Prosecuting Crime

The prosecuting attorney is mandated under RCW 36.27.020 to prosecute all criminal cases brought under state statutes or county ordinances. Prosecution includes advice to law enforcement officers during investigation to determine if criminal charges should be filed, plea negotiations, pretrial hearings, trial, sentencing hearings and appeals. Criminal prosecution is divided into four areas: adult felonies in Superior Court, adult misdemeanors in District Court, all juvenile cases in Superior Court/Juvenile Division; and prosecution of appeals in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.