Spokane Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanor Offenses in Washington State

Washington has two types of misdemeanors: simple and gross misdemeanors. Generally, gross misdemeanors are more serious offenses than simple misdemeanors, but many different circumstances or specific details can affect how a case is handled and the best defense strategies for approaching it. Likewise, some offenses can escalate from simple to gross misdemeanors depending on the circumstances of the offense, so each case truly is unique.

Misdemeanor offenses can include:

• Misdemeanor theft: Illegally taking property valued under $750, not including firearms or motor vehicles
• Disorderly conduct: Actions that disrupt public order, such as fighting or obstructing traffic
• Public intoxication: Being visibly intoxicated in a public place in a manner that causes safety concerns
• Minor in possession of alcohol: Being in possession of, consuming, or acquiring alcoholic beverages while under the age of 21
• Assault: Threatening to harm or physically attack someone without aggravating factors present
• Harassment: Threatening to cause bodily injury to another person, to damage someone’s property, or to perform any other act intended to substantially harm the other person’s physical or mental health or safety
• Violation of a no-contact order: Disobeying the terms of a court order that prohibits contact with another person
• Malicious mischief 3rd degree: Knowingly causing physical damage to someone else's property valued at $750 or less
• Trespassing: Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on someone else's property without causing damage
• DUI: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
• Driving without a license: Operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license
• Driving with a suspended license: Operating a vehicle when your license is suspended or revoked due to a conviction for DUI or other serious offenses.
• Reckless driving: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property

Penalties for simple misdemeanors can include jail time of up to 90 days and/or fines of up to $1,000. You also may face probation with conditions that must be followed as set forth by the court. Penalties for gross misdemeanors can include jail time of up to 364 days and/or fines of up to $5,000. These penalties are determined based on the severity of the offense and your criminal history. Likewise, factors such as aggravating circumstances, the defendant’s cooperative behavior with law enforcement, and the impact on victims are also considered. 

Depending on the nature of the crime, the court may also impose probation, community service, mandatory treatment programs, or protective orders for both misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.