There are many reasons someone may be at a courthouse. They could be there as a juror, a defendant, a respondent, a judge, a clerk … and the list goes on and on. What folks may not know, however, is that if someone assaults another person in a court of law, that act itself is automatically deemed a felony pursuant to RCW 9A.36.031. Washington’s law on this point reads, in part:
“(1) A person is guilty of assault in the third degree if he/she:
(j) Assaults a judicial officer, court-related employee, county clerk, or county clerk's employee, while that person is performing his or her official duties at the time of the assault or as a result of that person's employment within the judicial system. For purposes of this subsection, "court-related employee" includes bailiffs, court reporters, judicial assistants, court managers, court managers' employees, and any other employee, regardless of title, who is engaged in equivalent functions; or
(k) Assaults a person located in a courtroom, jury room, judge's chamber, or any waiting area or corridor immediately adjacent to a courtroom, jury room, or judge's chamber. This section shall apply only: (i) During the times when a courtroom, jury room, or judge's chamber is being used for judicial purposes during court proceedings; and (ii) if signage was posted in compliance with RCW 2.28.200 at the time of the assault; …
(2) Assault in the third degree is a class C felony.”
So, even if the act would normally be a gross misdemeanor level assault, if it happens in a court, it very well could be increased to a class C felony.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge (whether it involves an allegation of assault or something else), immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you. 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 case. So, it should go without saying that someone dealing with a criminal case should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense attorney as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone dealing with a criminal charge in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys is the right call – (425) 9988-DUI or (206) 441-0900.