Mainstream Criminal Division Units

Collaborative Justice Unit

The Collaborative Justice Unit is comprised of the diversionary programs at the KCPAO that would involve cases typically filed into Superior Court. The unit is focused on connecting individuals who encounter the criminal legal system with services to address their underlying issues.

The current programs in this unit include:

• The Vital Program through the Familiar Faces Initiative
• Survivors FIRST (Facilitating Information and Resources for Survivors of Trauma)
• The Community Diversion Program (CDP)
• Therapeutic Courts and Collaborative Programs

District Court Unit

The District Court Unit is responsible for screening and prosecuting all criminal traffic and misdemeanor cases arising in unincorporated King County. It also handles appeals to the Superior Court from convictions in District Court. To contact District Court call:

• Seattle - West Division: 206-477-1290
• MRJC - South Division: 206-477-2060
• Redmond - East Division: 206-477-3150

Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP Diversion Program)

This office has implemented a diversion program for those who commit the offence of Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP). This program is offered to individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 who have been arrested for the crime of Minor in Possession of Alcohol and who face being charged in adult criminal court.

The program works as follows:

When we receive an MIP case from the police, we send the individual a letter instructing them to contact and sign up with a State Certified Alcohol and Drug Information School (A.D.I.S). The individual is given a period of 90 days to sign up and complete an A.D.I.S. class. When an individual completes A.D.I.S. he/she must then send a copy of their completion certificate to the Prosecutor's mailing address (see below). It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the Prosecutor receives proof of completion. Once class completion has been verified, no criminal charges will be filed in King County's District Court and the case will be closed.

However, if for any reason the individual declines to enroll in the program or doesn't complete their A.D.I.S class, their case will be reviewed for criminal prosecution in District Court and charges will likely be filed. This could result in a conviction for MIP, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

This is a great opportunity for individuals ages 18-20 to avoid criminal prosecution for this charge.

Send copy of completion certificate with a copy of your MIP diversion letter to:

King County Prosecuting Attorney
W554 King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-2362
Attention:District Court Unit

Juveniles under the age of 18 who have been arrested for MIP should contact juvenile court, 206-296-9025, regarding juvenile diversion programs.

Involuntary Treatment Act Unit 

The Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Unit handles behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder) commitment cases. Persons with behavioral health illness who present a risk to themselves or others may be detained involuntarily and placed into a local in-patient mental health evaluation and treatment facility or secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility. The set of laws which allows this is called the Involuntary Treatment Act. The initial detention is for up to 120 hours. If the treating facility believes further in-patient treatment is necessary, the facility petitions the court for up to 14 days of involuntary treatment. The patient can contest the need for the detention and treatment, and is entitled to a full hearing governed by the rules of evidence. By statute, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office represents the treatment facility seeking longer involuntary treatment. These proceedings are considered to be civil, rather than criminal, proceedings.

The ITA hearings are conducted via video over Zoom.

ITA Court should not be confused with criminal mental health courts, which are run by either the King County District Court or Seattle Municipal Court and are part of the criminal justice system.

Learn more about the ITA Hearing process

Phone: 206-477-2714

Most Dangerous Offenders Project

Senior Deputies who are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day are in the Most Dangerous Offender Project (MDOP) to respond to every homicide scene in King County. The responding deputy works as part of an investigation team, which includes the detectives, the medical examiner, and forensic scientists. The deputy responding to the homicide scene assumes immediate responsibility for the prosecution, preparing search warrants, coordinating the efforts of law enforcement and forensic scientists, and offering legal advice to investigators. This deputy's responsibility includes the charging decision and extends to all subsequent legal proceedings from arraignment through trial to sentencing.

Post-Conviction Assistance

Washington State Law gives people with criminal convictions ways to start over and clean up their record.

Not everyone can take advantage of these laws but if you have stayed out of trouble and think you have done everything the judge required - it's time to find out if you are eligible.

The Post-Conviction Assistance Unit may be able to assist you with:

• Vacating old convictions
• Figuring out your criminal conviction history
• Locating and quashing old warrants

If you have a post-conviction question or issue take a look at the areas below and we will try to direct you to the appropriate place. After reviewing the information relevant to you, if you believe you have gathered all your necessary paperwork, you can email it to paopca@kingcounty.gov and we will review your case.

Learn more about Blake requests for drug conviction

Special Operations and Public Integrity Unit

The Special Operations and Public Integrity Unit provides assistance to police and prosecutors in a wide variety of matters, including covert, complex, technology-based and/or sensitive investigations, and all cases involving electronic surveillance.

Cases involving electronic surveillance

We assist in all cases utilizing statutorily authorized electronic surveillance techniques. We also work with law enforcement and other prosecuting offices to develop use protocols and supply training. These techniques are employed in a wide variety of investigations including homicide, sexual assault, prolific criminals, organized crime, and efforts to locate fugitives, missing persons, and material witnesses.

Narcotics case development

This unit includes Case Development Deputies who are embedded with local law enforcement and task force groups to provide real time and detailed legal assistance in combating Drug Trafficking Organizations. The Case Development Deputies assist in developing legal strategies, reviewing search warrants, rush filing cases, and providing legal guidance on forfeiture issues.

Cyber crimes

We are also available to assist in investigations into cyber-related crimes. Recent investigations include Distributing Intimate Images (“revenge porn”), cyber stalking, cyber intrusions/data theft, and on-line harassment/death threats.

Complex investigation / task force

Our deputies are available to consult law enforcement in complex and long-standing investigations. Recent examples include sex trafficking, conspiracy to kill a police officer, a serial burglary ring, and a task force involving sophisticated jewelry thieves.

Search warrant assist / templates

Our deputies review a wide variety of search warrants and are available to assist in complex, technical or unusual warrants. Spec Ops has also maintains search warrant resources that are available to law enforcement and prosecutors including a variety of search warrant templates.

Emergency Matters

Special Operations deputies are on call 24/7 to provide immediate assistance in any of the above situations as well as to assist in efforts to locate missing and endangered persons.

Training

Our deputies routinely provide training to law enforcement, prosecutors, 911 and dispatch operators, search and rescue personnel, and others on many of the topics listed above.

Privileged communications / taint team

This unit is charged with assisting in cases implicating privilege matters. This often involves attorney/client communication discovered in jail phone calls and searches of areas where privileged material is likely to be located such as law offices and jail cells.