Most people arrested in King County ask the same question within hours: "When will this be over?" The good news is that you have a right to a speedy trial for any offense in Washington State, within 90 days if you're out of custody or 60 days if you're in jail. The bad news? Most cases take months longer than the law requires. But with the right legal team, you don't have to worry during the process because someone's fighting for your future.

Here’s what you need to know about your King County criminal case timeline. 

The First 48 Hours: When the Clock Starts Ticking

If police arrest you, law enforcement has 48 hours to find probable cause. If they cannot find probable cause within 48 hours, they must release you. This isn't negotiable - Washington State strictly enforces this rule under RCW 10.31.100.
 

During these first two days, prosecutors review your case and decide whether to file formal charges. They're not required to file immediately, which means you might go home only to receive a summons weeks later.

Your First Court Appearance

In-custody defendants appear before a judge faster than those released. A defendant who is in custody will be seen on the next available jail calendar in Seattle Municipal Court. An out-of-custody defendant will generally be issued a summons to appear in court on a future date.
 

This first appearance isn't your arraignment. The judge reads the charges, sets bail conditions, and appoints a public defender if you qualify. Your actual arraignment gets scheduled for a later date - typically within 14 days for misdemeanors and up to 30 days for felonies.

Arraignment

Even though arraignment dates are generally set within 30 days of the incident, the prosecutor has up to 2 years to file charges. This extended filing deadline means prosecutors can take their time building cases, especially for complex matters.

At arraignment, you enter your plea. Most defense attorneys advise their clients to plead "not guilty" initially, regardless of the circumstances. This preserves your rights and gives your lawyer time to review evidence and negotiate.

The Pre-Trial

Here's where your case timeline extends far beyond those speedy trial rights. Most criminal cases are resolved during the pre-trial phase, which involves multiple hearings and negotiations.

The second stage in a Washington State criminal case is the pretrial hearing. This is a scheduling hearing where no testimony is heard. Most often, the pretrial hearing gives the defense attorney an opportunity to discuss case strategy and potential resolutions.

Expect several pre-trial conferences spanning 3-6 months. Each conference serves different purposes: exchanging evidence, filing motions, and conducting plea negotiations. Your Seattle criminal defense attorney files suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence, challenges the sufficiency of charges, and negotiates with prosecutors.

Motion Practice

Complex cases involve extensive motion practice. Your lawyer might file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery. Each motion requires written briefs, oral arguments, and judicial decisions, adding weeks or months to your timeline.

Suppression motions prove particularly time-consuming. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during arrest or search, your attorney must investigate thoroughly, interview witnesses, and present detailed legal arguments. Judges schedule separate hearing dates for major motions.

Plea Negotiations

While preparing for trial, your attorney simultaneously negotiates with prosecutors. Most criminal cases - roughly 95% - resolve through plea agreements rather than trials.

Negotiation timelines vary wildly. Simple cases might resolve within weeks, while complex matters require months of back-and-forth discussions. Prosecutors must review evidence, consult with victims, and get supervisor approval for significant plea offers.

When Cases Actually Go to Trial

A readiness hearing is generally scheduled anywhere from several days to several weeks prior to trial. At this hearing, both parties inform the court of their "readiness" for trial.

King County courts face significant scheduling backlogs. Even after declaring readiness for trial, expect additional delays. Trial dates get continued for various reasons: witness unavailability, court calendar conflicts, or last-minute plea negotiations.

Factors That Extend Your Timeline

Several factors push cases beyond typical timeframes. Co-defendants complicate scheduling since all defendants must appear simultaneously. Expert witnesses require additional preparation time and coordination.

Evidence complexity matters, too. Cases involving digital evidence, DNA analysis, or financial records take longer to prepare. Your attorney needs time to review thousands of documents, consult with experts, and develop defense strategies.

Court availability presents another challenge. King County handles thousands of criminal cases annually. Popular trial judges have limited availability, and holiday schedules further restrict court dates.

Get Justice Today, Call Lewis & Laws

Your criminal case timeline depends on factors both within and beyond your control. While waiting feels unbearable, remember that time allows your attorney to build the strongest possible defense.

Don't face King County's complex criminal justice system alone. Call Lewis & Laws today!