DUI & Criminal Charges In Poulsbo

Poulsbo Washington has a relatively low crime rate, ranking far down the list with other smaller Washington cities like Stanwood and Washougal. However, that is not to say that there isn’t a very active police department. In fact, the Poulsbo Police certainly take their patrolling very seriously and write many infractions as well as respond to many situations that result in criminal charges.

Poulsbo Does Not Use Kitsap District Court

Poulsbo does not have enough criminal cases charged to justify a full time court docket nor a full time courthouse. Poulsbo Municipal is a smaller court, only operating typically two days a week. They handle gross misdemeanor crimes, such as DUI, Reckless Driving, Trespassing, Theft, Driving While License Suspended and low level Assault and DV cases. Felonies that occur in Poulsbo are charged and prosecuted in Kitsap Superior Court in Port Orchard.

Poulsbo holds court on Wednesday for criminal matters. If you were arrested by a Poulsbo Police Officer and charged by the Poulsbo Prosecutor, you will appear at this courthouse for your Arraignment. If you were charged with a felony that occurred within the Poulsbo city limits, your case will be heard at Kitsap County Superior Court in Port Orchard.

City Court Staffed With County Prosecutor

The Prosecution was “in-house” up until very recently, but now the City of Poulsbo is contracting with the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for staffing. The change in Prosecuting Attorneys didn’t cause much, if any, noticeable interruption. The local rules are still applied and cases resolutions are fairly consistent.

Local Rules So Hire Local Counsel

With Poulsbo’s proximity to Bainbridge Island and Seattle transplants, many non-local attorneys try to practice in this area. Unfortunately for their clients, Poulsbo is quite different than King and Snohomish counties. It becomes clear very quickly that they are not familiar with the local rules, customs, and the manner in which the Prosecutor handles cases. We have seen cases get set for trial simply because the out of town defense attorney did not understand the Waiver of Speedy Trial forms as well as other simple errors. Be careful when you are searching for local attorneys. It’s a good idea to ask your prospective attorney how many cases and trials they have done in Poulsbo Municipal Court.

Witt Law Group has been part of the community and representing people accused of crimes in Poulsbo for many years, with an office right off of Front Street. If you have a DUI or any crime charged in Poulsbo Municipal, make sure to give our office a call!

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