court without any risk or obligation.

Our team of Tacoma Municipal Court criminal lawyers will use their more than 30 years of combined experience to defend your interests and do everything the law allows to minimize the adverse impacts of a conviction.