In Seattle, there are currently more than 5,000 unfiled misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases. Just under 3,000 of those backlogged cases involve alleged crimes of domestic violence, elder and child abuse, assaults with sexual motivation, stalking and criminal traffic cases, including DUIs. The remainder of the unfiled cases don’t have a specific charge attached to them at this time.
Shockingly, it appears 600 of these cases were labeled as “cases awaiting review” in the city attorney’s office’s 2025 annual report, which would lead one to believe these are cases that haven’t even been reviewed yet for decisions. Of course the unfiled DUI cases are, no doubt, primarily ones involving blood draws without the results back yet, and hence why there has been so much push to have the legislature authorize the use of private testing agencies instead of being relegated to using only the state toxicology lab for testing.
In criminal law cases generally have a time limit to be filed. It is called a ‘statute of limitations. For Gross Misdemeanors (i.e. DUI, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, Assault and Theft), that is two years from the date of the incident. For misdemeanors (i.e. criminal trespass 2nd degree, minor DUI, and disorderly conduct), that is one year from the date of the incident. Lest it be said, the Seattle City Attorney’s office will at some point have to either proverbially ‘poop or get off the pot’ on the 5,000+ backlog of cases.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 or (206) 441-0900.