Bellingham Municipal Court Criminal Matters

The most common criminal cases heard in the Bellingham Municipal Court include assault, malicious mischief, theft, driving under the influence of intoxicants in Bellingham (“DUI”), trespassing, violation of protective orders, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and minor in possession or consumption of alcohol. Many of the Court’s cases involve domestic violence. The Court also hears thousands of civil infractions, primarily involving traffic and parking violations, each year.

The Municipal Court in Bellingham hears both criminal cases and infraction matters. Criminal cases are limited to misdemeanors such as Bellingham DUI charges and the infraction calendars hear anything from Bellingham Speeding tickets to photo radar tickets. Although Bellingham Municipal Court handles both criminal and civil cases each is dealt with in a very different manner.

PROMISE TO APPEAR: In the majority of cases, the defendant receives a citation and signs a promise to appear at the date and time indicated on the citation. The appearance is mandatory, unless excused by the Court. However, an attorney may appear on behalf of a defendant at arraignment, and may waive arraignment, except in cases of domestic violence or driving under the influence. Failure to appear for arraignment or a subsequent court date typically results in the issuance of a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest. For a Bellingham DUI, Lawyers will properly advise you that a failure to appear may suspend your driver's license.

SUMMONS: A summons issued by the Court requires the defendant to appear at the time and place specified in the summons. The appearance is mandatory, unless excused by the Court. However, an attorney may appear on behalf of a defendant at arraignment, and may waive arraignment, except in cases of domestic violence, assault in the fourth degree, harassment, indecent exposure, driving while under the influence or physical control. Failure to appear for arraignment or subsequent court date typically results in the issuance of a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.

WARRANT: The Court may issue a warrant for the defendant’s arrest. Arrested defendants are booked into the Whatcom County Jail. Jail cases are heard at 8:30 a.m. weekdays in the jail courtroom. Bail may be posted in the amount specified on the warrant at the Court during business hours and at the Whatcom County Jail after hours.

BOOKED INTO JAIL: Domestic violence offenses and some other aggravated cases result in the defendant being directly booked into the Whatcom County Jail. Arraignment usually occurs the next day, and the judge will decide upon bail or release at that time if the defendant pleads not guilty.

If you have a criminal case in Bellingham Municipal Court, please contact us today at (360) 734-3847 for a free consultation with one of our Whatcom County criminal defense lawyers.