Port Orchard Municipal Court and Kitsap County District Court differ primarily in jurisdiction but they hear similar types of cases and process criminal charges in a similar way. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between these two courts:
Jurisdiction
Port Orchard Municipal Court
- Handles misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases that occur within the city limits of Port Orchard.
- These include cases such as DUI, theft, assault, and other offenses that occur within the city’s boundaries.
- Handles traffic tickets / infractions that occur within the city limits.
- The court does not handle felony cases. If facts of the incident amount to a felony, the investigating city police officer will file a report or the prosecutor will refer the matter to Kitsap County Superior Court.
- The city prosecutor is responsible for filing and prosecuting cases in this court.
Kitsap County District Court
- Handles state law violations that are misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors across the county, including:
- DUI/Physical Control
- Domestic violence misdemeanors
- Assault in the fourth degree
- Theft under $750
- Trespassing
- Other state misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
- Can refer District Court misdemeanor cases to Kitsap Superior Court for felony charges.
- Also deals with countywide infractions like traffic tickets and civil matters.
Prosecutors
Port Orchard Municipal Court
- Cases are prosecuted by the Port Orchard City Prosecutor, who handles violations of municipal ordinances.
- While technically it is a city prosecutor, this position is actually filled by the county. So, there is some cross over. However, that can be positive when a defendant has both city and county misdemeanor charges and a defense attorney can arrange a “global resolution” for the cases.
Kitsap District Court
- Cases are prosecuted by the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office, which represents the state and the county.
- The prosecutor here handles violations of state laws as well as misdemeanors and infractions outside the boundaries of cities that have their own municipal courts.
Location – Address
Port Orchard Municipal Court
216 Prospect St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Kitsap District Court
614 Division St # 106, Port Orchard, WA 98366
If you are facing a DUI or other criminal charge in western Washington, reach out to our attorneys 7 days a week. (360) 792-1000
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