Tacoma DUI Attorney

The City of Tacoma Municipal Court is located in the County City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402.

The judges in Tacoma Municipal Court are Judge David B. Ladenburg, Judge Arthur J. (Jack) Emery, and Judge Elizabeth E. Verhey. Judge Ladenberg handles cases involving domestic violence, and Judge Verhey handles DUI related matters. Criminal misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors committed in Tacoma are prosecuted by the city attorney’s office. (Felony matters are handled in the Pierce County Superior Court.)

If you are arrested in Tacoma for DUI, you will either be booked into jail or released following processing. If you are released, you may receive a court date to appear from the officer, or you may told to contact the court regarding your date. The officer should also provide you with information regarding your upcoming Department of Licensing suspension (click here to find out more information regarding suspension).

If you are booked into jail, you should be able to post bail either directly or through a bonding agency. Otherwise, you will remain in custody until appearing before the court for arraignment. At arraignment, the first appearance, you will be formally charged with the offense you are facing; you have the right at arraignment to plead not guilty and you should always do so. You also have the right to an attorney; if you have not yet retained private counsel, a public defender will assist you with arraignment. Following arraignment, the court will set conditions of release and you will receive a new court date.

Following arrest, regardless of whether or not you’ve been charged or have a court date, you should speak with a Tacoma DUI Criminal Defense attorney as soon as you can. The sooner you are able to speak to an attorney, the better you can preserve your rights. DUI Criminal Defense attorney Dan Gerl currently handles several cases in Tacoma Municipal Court. Dan is familiar with the court’s practices and policies as well as those of the prosecuting attorneys in Tacoma. If you have been arrested for DUI or another criminal offense in Tacoma, call Dan now at (206) 799-3579 for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case.

For Tacoma Municipal Court contact information, click here.