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What is a misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor? In general, gross misdemeanors are offenses punishable by up to one (1) year in jail and misdemeanors are those offenses punishable by up to ninety (90) days in jail. A fine may also be imposed. A fine for a gross misdemeanor may not exceed $5,000 and $1,000 for a misdemeanor. Certain crimes require a minimum stay in jail of one or more days. You will be informed of the maximum/minimum consequences for your crime at the time of your arraignment.

If you receive a gold copy of a criminal citation from a SeaTac police officer or in the mail, you have been charged with a crime and your appearance in court is mandatory.

All persons accused of any crime or traffic offense that might result in jail sentence have certain rights. The accused is advised of these rights at an arraignment, which is generally the first appearance in court on the citation or charge. At that time, the judge and/or prosecutor will inform the accused of the charge and explain it. Next, it will be confirmed that the accused understands his/her constitutional rights as explained in the court session and the accused is then advised of the maximum penalties. No testimony is taken or evidence presented at arraignment. Failure to appear could result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest. The accused may hire private counsel to provide legal assistance. If the accused is financially unable to hire a private attorney, the accused can be screened for a public defender.

If you are charged with a criminal offense you can be screened for the public defender.  Applications for public defender can be obtained at the Clerks counter and a $10.00 application fee will be due at the time it is turned in.  A fee of $195.00 could be imposed for public defender costs.

If you fail to appear for any court date for a criminal offense, a bench warrant may be issued. If you have missed a court date, you can call the court to see if there is a warrant. If a warrant has been issued, you have three (3) options:

1. Pay the total amount of the warrant to SeaTac Municipal Court. After the warrant is paid in full, you will be scheduled for another court date at which you must appear. To find out the amount of your warrant, call the court.
2. Turn yourself in to the King County Jail in downtown Seattle . After you turn yourself in, the warrant will be served and the court will schedule you a court date. Your court date will most likely be the following business day and you will either be seen via jail video conference or be transported to SeaTac for court.
3. Come in to SeaTac Municipal Court for our warrant walk-in calendar. This calendar is set up specifically for defendants with outstanding warrants that are bondable. Please call the court for the next available date. You must appear at the court at 8:30 AM in order to get on the calendar. Effective January 27, 2003 the cost is $100.00 cash only. Once the $100.00 cash fee is paid, you will go before the judge and request to have the warrant recalled.