Attorney For Misdemeanor Charges in Tri-Cities, WA
They call it a “minor” charge. Your background check says otherwise.
- Flat-rate fees
- Flexible payment plans available
A misdemeanor conviction in Washington State goes on your permanent record, can affect your employment, your housing applications, your professional licenses, and, in some cases, your immigration status. The charge may be lower on the scale than a violent crime defense matter, but the consequences follow you the same way.
The good news is that misdemeanor charges are also highly defensible when you have the right attorney for misdemeanor charges on your side from the start. Gideon’s Associates PLLC helps people across Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and the broader Tri-Cities area understand exactly what they’re dealing with and fight back the right way.
What Washington Classifies as a Misdemeanor
Washington State defines two tiers of misdemeanor offenses. A standard misdemeanor under RCW 9A.20.021 carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A gross misdemeanor (the more serious of the two) carries up to 364 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Many charges people assume are minor actually fall into the gross misdemeanor category.
We most commonly handle:
- DUI / DWI under RCW 46.61.502—Washington’s DUI statute is strict, and even a first offense carries mandatory minimums, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements
- Fourth degree assault and assault & battery under RCW 9A.36.041—physical altercations, even without serious injury, can result in gross misdemeanor charges
- Domestic violence under RCW 10.99—DV charges carry additional consequences, including no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, and mandatory treatment programs. If you’ve been served with a protection order alongside your DV charge, a restraining order defense attorney can address both at the same time.
- Theft and shoplifting under RCW 9A.56—first and second degree theft at the misdemeanor level can still result in a conviction that shows up on background checks for years. If your situation involves more complex theft allegations, our theft crime attorney practice covers those as well.
- Drug possession under RCW 69.50—possession charges, even for small amounts, carry heavy legal consequences and collateral ramifications worth fighting. We handle the full scope of drug possession charges, from misdemeanor amounts to more serious felony-level cases.
- Reckless driving and traffic offenses under RCW 46.61.500—reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor in Washington, not just a traffic ticket
Our Method to Your Success
As your attorney for misdemeanor charges, we start by reviewing everything:
01
The police report, the circumstances of the stop or arrest, the evidence the prosecution intends to use, and whether your constitutional rights were fully respected throughout.
02
Under the Fourth Amendment and Washington’s own constitution, how evidence was obtained matters almost more than anything. An unlawful stop, an improper search, or a procedural mistake can change the direction of a case entirely.
03
We build a strategy around your specific goals; whether that's a dismissal, a reduction, a not guilty verdict, or minimizing the impact of a conviction you can't avoid. We communicate clearly at every step, explain your options honestly, and never push you toward an outcome that doesn't benefit you.
Where Your Case Will be Heard and Where You Can Find Us
Most misdemeanor cases in this area are heard at Benton County District Court, located at 7122 W. Okanogan Place in Kennewick, or at the equivalent district court in Pasco on N 4th Street. Cases involving domestic violence or more serious gross misdemeanors may move to the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court in the same Justice Center complex.
Understanding which court your case is in, how that court operates, and what the local prosecutorial approach tends to look like is part of what Gideon’s Associates PLLC brings to the table before we ever step inside
Our office is at 501 N Quay St in Kennewick, a short drive from both the Benton County Justice Center and the communities we serve throughout Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions
Can a misdemeanor conviction be avoided even if I was charged?
Yes. Being charged is not the same as being convicted. The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Charges can be dismissed, reduced, or successfully defended at trial depending on the strength of the evidence and how the case was handled by law enforcement.
Will a misdemeanor stay on my record permanently?
In Washington, a misdemeanor conviction does stay on your record unless you later qualify for a vacation of the conviction under RCW 9.96.060. The best time to fight it is before a conviction is entered, which is exactly what having an attorney for misdemeanor charges from the start is designed to do.
What if I was thinking about just taking the plea deal?
That’s always your right, and sometimes a negotiated resolution makes sense. But it should be a decision made with full knowledge of what you’re agreeing to and what it means long-term. We review every plea offer critically and tell you honestly whether it’s worth taking or whether we can do better.
How soon should I contact an attorney?
As early as possible. Evidence is clearer, witnesses are more accessible, and your options are wider the earlier legal counsel is involved. That said, it’s never too late—we meet clients at every stage of the process and work well with what we have.
What Our CLient's Say
Contact A Theft Defense Attorney Today
A charge is not a conviction, but the window to build your strongest defense is shortest right now. Whether you are facing a DUI in Kennewick or an assault charge in Pasco, Gideon’s Associates PLLC is ready to step in and protect your rights.
