▼

Prosecutor FAQ's

Show All Answers

1. Can I make an appointment to talk to the Prosecuting Attorney?

Yes. Any person can make an appointment with the prosecuting attorney.  You may call 360-537-3231 and speak with the Prosecutors assistant.  Please have the case number, the police report number (SR Number), the suspect name before you call. 

2. How do I find out if an offender has been released from prison?

To find out if a defendant has been released from jail, please the Aberdeen Police Department or visit the jail roster web page.

3. I feel that a crime has been committed. How do I press charges? Can I report a crime directly to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office?

Immediately report the crime to the Aberdeen Police Department. Once a police report is made, the crime can be investigated and the prosecutor can take action. This action can include seeking a Restraining Order ("No Contact" Oder) from the court or making criminal charges. When you provide the officer your statement as to what happen you can inform the officer that you want to press charges against the person.  The officer should include that information in his/her report which is forwarded to the Prosecutors office.

4. Is there a warrant out for me?

You will need to contact the court at 360-533-5411 to find out whether you have a warrant out for your arrest.

5. I need child support can you help me?

No. The prosecuting attorney cannot assist you in seeking child support.

6. I want a divorce, I want to sue someone, or I want to adopt a child can the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

No. The prosecuting attorney cannot assist you in your divorce, or other civil proceeding.  You will need to hire a private attorney, or contact with the Northwest Justice Project if you cannot afford a civil attorney.

7. I want to file a Civil Lawsuit.

The prosecuting attorney cannot assist an individual seeking to file a civil lawsuit.

8. Does the Legal Department provide copies of police reports?

Yes, the Legal Department can provide you a copy of a police report, but that request should go through the Aberdeen Police Department.

9. I want a protection order to keep my husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend or family member away from me. Will the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

If a person is a victim of a domestic violence crime, i.e. a victim of a crime committed by a family/household member, or the defendant and the victim were in a dating relationship, yes the City can request a no contact order.

10. I want a protection order against the person who committed a crime against me. Will the Prosecuting Attorney's office help me?

Maybe.  If you are a victim of a domestic violence crime, i.e. a victim of a crime committed by a family/household member, or was in a dating relationship with the suspect, yes a no contact order can be entered.  If the suspect was a stranger or a friend, no the City cannot obtain a formal no contact order.  The victim will need to obtain a civil anti-harassment order in district court 2.

11. Can I talk to the Prosecuting Attorney? I think that's the person who is working my case.

Yes, the victim of a crime can/should contact the prosecuting attorney to speak him about your case.  You will need to contact the Legal Department at 360-537-3231.  Please have the case number, the defendant’s name, the police report/SR Number available.

12. Where do I report for jury duty?

Please contact the court at 360-533-5411 or visit the Washington State Courts Jury Duty website.

13. I am a victim in a criminal case and I want to drop the charges. Can I do that?

No, a victim of a crime cannot make the decision to drop charges against a defendant.  A victim who wants to drop charges can contact the Prosecutors office and sign a waiver of prosecution.  At that time the victim can speak with the Prosecutor and discuss the reasons for the decision. The City is not bound by the victim’s request to drop charges, but does take into consideration the victim’s wishes.

14. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.

A witness can encompass many things.  A witness can observe the alleged event.  A witness can be the person who tested a substance, like a blood sample for a DUI case. A witness can also be a person who made a copy of a video of the alleged incident, that person will testify about whether the recording equipment was working properly on the date and time of the alleged incident. 

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

If a case goes to trial, any witness will have to testify in court.  The defendant will be present in the courtroom along with his/her attorney.  The defendant will most likely not talk to you. He/she will most likely on speak to their attorney. 

16. Who will be with me in court?

If the case is a domestic violence case, the victim will have the domestic violence advocate present in the courtroom.  I may also contact the Grays Harbor Domestic Violence Center to see if they have someone available to be present as well if necessary.  If the case is a non-domestic violence case, I try to have my assistant available to talk to you and reassure you while you wait to provide testimony. 

17. How long will I be at court as a witness?

It depends.   A witness is generally required to appear by 9:00 am on the day of trial.  The person will have to wait in the lobby until they are called as a witness.  Prior to the testimony phase of the trial, a jury must be selected and opening statements must be given.  The shortest wait period would be an hour, but it could easily be three hours if not longer.  If it is going to be a long wait period, the legal department will contact you prior to trial to give you a better estimate of when to appear.

18. What do I do if I can't attend court as a witness on the date stated in the subpoena?

If you cannot appear on the schedule date of the subpoena, please contact the Legal Department immediately.  The City can request a continuance for good cause.

19. What happens at arraignment?

At arraignment a defendant pleads guilty or not guilty and is appointed counsel if he/she qualifies for the public defender.  In addition, pre-trial release conditions are entered, and bail may be imposed.  Finally, if the crime is a domestic violence a no contact order may be entered.

20. I have a complaint about my attorney, who do I contact?

If you have a complaint with the public defender, please contact the City of Aberdeen Human Resources Department.

21. Can I get my warrant quashed?

If you have a warrant you can pay $100.00 warrant quash fee you can pay this fee online or if you are unable to afford the $100.00 warrant quash fee please write a letter to the court.

22. Who is my attorney?

Currently, the City has contract with Helix Law as our main public defender’s office.  There are two attorneys in that office, Brittany Stephens and Seng Hamilton.  The City also uses two other attorneys as conflict counsel.

23. Can I just pay my fine(s) and not have a court date?

Maybe, paying a fine will not make a court date go away on a criminal charge.  You will need to plead guilty before a court can assess a penalty which could include jail time.  If the charge is a parking ticket or traffic infraction a person may pay the fine, and will not need to appear for a later court date. 

24. What if I don't show up to my court date?

A warrant for your arrest will be issued if you do not appear in court.  If you know in advance that you will not be present in court, please contact the Prosecutors office or the court to request a continuance