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1. How do I change my court date?

If you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney.

Arraignment Hearing: If you have received notice for an Arraignment Hearing, and would like to request a continuance, you may contact the Benton County District Court at 509-735-8476 ext 3249.

Probation or Non-Compliance Hearing: If you are scheduled for a Monday Probation Hearing, please contact the Benton County District Court Probation Department at 509-735-8476, Option 7.

Pre-Trial Hearing: If you are requesting a continuance of any other type of hearing and are not represented by an attorney, you may contact our office at 509-585-4274 or by e-mail. Please note that you may not speak to an attorney about your case directly. Our office will be limited to noting our file of your intended absence and requesting the court to note your failure to appear and reset the case. We cannot excuse you from your court ordered appearance. The judge has the final decision as to whether to issue a bench warrant for your failure to appear or to grant a continuance.

Trial Readiness and Jury Trial or other Motion Hearing: Our office cannot excuse you from your trial appearance. In the event you fail to appear for a Trial Readiness, Jury Trial Hearing, or other Motion Hearing, we will request a bench warrant. In addition, it is likely new charges of Bail Jumping will be added to your existing charges.

2. How do I obtain the police reports for my criminal charges?

If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney will receive copies of all discovery documents needed to represent you in court. If you are not represented, you may make a Demand for Discovery request to our office in writing or at your next court date. Our office does not have generally have discovery available to us until the Tuesday prior to the first Pre-Trial Hearing.
All reports requests prior to that hearing, or made by other parties, may be made through the Public Records Request process at KPD and are subject to Public Records Laws.

3. How do I quash my warrant?

Please contact the Benton County District Court at 509-735-8476 to schedule a Quash Warrant Hearing if you are eligible. Otherwise you may resolve a warrant by turning yourself into the jail and be arraigned by a judge on the next court day. You may also pay your bail and warrant fee at the courthouse and receive a new court date. The judge is the only person who can quash a warrant. The Kennewick City Attorney’s Office cannot generally assist you in this process.

4. May I talk to a prosecutor about my charges?

The City Attorney’s Office cannot speak with you in regards to the facts of your case. Anything you say to us could be used against you in prosecution. If you are represented, please contact your attorney. If you are not represented and did not receive a plea offer at your arraignment, you may request one by calling 509-585-4274 or by e-mail. You may conduct additional plea negotiation with the prosecutor in court on the day of your pre-trial hearing.

5. I cannot afford a defense attorney. How do I get one appointed to me?

Public Defenders are only appointed by the judge in court after a determination has been made that you financially qualify. You will need to provide proof that you are financially indigent. Traditionally this appointment is made at your Arraignment hearing. However, if you did not request one at that time and you wish to request a Public Defender now, please do so at your next court date. You may also visit the Benton County Office of Public Defense for more information. Benton County Office of Public Defense

6. I have a warrant on an unresolved case and I live out of the area. I cannot afford to come back to appear in court. What can I do?

The law requires a personal appearance in court to disposition a case. Unfortunately, you will need to appear in court personally. Benton County does not allow telephonic or electronic appearances. You will have to make the choice to appear in person or leave the warrant outstanding until you can come back to resolve the case.

7. I received a Public Defender and want to “fire” them. What do I do?

Please visit the Benton County Office of Public Defense website for more information. The City Attorney’s Office cannot assist you with obtaining, firing, or replacing your court-appointed counsel. Benton County Office of Public Defense

8. I entered into a Deferred Sentence or Stipulated Order of Continuance and now I received a notice for a Sentencing Hearing. I thought this was supposed to go away if I complied. What do I do?

To finalize the case a judge must enter a disposition. If you have complied with the payment of all financial obligations, attended any treatment or classes required, not received any other criminal charges, and completed any other sentencing requirements imposed, your case will likely be dismissed. You may file an Affidavit of Compliance with the Benton County District Court in lieu of appearing in court. The judge will dismiss the case without your presence. If you are not in compliance or have questions about whether you are in compliance, you need to attend your court hearing.

9. I received a Complaint charging me with Theft, however, I paid the store at the time I was caught shoplifting. Why am I also being charged?

The State of Washington allows businesses to pursue two independent resolutions in a shoplifting incident. 1) They may pursue a Civil Monetary Penalty which allows them to add a large dollar amount to the cost of the shoplifted or attempted shoplifted merchandise. This monetary penalty is paid directly to the store or its representative agency. 2) They may pursue criminal charges for Theft through the prosecuting agency. The store may pursue BOTH methods. However, if you pay the Civil Monetary penalty directly to the store, you will not be asked to pay additional restitution to the store as part of any criminal conviction.