Kent Defense Attorney
Experienced Assault / Domestic Violence (DV) Lawyer & Drunk Driving / DUI Attorney Serving the Kent, Washington Area
If you’re facing charges for Assault / DV or Drunk Driving / DUI in Kent you may be experiencing a number of undesirable side effects and consequences that can impact you both now and in the future. For over 25 years, Attorney Phil Weinberg has consistently obtained outstanding results for his clients in and around Kent, Washington. If you need effective legal representation for your Assault / DV, DUI or other criminal charge; Call Attorney Phil Weinberg at (425) 806-7200.
Effective Kent Criminal Defense Attorney
It is crucial that you take action immediately if you’ve been charged – or think you might be charged – with a crime in Kent.
Why should you call Phil?
- Over 25 years of criminal defense experience in Washington
- Free initial consultation and case evaluation
- Personalized service for your unique situation
- A tactful but relentless approach to your case
Call Attorney Phil Weinberg at (425) 806-7200 today. Having a dedicated advocate on your side as soon as possible can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
Practice Areas
Free Initial Consultation
Have you been charged with Assault / DV, Drunk Driving / DUI or another crime in Kent? Call Attorney Phil Weinberg at (425) 806-7200 to schedule a free no-risk legal consultation and case evaluation. Attorney Phil Weinberg understands that your situation is unique. He will listen patiently as you describe what happened before offering his honest opinion of how he can help. Phil cares about his clients’ legal rights.
About Kent Courts & Arrests
There are three courts that serve Kent; a Municipal Court, a King County District Court and King County Superior court. The city of Kent provides jail services for non-felony offenses. Felony offenders are taken to the King County Jail in Kent.
The City of Kent currently uses Kent Municipal Court to handle misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, infractions and civil violations for those arrested by the City of Kent police. It enforces the Kent City Code (KCC), which is similar (or in some sections identical) to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). If you’re arrested by a Kent Police officer for a crime like Drunk Driving (DUI) or Assault / DV, it is likely your case will be heard at Kent Municipal Court.
Kent Municipal Court
1220 Central Ave. S
Kent, WA 98032
The District Court situated in Kent is the King County District Court – South Division, a division of the King County District Court System. It has jurisdiction over state and King County cases; including Kent and surrounding area arrests for Drunk Driving / DUI or Assault DV and other charges. Arrests in the Kent and adjacent areas made by a King County Sheriff or Washington State Trooper that result in misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges are handled by this King County District Court located in Kent at “RJC,” the King County Regional Justice Center (also called the Maleng Regional Justice Center in honor of the late and famous former head King County Prosecutor, Norm Maleng.
King County District Court, Maleng Regional Justice Center (“MRJC”)
401 4th Ave. N,
Kent, WA 98032
The Superior Court primarily handles felonies; including Kent felony Drunk Driving / DUI or felony Assault cases.
King County Superior Court, Maleng Regional Justice Center (“MRJC”)
401 4th Ave. N, Room 2C
Kent, WA 98032
After being booked into jail, you will appear before a judge on the next court day. Arrestees booked on a Friday night, over the weekend or the day before or day of a legal holiday must wait until the court reopens to appear.
How it works
At the arraignment hearing; the plea you enter should always be “Not Guilty.” regardless of the details and circumstances of your case. At the arraignment hearing, prosecutors will often request that the judge require strict release conditions such as bail or an Ignition Interlock Device (in the case of DUI), or a SCRAM or TAD bracelet to measure whether the accused uses alcohol after being ordered at arraignment not to do so. An experienced Kent defense attorney can frequently avoid these conditions, especially on first-time offenses.
Pretrial Conferences; also called Pretrial Hearings (aka PTR); are the next step. Most cases have several PTR’s before they are resolved or set for trial. If the prosecutor presents an acceptable plea bargain (plea deal), the case can be concluded at a PTR. Throughout this process, your defense attorney will be investigating and gathering any evidence relevant to your case.
If a case is not resolved at a pretrial hearing (“PTR”); your attorney will likely make pretrial motions. Depending on the facts and laws of your case, there are several pretrial motions that can have a significant impact on your defense, some of which can result in complete dismissal, such as a motion challenging an unconstitutional stop of your vehicle, as one example.
Many cases do not go to trial – trial is a last resort due to the inherent and significant risk and cost. You may decide to proceed to trial if, for example, the prosecution has not offered an acceptable plea deal or if a conviction would cause considerable damage to your career or personal life.