At Risk Youth (ARY) – Juveniles whose parent(s) have petitioned the court for assistance in maintaining the care, custody and control of their child
Children in Need of Services (CHINS) – Juveniles who petition the court for out-of-home placement
Felony – Criminal offenses committed in Pierce County where conviction may result in a sentence of imprisonment for a term in excess of one year
Gross Misdemeanor – Criminal offenses punishable up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, filed in Pierce County District Court, Tacoma Municipal Court, Fircrest Municipal Court, Gig Harbor Municipal Court or Ruston Municipal Court
Involuntary Civil Commitment – Individuals committed against their will in an evaluation and treatment facility such as Western State Hospital, Greater Lakes Recovery Center, Recovery Innovations or Telecare
Juvenile Delinquency – Juveniles accused of violating criminal laws in Pierce County
Juvenile Dependency – Parents who have had their child / children removed from their custody
Misdemeanor – Criminal offenses punishable up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, filed in Pierce County District Court, Tacoma Municipal Court, Fircrest Municipal Court, Gig Harbor Municipal Court or Ruston Municipal Court
Probation Violations – For felony cases and show cause matters in misdemeanor cases
Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ) Appeals – Appeal cases from misdemeanor court to Pierce County Superior Court
Show Cause / Family Support Civil Contempt – Contempt of court cases involving non-payment of child support
Truancy – Juveniles failing to attend school
Cases We Cannot Represent
Cases filed in Federal Court
Department of Licensing (DOL) Cases - Hearings regarding status of your driver’s license
Dissolution (Divorce) Cases
Expungement - Destroying record of criminal conviction
Forfeiture Cases - Cases were law enforcement has seized your property
Landlord / Tenant Disputes
Modification of Child Support
Probate Cases - Administering the estate of a deceased person