Charged With a Crime in Another County? What to Know About Jurisdiction in Washington
Getting charged with a crime is stressful enough—but when the charges are filed in a different county than where you live, things can get even more complicated. Whether it was a traffic stop on the other side of the state or an incident that occurred during a weekend trip, it’s important to understand how jurisdiction works in Washington and what it means for your case.
Where Will Your Case Be Heard?
In Washington, criminal charges must be filed in the county where the alleged offense occurred. This means that even if you live in Vancouver, if the incident happened in King County, your case will be handled by the King County District or Superior Court, depending on the level of the charge. You are legally required to appear there—even if it’s hours away from home.
What If You Live Far Away?
While it may feel unfair or inconvenient, Washington law doesn’t consider your home address when determining jurisdiction. However, if traveling to court is a hardship, especially for multiple pretrial hearings, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf for certain proceedings (like arraignment or status hearings), depending on the court’s rules and the nature of the charge.
In some cases, your attorney can file motions to consolidate hearings or request remote appearances, especially since many courts have increased virtual accessibility since COVID-19. Still, you’ll likely need to appear in person for critical stages like trial or plea hearings.
Can Your Case Be Transferred?
Generally, criminal cases cannot be transferred to a different county just because it’s more convenient for the defendant. The Washington State Constitution gives every person the right to be tried in the county where the offense allegedly occurred. That means unless there’s a strong legal reason—such as improper venue or a conflict of interest in the local court—your case will remain in the county where it started.
That said, your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially resolve the case early—through a plea deal, diversion, or deferred prosecution—to minimize the need for travel or extended court proceedings.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been charged in a county far from home, your lawyer becomes even more important. A local Washington defense attorney familiar with courts across the state can:
- Coordinate appearances to reduce travel
- File motions for remote proceedings when available
- Work with prosecutors to negotiate early resolution
- Help you understand the court’s procedures and deadlines
- Represent your interests in your absence, when allowed by law
At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we routinely handle criminal cases throughout Washington. We understand the burden of traveling for court, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or financial stress. Let us help ease the process and fight for the best possible outcome—wherever your case may be filed. Charged outside your home county? Call today for a free consultation. We’re here to stand with you—no matter where the case begins.