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Prosecuting Attorney

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1. What are your business hours?

General office hours for all divisions of the Prosecutor's Office are 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments must be made in advance for viewing records made available through public records requests.

2. Can you provide me with legal advice?

No. The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is prevented by law from answering legal questions or offering legal advice, RCW 36.27.060.

3. Where can I get legal advice?

A number of legal resources are available to people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. The Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association provides referrals. The Volunteer Legal Services program may also be able to help you. Volunteer Legal Services

4. How do I report a crime?

All reports of crime should be directed to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county area where the crime occurred. The Prosecutor's Office does not take crime reports. Call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress. To report a crime that has already occurred, call the non-emergency number at (253)798-4721.

5. How do I get a copy of a police report?

If the report was taken by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department or the Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place or Edgewood Police Departments, you can contact the Law Enforcement Support Agency for a copy of the report. Otherwise, contact the police agency that created the report. Law Enforcement Support Agency

6. How can I find out if someone has been booked into jail?

You can check the Pierce County Jail inmate roster.

7. I am a victim of a crime. Do I have any rights?

Yes, please see the Crime Victims Bill of Rights if you are a victim, or the Child Victims Bill of Rights, if your minor child is a victim.

8. I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the name of the defendant and the next court date?

The Prosecutor's Office can provide you with the next court date if we have filed charges against the defendant. You can search the Legal Information Network Exchange (LINX) for more information.

9. I am the victim in a domestic violence case and I want to drop charges. Can I do that?

No, victims do not have the authority to file or drop charges. All criminal complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the State of Washington, not the individual who called the police or the person who may have been harmed by the offender's conduct.

10. Is the Prosecuting Attorney my attorney or do I need to get my own lawyer?

The Prosecuting Attorney represents the people of the State of Washington in criminal court. The Prosecuting Attorney does not have authority to prosecute civil cases on behalf of individual citizens. There are a number of local legal resources available to help people with civil matters.

11. Who decides what charges to file, and how do they make that decision?

The Prosecutor's Office receives reports from law enforcement agencies within Pierce County. A deputy prosecuting attorney reviews the report and, based on the facts of the incident, applicable law, and what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court, makes a determination of criminal charges. A victim in a case does not have the power to "press" or "drop" charges because the case is filed by the State of Washington on behalf of the people.

12. I was the victim of a violent crime. Will the Prosecutor's Office pay for my medical bills and/or lost wages?

No, however the Crime Victims Compensation program may be able to help you with medical expenses and lost wages.

13. I think someone is using my credit cards (or has stolen my driver's license.) Can the Prosecutor's Office help me?

Yes, after you take the steps outlined on the Identity Theft/Cybercrime webpage. You can also file a compromised identity claim through the Washington State Patrol.

14. Where do I get a domestic violence protection order or an anti-harassment order?

Petitions for domestic violence orders may be obtained either electronically or on paper in Room 208 of the County City Building. Petitions for protection orders may also be filed electronically at the Crystal Judson Family Center and at many other locations throughout the county.

15. If I get a subpoena, do I have to go to court?

Yes, you must go to court unless directed otherwise by a deputy prosecuting attorney or victim advocate from the Prosecutor's Office.

16. Where do I go for a court hearing?

It depends on what type of case it is. District Court and most Superior Court cases are held in courtrooms located in the County City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402. Most juvenile case hearings are held at Remann Hall, 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406.

17. What is plea bargaining? As a victim, do I have anything to say about it?

The majority of defendants choose to plead guilty rather than go through a trial. Plea settlements are designed to balance the competing interests of a defendant's right to a speedy trial, the seriousness of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, the strengths or weaknesses of the case, the victim's wishes, public safety, punishment and rehabilitation. Most cases are resolved in a relatively short time by the defendant's plea, which is often to the original charges.

18. Why I am a witness? I didn't see the crime happen.

Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime occur but you may know something about it or about a piece of evidence. If you wonder why you are a witness in a case, ask the deputy prosecutor who is handling it.

19. As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant in court?

Yes. The defendant has a right to be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him/her. The defendant's attorney may also ask you questions.

20. If I miss work to testify, will the Prosecutor's Office pay for my loss in wages?

No. Witnesses must go to court to testify about matters for which they have been subpoenaed. It is a civic duty imposed upon all citizens in order to ensure a just and fair judicial system.

21. How can I have my criminal record expunged?

Because there are different procedures depending on what the crime was and how the sentencing was handled, you need to go to the court that convicted you and request from the Clerk's Office the correct forms and procedures for expungement. You may also contact the Pierce County Lawyer Referral Service at (253) 383-3432 for assistance.

22. How do I seek child support?

The Prosecutor's Office does not represent individuals in child support cases. All cases are referred by the Division of Child Support.

23. How can I file a complaint about a law enforcement agency?

Complaints against law enforcement agencies should be directed to the specific agency that is the subject of the complaint.

24. Where do I find a list of all Prosecutor's Office employees and their contact information?

For security purposes, none are provided. If you would like to contact a specific employee, call (253) 798-7400 or email pcprosatty@co.pierce.wa.us.

25. I am a business owner. Can the Prosecutor's Office help me?

Yes, you may be eligible to participate in the Check Enforcement Program.

26. I have a complaint about an employee of the Prosecutor's Office. How do I contact you and will you respond?

You can make a complaint in writing by sending an email to pcprosatty@co.pierce.wa.us or a letter to 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 946, Tacoma, WA 98402. Someone in authority will contact you after your complaint is received.

27. Can I talk to Prosecutor Mark Lindquist? I think he's the person who is working on my case.

Mr. Lindquist is the prosecuting attorney of Pierce County, and as such, his name appears on most office correspondence and most court documents. The person working on your case is one of many deputy prosecuting attorneys in our office. Please call our office at (253) 798-7400 or email pcprosatty@co.pierce.wa.us to speak with the deputy prosecuting attorney handling your case.

28. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime happen.

Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime occur but you may know something about it or about a piece of evidence. If you wonder why you are a witness in a case, ask the deputy prosecutor who is handling it.