Schwab Law defends criminal and DUI charges in Tacoma through the firm’s Western Division, led by partner Norann Beidas, who practiced criminal defense at a Tacoma firm before joining Schwab Law. Felony matters are heard in Pierce County Superior Court at the County-City Building on Tacoma Avenue South; city misdemeanors go to Tacoma Municipal Court.
How we help Tacoma clients
Tacoma is where our Western Division attorney built her criminal practice, so the courts, the prosecutors and the local practices are familiar rather than something to learn on your case. We take misdemeanors and felonies alike, and we handle the license side of a DUI alongside the criminal case rather than leaving it to run on its own.
Which court will hear my Tacoma case?
It depends on what you are charged with and who charged you. Felonies are prosecuted by the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney and heard in Pierce County Superior Court, at 930 Tacoma Avenue South. Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors filed by the City of Tacoma — which is where most DUI, domestic violence, assault in the fourth degree and theft charges start — are heard in Tacoma Municipal Court.
The distinction matters more than it sounds. The two courts run on different calendars, different filing practices and different prosecutors, and a charge can move between them. Knowing early which track your case is on shapes what can realistically be negotiated.
What criminal charges does Schwab Law defend in Tacoma?
- DUI and physical control, first offense through felony DUI
- Driving while license suspended and other traffic crimes
- Domestic violence allegations and no-contact orders
- Assault, from fourth degree through serious felony charges
- Drug possession and distribution charges
- Theft, shoplifting and property crimes
- Protection order petitions and responses
- Probation violations and sentence modifications
Why does a Tacoma DUI involve two separate cases?
A DUI arrest in Washington starts a criminal case in court and an entirely separate administrative action against your driver’s license through the Department of Licensing. The license case is triggered by the arrest itself, not by a conviction, and it runs on a statutory deadline that begins immediately.
People who wait to see what happens in court frequently lose their license before the criminal case is resolved, simply because the deadline passed. Both cases need attention from the start, and they are often defended with the same evidence.
Questions from Tacoma clients
Will my Tacoma DUI be heard in Superior Court?
Usually not. A first or second DUI is a gross misdemeanor and is heard in Tacoma Municipal Court if the City filed it, or in Pierce County District Court if the charge came from outside city limits. Felony DUI is heard in Pierce County Superior Court.
Do you represent clients in Tacoma from a Spokane office?
Yes. Our Western Division is managed by a partner who practiced in Tacoma, and consultations, document handling and negotiation are done remotely or in person as the case needs. Court appearances are covered in Pierce County.
