Misdemeanor Lawyer in Pullman

Misdemeanor Defense Backed by Years Inside the Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office

A misdemeanor charge may feel minor, but a conviction stays on your record permanently. At Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC, we’ve defended Pullman clients against misdemeanor charges since 2014, bringing a prosecutor’s perspective to every case we take. Our firm is Lead Counsel (LC) Verified, peer-reviewed by Martindale-Hubbell®, and holds an Avvo® 10.0 Superb Rating. Clients get personal attention, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

A misdemeanor charge deserves a serious defense. Call our Pullman office today for a free consultation at (509) 207-1282 and learn more about where you stand.

Misdemeanor vs. Gross Misdemeanor in Washington

Washington classifies criminal offenses under RCW 9A.20.021. A standard misdemeanor carries a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A gross misdemeanor raises that ceiling to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The line between the two matters for sentencing, but both can become part of your permanent criminal record.

That record doesn’t disappear once the case closes. Background checks run by employers, landlords, and licensing boards can surface a conviction years later. Understanding what you’re actually facing is where we start with clients.

Charges We Defend in Pullman

Our misdemeanor criminal defense work in Pullman covers a broad range of charges, including:

• Minor in possession
• Criminal trespass
• Malicious mischief (including Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree under RCW 9A.48.090, a gross misdemeanor charged when property damage is valued at $750 or less)
• Theft
• Negligent driving and reckless driving
• Assault
• First-offense DUI, which Washington typically charges as a gross misdemeanor

On qualifying charges, we can also pursue Washington’s compromise of misdemeanor process. Under this procedure, a defendant may be eligible for dismissal when the injured party confirms in writing that they’ve been compensated for their loss. This option isn’t available for domestic violence offenses, offenses against officers, riot-related charges, or offenses committed with intent to commit a felony, but it can be a meaningful path in the right case.

Attorney Luke Baumgarten’s Prosecution Background

Attorney Luke Baumgarten spent 2006 to 2008 inside the Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office as a legal intern, personally handling hundreds of misdemeanor cases from first appearance through trial under a limited practice license. After admission to the Washington State Bar in 2008, he served four more years as a Whitman County Deputy Prosecutor, handling thousands of cases before moving into defense work.

That background shapes how we approach every case. We know how prosecutors evaluate evidence, which cases they push to trial, and where negotiated outcomes may be realistic. Attorney Baumgarten also founded the nonprofit Eastern Washington DUI Defense Association to advance DUI defense across the region, a commitment that extends well beyond individual cases.

Serving Pullman & Surrounding Counties

Misdemeanor charges arising in Pullman are handled by Whitman County District Court, which operates a branch in Pullman. We represent clients throughout Whitman County and the neighboring counties of Latah, Asotin, and Nez Perce. Washington State University’s presence in Pullman means a significant share of local cases involve students, and we understand the pressures they face alongside the long-term residents we serve.

Talk to a Pullman Misdemeanor Attorney Today

We offer free in-person and virtual consultations, so there’s no cost to find out more about your case. Flat-fee rates and payment plans are available to keep quality representation accessible. Our office is in the heart of Pullman.

Ready to discuss your charge? Contact Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC at (509) 207-1282 to schedule your free consultation.