Schwab Law defends criminal and DUI charges in Kent through the firm’s Western Division. Kent is unusual in having both courts in town: city misdemeanors are heard in Kent Municipal Court on Central Avenue South, and King County Superior Court hears South King County felonies at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
How we help Kent clients
Having the superior court in town means a South King County felony does not have to be fought in downtown Seattle, which changes the practical burden on a client considerably. It also means the two courts handling your case may be a few minutes apart, which matters when a matter moves between them.
Which Kent court will my case be in?
Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors filed by the City of Kent — DUI, assault in the fourth degree, theft in the third degree, driving while license suspended, and most domestic violence allegations — are heard in Kent Municipal Court at 1220 Central Avenue South.
Felony charges from South King County are filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney and heard at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, King County Superior Court’s second location, also in Kent. The King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle handles the rest of the county.
What criminal charges do we defend in Kent?
- DUI and physical control, first offense through felony DUI
- Domestic violence allegations and no-contact orders
- Assault, from fourth degree through felony charges
- Theft, shoplifting and property crimes
- Drug possession and distribution charges
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Protection order petitions and responses
What should I do first after an arrest in Kent?
Stop talking about the case, and write down what you remember while it is fresh — the time, the route, what was said, who was present. Memory degrades quickly and the officer’s report will be the only written account unless you make one.
If the arrest was for DUI, the licensing deadline is the urgent item. The Department of Licensing case runs separately from the criminal case and on its own statutory deadline measured from the arrest, and it is lost by default if the deadline passes without a hearing request.
Questions from Kent clients
Why are there two courts in Kent?
Kent Municipal Court is the city’s own court and hears misdemeanors filed by the City. The Maleng Regional Justice Center is one of King County Superior Court’s two locations and hears felony matters from South King County.
Will I have to go to Seattle for my case?
Often not. South King County felonies are generally heard at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, and city misdemeanors stay in Kent Municipal Court.
