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Prosecutor - Questions asked by the public

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1. I have been a victim of identity theft, what do I do?

The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of information on identity theft, including what to do if you think you have been a victim and steps you can take to help prevent identity theft in the future. These resources can be found on their website. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office also provides information on this topic.

A few general guidelines on identity theft are provided here, but the sites listed above provide more comprehensive answers.

What to do if you have been a victim:
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
   • Equifax: 800-525-6285
   • Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
   • TransUnion: 800-680-7289
   Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
2. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your permission. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
   
   Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
3. File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
   • Identity Theft Clearinghouse
     Federal Trade Commission
     Washington, DC 20580
   • Ph: 877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 866-653-4261
   • Website

2. I need child support. Can you help me?

Our Family Support Division may be able to help. Please contact them at 425-388-7280.

3. I want a divorce, I want to sue someone, or I want to adopt a child. Can the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office help me?

We cannot provide legal advice or take legal action in such matters. You should consult with your own lawyer.

4. Does the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provide copies of police reports?

Most of our documents are public record. There are statutory exemptions that may apply to certain cases or certain documents in a case. Request forms are available at our reception desk or they can be found on our website.

5. Can I talk to the elected Prosecuting Attorney? I think that's the person who is working on my case.

The name of the elected Prosecuting Attorney of Snohomish County appears on many of our official documents. Although the Prosecuting Attorney does handle some matters personally, usually one of the Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys in the office handles criminal and civil cases. When you call, give your name or the name of the defendant to our receptionist, and we will attempt to connect you with the right person.

6. Where do I report for jury duty?

People summoned for jury duty in Snohomish County should report as directed to the Snohomish County Superior Court. For more information, call 425-388-3386 or visit the jury information website.

7. Where can I get free or low cost legal advice?

The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office cannot recommend a specific attorney to you. For criminal matters, contact the Office of Public Defense at 425-388-3500 and for other matters contact the Snohomish County Bar Referral at 425-388-3018 or CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) at 888-201-1014.

8. I reported an incident to the County Sheriff's Office and they told me it was a civil problem. Who do I contact to resolve the issue?

“A civil problem” means that the incident is one that will be involved in the civil part of our legal system, as opposed to the criminal part. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is normally involved with only the criminal part. So when they tell you that you have a civil problem, it generally means you will need to contact your personal attorney. If you do not have one, you should consult the lawyer referral numbers offered elsewhere on this web page. They may be able to assist you in handling this matter. Although the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has a “civil division," those lawyers give advice to the departments and divisions of the county government, and to county employees, not to private citizens.

9. Will you enforce a parenting plan that my ex-husband is violating since it was entered in your County Superior Court?

Enforcement of court orders is a private matter between you and the other person and must be handled by a private attorney. Government attorneys do not settle custodial disputes or enforce court orders between individuals. If a private attorney helped you obtain the order, a private attorney (not a government attorney) must help you enforce the order.

10. How do I post bail for someone?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, the Snohomish County Department of Corrections FAQ page addresses this issue online.

11. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

When you commit a crime in our society, you have to be punished. How much punishment a criminal gets depends on how bad their crime was.

To help determine how bad a crime was, the crime is called either a 'felony' or a 'misdemeanor'.
Felonies are more serious crimes, and misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Both can result in a jail sentence but only a felony can result in a prison sentence.

The maximum sentence a person can receive on a misdemeanor is 365 days or less. Sentences on felonies can be less than or more than a year, and can be up to life in prison. If the sentence is less than a year, the sentence is generally served in a local jail. If the sentence is more than a year the time is generally served in prison.

12. Can you tell me what my son / daughter was arrested for?

If the case has been submitted to our office for review by law enforcement, we should have that information. Call our reception desk at 425-388-3333 and they can look it up in our database or put you in contact with the person or persons that would have that information.

If the case has not been submitted to our office for review by police, you will need to contact the investigating police agency.

13. I’m a property owner, where should I go for information about evicting my tenants?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, you may want to try one of the following resources:

• Snohomish County Law Library: 425-388-3010
• Snohomish County Clerk’s Office: 425-388-3466

14. My landlord is threatening to evict me, what can I do?

This particular issue is not generally handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office; however, you may want to try one of the following resources:

• Dispute Resolution Center provided by Volunteers of America at 425-339-1338 or 800-280-4770.
• For a referral to a lawyer or attorney try the Snohomish County Bar Association at 425-388-3018.

15. I bought a used car and it doesn’t work right, now what?

The Washington State Attorney General’s Offices is committed to safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices. If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud or unfair business practices you can contact their Consumer Complaints department at 800-551-3527 or visit their website.

16. How do I get my driving license back after a suspension?

While this particular issue is not handled by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the Washington State Department of Licensing has a wealth of information on topics concerning driving licenses. For information specifically on a suspended license, please visit their suspended license page.

17. What if I have a question which is not answered here?

Contact the prosecuting attorney at 425-388-3333. Please keep in mind that the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is not a free legal clinic or a clearinghouse of legal information. We cannot give legal advice on private legal issues.