Experience on YOUR Side
Experience on YOUR Side
The two elected Judges and one appointed Commissioner at the Whatcom County District Court hear misdemeanors and gross misdemeanor crimes as well as traffic ticket infractions and parking cases. The Court hears criminal, civil, infraction and miscellaneous cases.
The Whatcom County Courthouse is home to both the District Court and Superior Court, in addition to the Judges, Probation offices and County officials. The District Court is located on the fourth floor and consists of three separate court rooms. In addition to these court rooms on the fourth floor, the Probation office and Court Clerk's office are also conveniently located. The Court Clerk's office is a location most will need to be familiar with as it is where fines can be paid or payment plans arranged.
If you have to appear in Whatcom County District Court be prepared, arrive early, dress appropriately (use common sense), don't chew gum in court and be polite
Missing a court date at Whatcom County District Court will result in a bench warrant for your arrest and hurt your case.
It is imperative to understand and know Whatcom County District court rules as they can be used to your advantage.
Probation serves Whatcom County District Court and the Municipal Courts for Bellingham, Lynden, Everson, and Sumas.
For more details and updates on Whatcom County District Court schedules and contact information go to their website.
Address:
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 676-6770
Fax: (360) 676-7685
All criminal charges require the accused to appear in court. There are some criminal charges that can have the arraignment waived, although this is not possible for domestic violence and Whatcom County DUI charges. To waive the arraignment the accused must retain a Bellingham attorney who can properly waive the arraignment on behalf of the client.
For those charged with criminal violations in Whatcom County District Court the punishment can be severe, therefore it is highly recommended that all individuals have legal representation. Contacting a Whatcom County criminal defense attorney prior to a court appearance is encouraged. This is particularly true when criminal charges have mandatory penalties. Driving under the influence has mandatory penalties that include license suspensions from the Department of Licensing and jail, so talking with a Whatcom County DUI attorney can prepare you for court and provide necessary defense representation.
Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Some examples of criminal cases heard by the court are: Whatcom County DUI cases, Assault (Including Domestic Violence), Driving While License Suspended, Theft and Miscellaneous Property Crimes
311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225, United States
Whatcom Criminal Defense
Law Firm of David N. Jolly | 218 W. Champion Street, Bellingham, WA 98225