Frequently Asked Questions

General

How can I contact the Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney?

Please see the Contact Us / Locations page for details.

Where are the various prosecution units of the Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney located?

Please see the Contact Us / Locations page for details.

What kinds of cases does the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney prosecute?

The Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney prosecutes violations of the Spokane Municipal Code in the Spokane County District Court. These violations include misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, as well as civil infractions arising from traffic and non-traffic matters. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Civil infractions carry only a monetary penalty, with no possible jail sentence.

What is the difference between the City Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the County Prosecuting Attorney's Office?

The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is a County department with both civil and criminal functions. Its criminal division prosecutes felony cases, and criminal misdemeanors that occur outside the City limits of Spokane, as well as all juvenile cases. For more information, visit the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s web page.

Can a citizen receive legal advice from the Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney?

Generally, no. Attorneys in Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney serve as the attorneys for City government, rather than for individual citizens. Individuals normally must retain their own attorneys for legal advice and representation.

Where can I find City criminal ordinances?

The City Clerk’s office maintains, updates, and publishes the Spokane Municipal Code (SMC). The SMC is also available on the internet.

I missed my court date and I think I have a warrant out for my arrest. Who should I call?

The Spokane City Court Clerk’s Office at (509) 625-4400

Traffic Infractions / Traffic

How do I get to talk with the prosecutor to resolve my ticket?

The prosecutor assigned to traffic infractions is at each scheduled infraction docket at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the docket. For your convenience, this allows you can speak directly to the prosecutor assigned to your case about resolving your ticket on the hearing date the court clerk set for you.

What happens if I fail to make or appear for a court date for a traffic infraction?

The Court will automatically make a finding that you committed the infraction(s) listed on the front of the ticket you received.

The Court will impose the full monetary penalty for each violation listed on the front of the ticket you received and assess an additional fee for your failure to respond or failure to appear.

The Department of Licensing will be notified that the court determined that you committed the infraction(s) listed on the front of the ticket you received and an entry will be made on your driving record.

What happens if I have a court date set to contest my infraction and now cannot appear on the date and time set?

You may call the Civil Infraction Unit at 509-835-5988 and request the prosecutor agree to a continuance to a new date. Normally, the prosecutor will only agree to one continuance per case, and may not agree to a continuance if witnesses have been notified to appear and there is insufficient time before the hearing to reschedule to attendance of those witnesses.

If the prosecutor will not agree to a continuance, you may still file a motion with the court for a continuance. To determine what procedures are necessary to properly file and serve a Motion for Continuance, you may contact to City Court Clerk’s Office at 509-625-4400.

How will a traffic infraction affect my intermediate license?

If you have an intermediate license, a conviction for a moving violation can seriously impact your driving privileges and the amount you pay for auto insurance. As such, you may wish to consult a qualified attorney before simply paying or pleading committed to any traffic infraction.

Domestic Violence

What do I do if I have a domestic violence emergency?

Call 911 immediately. Domestic violence trained law enforcement personnel will respond to your location.

How can I contact the Office of the Spokane City Prosecuting Attorney Domestic Violence Unit?

Please see the Contact Us / Locations page for details.

Who is available for contact at the Domestic Violence Unit?

Representatives of the Office of the City Prosecutor, the Spokane County Prosecutor, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff and Victim Advocates from the YWCA.

Can I come in and ask questions about domestic violence?

YES. There are advocates available each working day from 8:00 am until 12 Noon and from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The advocates are a wonderful referral source and can answer questions such as, “How can I get a protection order?” or “How do I file a complaint?” etc.

Are my communications with the Domestic Violence Advocates confidential?

YES. If you specifically request it, your communications with the Domestic Violence Advocates are completely confidential. We are here to help and you should feel safe in taking advantages of our resources and referrals.

What types of behavior are considered abusive?

1. PHYSICAL ABUSE: Spitting, poking, shaking, shoving, pushing, throwing, hitting with an open or closed hand, restraining, blocking, choking, hitting with objects, kicking, burning, using weapons, etc.
2. SEXUAL ABUSE: Pressured, coerced, or physically forced sex.
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE: Acts of violence against others, property or pets; Intimidation through threats of violence against victims, children, others, or self, as well as through yelling, stalking, and hostage taking; Physically or psychologically isolating victims from family, friends, community, culture, accurate information, etc.; Attacks against victim’s self-esteem and competence, forcing victims to do degrading things, controlling victim’s activities, etc.; Alternating use of indulgences, promises, gifts, being affectionate.
4. ECONOMIC COERCION: Control of funds, spending family funds, not contributing financially to family, withholding funds, etc.: Control of victim’s access to resources: money, health insurance, transportation, employment, housing, etc.
5. USE OF CHILDREN TO CONTROL VICTIM: Interrogating children about victim’s activities, forcing child to participate in physical or psychological abuse of adult victim, using children as hostages, using visitation with children to monitor adult victim, undermining parenting of adult victim, custody or visitation fights, etc.

If you feel that you may be the victim of any of the above-described abuses, please contact either the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Team at 509-835-4500, or the Domestic Violence Advocates’ Office at 509-835-4540.