If you’ve been arrested for a crime in Washington State:

After arresting you and processing you at the station, the police officer may have chosen to release you or to book you into the county jail. You will receive notice of your first court appearance.

That first date is called a Preliminary Appearance. If the court has no paperwork yet, then you will likely be released, but you may receive a Summons and Notice to Appear at a later date. If there is paperwork, then the court will decide whether there is probable cause to sustain the charge and will also set Conditions of Release and another court date. These conditions can include the posting of bail, and other restrictions limiting where you can travel and with whom you can associate, etc. Your first appearance, in addition to the above, may include the Arraignment.

Arraignment: this is where the court will formally charge you with the crime and ask you what plea you want to enter. You should also be advised of all of your constitutional rights at this time and should be given an opportunity to talk to an attorney before you enter your plea. Once you have entered your plea, the court again decides what Conditions of Release should be imposed and then will set another court date.

After this your case proceeds. This takes time, and can range from two months to a year. During this time you and your lawyer will be working closely together until the case is over.

If you are convicted, or you plead Guilty, the PENALTIES for a criminal law violation can be very serious, including prison. There are too many crimes to list all of the penalties in this website, but all crimes carry the possibility of jail time, probation or prison. There are usually other consequences of conviction, including not being able to own or possess firearms, etc.

You are entitled to have a good lawyer, one who will fight to keep you out of jail or prison.

Find out if you have a case.
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