In Washington, felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors carry very different penalties and move through different courts. How your charge is classified shapes everything from where your case is heard to how long a potential sentence could last.
How Washington Classifies Criminal Charges
Washington divides crimes into three categories under RCW 9A.20.010: misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. Unlike most states, Washington has a middle tier, the gross misdemeanor, that has harsher consequences than a simple misdemeanor but stops short of a felony.
- Misdemeanors: Up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine under RCW 9A.20.021. Common examples include minor theft and simple trespass.
- Gross misdemeanors: Up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Common examples include first-offense DUI and fourth-degree assault.
- Felonies: Divided into Class A, B, and C, with sentences ranging from up to five years to life in prison depending on the offense. Examples include drug trafficking, robbery, and burglary.
Repeat convictions and certain aggravating factors can elevate a charge from one class to another.
Where Tacoma Cases Are Heard
The charge level affects the court that handles your case. Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors in Tacoma go to Tacoma Municipal Court at 930 Tacoma Avenue S. Cases arising outside Tacoma city limits but within Pierce County may go to Pierce County District Court instead.
Felony charges are heard in Pierce County Superior Court, also in Tacoma. Superior Court has general jurisdiction and handles the full range of serious criminal matters, including cases that began as misdemeanor filings and were later escalated.
Why Penalties Differ So Significantly
Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor sentences are served in county jail. Felony sentences are served in a state correctional facility. That distinction matters not just for where you serve time but for how sentencing is calculated.
Washington uses a structured sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, RCW 9.94A. For felony convictions, sentencing is determined by an offender score that accounts for:
- Current charges
- Prior felony convictions
- Certain prior misdemeanor convictions that can raise the score
A judge consults a sentencing grid using that score to determine the standard range. Two people charged with the same felony may face very different outcomes depending on their histories.
How a Felony or Misdemeanor Conviction Affects Your Life Beyond Court
The classification of your charge can follow you long after your case is resolved. Key differences in collateral consequences include:
- Employment background checks: Felony convictions carry greater weight with employers and are more likely to disqualify applicants from jobs requiring background screening.
- Firearm rights: A felony conviction results in permanent loss of the right to possess a firearm. Certain domestic violence misdemeanors also trigger federal restrictions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
- Professional licensing: Felony convictions can result in denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses in fields such as healthcare, law, and education.
- Immigration status: Non-citizens may face deportation or inadmissibility depending on the charge. Felonies and certain misdemeanors classified as aggravated felonies or crimes of moral turpitude carry the most serious risks.
Some convictions may qualify for vacation or sealing under RCW 9.94A.640, which can limit how a conviction appears on background checks over time.
Get Help From Our Tacoma Criminal Defense Attorneys
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, the stakes in Pierce County courts are real. Tim Rusk Attorneys has successfully handled over 2,000 criminal cases, earned recognition from Super Lawyers, and built a reputation on over 100 five-star reviews from clients across the Tacoma area. We offer free consultations so you can understand your options before making any decisions. Call (855) 846-7875 or contact us online today.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office
We serve clients throughout Tacoma and the surrounding areas, including Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, University Place, Bonney Lake, and communities across Pierce County. We are here to provide the experienced legal representation you deserve. Contact Tim Rusk Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.