Seattle Municipal Court

Whether it's your first encounter with the King County legal system or you've been through the process, facing a criminal charge at Seattle Municipal Court is stressful. Although this court primarily handles misdemeanors and not felonies, the penalties can still be severe. With our 20 years of experience defending clients in Western Washington courts, our Seattle attorneys know how to fight charges at Seattle Municipal Court. Call our local law offices now to schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable defense attorney.

In Seattle, crimes are tried at Seattle Municipal Court, King County District Court, and King County Superior Court based on the severity of the offense. The Seattle Municipal Court primarily handles misdemeanor offenses, which typically carry punishments of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Here are some of the crimes we have defended our clients against at Seattle Municipal Court:

• Theft
• Assault
• Criminal Trespass
• Property Damage
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Reckless Driving
• Disorderly Conduct
• Prostitution
• Obstructing A Law Enforcement Officer
• Harassment

Although the cases at Seattle Municipal Court are not as severe as those in King County District Court and King County Superior Court, they can come with serious penalties. You need strategic defense attorneys by your side.

The Seattle Municipal Court is located at the Seattle Justice Center, corner of Fifth Avenue and James Street:

Seattle Municipal Court
600 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

Typically, here is what happens when you face charges at the Seattle Municipal Court:

1. First Appearance: On your first court date, known as the arraignment, the court will formally advise you of the charges against you. At your arraignment in Seattle Municipal Court, you will enter your plea. Our attorneys will advise on whether pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest is the best choice for your case.
2. Pre-Trial Conference: If you plead not guilty, the courts schedule a pre-trial conference. During the pre-trial conference, your defense attorney and the prosecutor discuss the possibility of a resolution without a trial, such as with a plea bargain.
3. Motion Hearings: Before the trial, there may be several hearings on various motions like motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
4. Trial: If your attorney and the King County prosecutor cannot reach a plea agreement, your case will proceed to trial. Trials in the municipal court are generally bench trials before a judge, but your attorney may request a jury trial for certain types of offenses. The trial includes opening statements, witness testimony, evidence presentation, cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
5. Verdict: At the conclusion of your trial, the King County judge or jury will deliver a verdict. If the court finds you guilty, the judge will determine the sentence based on Washington state guidelines.
6. Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing will occur, which may happen immediately after the verdict. The King County judge may also schedule sentencing for a later date. Sentences can include fines, imprisonment, community service, probation, and other penalties appropriate to the offense and outlined in the sentencing guidelines of the RCW.

If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court, such as the King County Superior Court. You will need to file the appeal within 30 days according to the Washington Rule of Appellate Procedure. Your defense attorney will help you determine how to proceed.

Seattle Municipal Court primarily handles misdemeanors, which might seem minor but can have significant consequences. Our experienced attorneys will develop a defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case. Here's how we will help:

• Knowledge Of The Local Legal System: With our 20 years of experience, our attorneys know the procedural norms and specific regulations of Seattle Municipal Court. We make sure all documents, motions, and filings are submitted correctly and on time, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks as your case moves forward.
• Comprehensive Understanding Of Washington State Law: Our attorneys are well-versed in Washington state laws. We'll use this extensive knowledge to your advantage.
• Strong Defense Strategies: With deep knowledge of Seattle's legal system, we build defense strategies that make a difference. We'll dig into every detail of your case to craft a defense that works for you. Whether we push for reduced penalties or challenge the charges head-on, we focus on what's best for you and your future.
• Plea Bargaining Expertise: Thanks to our strong relationships with local prosecutors, we can negotiate favorable plea deals to reduce charges or adjust sentencing, always striving for a fair outcome.

Having an attorney from our firm means you have a seasoned advocate who knows the Seattle Municipal Court system inside and out. We're here to provide the legal support and guidance you need to navigate this challenging time.

As local attorneys, you'll see us all around Seattle. Our team attends events at the Seattle Center, participates in the annual Seafair, and enjoys the artistic showcases at the Seattle Art Museum. We advocate for clients across all neighborhoods, from the historic Ballard Locks to the tranquil Washington Park Arboretum. Whether discussing a case over coffee near the University of Washington or strategizing next steps by the Gas Works Park, our local expertise and community connections are integral to our practice. Our local insight not only deepens our community ties but also sharpens our legal acumen at Seattle's Municipal Court.

That is why our defense lawyers in King County know that every case brought before the Seattle Municipal Court presents an opportunity for challenge. As experienced Seattle criminal defense attorneys, we know how to use Washington state law to win cases. You don't have to face charges at Seattle Municipal Courts alone. Instead, call our legal team now to schedule a free consultation.

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.

You 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 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 Washington State Attorneys, 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.