Best Defense: Avoid Problems
Starting a case with a warrant is a terrible way to go. For that reason, we continue to put out information regarding the new changes to Olympia criminal cases.
For a defense attorney, it’s hard to put forth the best defense if a case starts with a warrant for failing to appear. Unfortunately, defendants who don’t appear to the correct court on their arraignment date are likely to face a warrant for failure to appear.
It’s such a simple problem to avoid…go to the correct courthouse.
How Do You Know Who Is Prosecuting You?
If you were arrested or cited by an Olympia Police Officer or received a Summons from Olympia Municipal Court, you are being prosecuted by the City of Olympia.
In that case, be sure to appear at the correct location for court. The new location is at the Thurston County District Court, which is 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. You will go to Building 3.
Olympia cases will be heard at Thurston County District Court courthouse but the cases will have a separate court calendar that involves only Olympia prosecutors.
What Olympia Services Are At Thurston District?
Thurston District has taken over quite a bit of Olympia Court services. It includes criminal case filings, case information, payments, hearings, records, and probation. This means you also need to pay fines and restitution at the Thurston District Court.
What Type of Cases From Olympia Will Be Heard In Thurston District Court?
If you have been arrested or summonsed for a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor crime, your appearance will be mandatory at Thurston County courthouse.
Examples of those cases are DUI, Physical Control, Assault Fourth Degree (may have a Domestic Violence special allegation), Hit & Run, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm as well as several others.
A gross misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine not exceeding $5,000. A misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Mandatory Jail Time
Some crimes, such as a DUI, carry mandatory minimum sentences. That is assuming your case resolves as a DUI. Most of our DUI cases do not resolve as a DUI because they are negotiated to some other charge or dismissed. So, do not be panicked by “mandatory minimum” jail language when reviewing DUI sentencing grids.
If you have an Olympia case pending, give our office a call for guidance on how to best defend yourself. Let us help you stay out of jail and get back to a normal life! We are here 7 days a week to take your call. (360) 792-1000
