Can you provide me with legal advice?
No. The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is prevented by law from answering legal questions or offering legal advice, RCW 36.27.060.
How do I report a crime?
All crime reports should be directed to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county area where the crime occurred. The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office does not take crime reports. To report an emergency situation, call 911.
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 Support Enforcement Agency for a copy of the report. Otherwise, contact the police agency that created the report.
How can I find out if someone has been booked into jail?
You can check the jail inmate roster at http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/linx/Search.cfm#jailRoster
As 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 of a crime.
I am the victim in a domestic violence case and I want to drop charges. Can I do that?
Many people incorrectly believe that a victim has the power to 'press charges' against the abuser, or to later 'drop the charges'. All crimes are offenses against the community, not just the individual victim. All criminal complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the State of Washington, not the individual who called the police nor the person who may have been harmed by the offender's conduct.
I was the victim of a crime. Can you tell me the name of the defendant and the defendant's next court date?
The Pierce County 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.
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 un-reimbursed medical expenses and lost wages.
I have a complaint against your office. How do I contact you and will you respond?
You can contact the Prosecuting Attorney at the address above or email a complaint to us at pcprosatty@co.pierce.wa.us. Someone in authority will contact you after your complaint is received.
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 here.
Where do I get a domestic violence restraining order or anti-harassment no contact order?
Petitions for Domestic Violence orders may be obtained, and assistance in properly completing them, either electronically or on paper, in Room 108 of the County-City Building. Petitions for an Order for Protection may also be filed electronically at kiosks that are available at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and many other domestic violence kiosk locations throughout the county.
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 this office.
Where do I go for a court hearing?
It depends on what type of case it is. Most Superior Court and District Court cases are held in courtrooms located in the County City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402. Some District Court traffic infraction cases are handled at the Hosmer location. Most juvenile case hearings are held at Remann Hall in Tacoma.
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 happen but you may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or you may know something that contradicts another witness's testimony. If you wonder 'why' you are testifying in a particular case, ask the prosecutor who is handling it.
As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant in court?
Yes. The defendant must be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him/her. The lawyer for the defendant is called the defense attorney and may ask you questions after the prosecutor does.
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.
Is the prosecuting attorney my attorney or do I need to get my own attorney?
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. For legal advice on personal matters, you will need to contact a private attorney, most of whom are listed in the phone book. You can also contact the Pierce County Lawyer Referral Service (253) 383-3432 for assistance. For assistance with family law matters (e.g. divorce, child custody) you may also contact a Domestic Relations Facilitator in the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Where do I find a list of all Prosecuting Attorney employees and their email addresses?
For security reasons, none are provided. If you would like to contact an employee, write to us at Room 946, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 or email pcprosatty@co.pierce.wa.us and we will forward your correspondence to that employee. You may also call (253) 798-7400 to be connected to that employee or his/her voicemail.
How do I find what employment opportunities exist in your office?
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office provides a link to job opportunities within our office. Please visit Employment Opportunities to see a listing of current openings.
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, criminal window, the correct forms and procedures for expungement. You may also contact the Pierce County Lawyer Referral Service (253) 383-3432 for assistance.
How can I file a complaint involving another law enforcement agency?
Complaints against a law enforcement agency should be directed to the particular agency which is the subject of the complaint.
How do I seek child support?
The Family Support Division does not represent individuals in child support cases. For a case to be initiated by the prosecutor's office, it must be referred by the Division of Child Support.
Return to Home Page
