Do you have questions about how arrests, booking, charges, etc. work in Seattle and King County? We put together a FAQ with contact info and additional resources to help folks understand how it works. THREAD (click each image for the full answer).
Question: “What happens when people are arrested in Seattle on new cases?” Answer: People booked before midnight are scheduled on the following day’s first appearance calendar. Then a judge determines whether probable cause is found. 
Question: “Are charges filed when you’re booked into jail?” Answer: No. Not all arrests lead to a criminal charge. Charges in some cases are filed later by prosecutors.
Question: “Who decides who is booked into jail?” Answer: Police agencies decide who is booked into jail. In King County, there are 39 law enforcement agencies, including @SeattlePD. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is completely separate from @SeattlePD.
Question: “Will charges be filed?” Answer: For cases referred to our office each case is reviewed individually, independent of the referring police agency. Our office handles felony cases—misdemeanors are handled by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, which is completely separate
Question: “My friend/family member was arrested. Where can I find more information?” Answer: It depends on where the individual’s case is being handled. For Seattle cases, we’ve compiled links where you find more information, below.
Question: “How do I reach the King County Jail staff?” Answer: Follow this link for contact information: kingcounty.gov/depts/jails/ab…. The King County Jail is separate from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Question: “When someone is arrested, is the jail booking reason made public?” Answer: Yes. Whenever someone is arrested and booked into the King County Jail, the reason for the booking is public along with the individual’s name.
Question: “Are mug shots made public for people arrested?” Answer: No, not in Washington State. That’s outlined in state law: tinyurl.com/y88hrncy.
Question: “Is the Seattle Police Department part of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office?” Answer: No. @SeattlePD are an entirely separate organization from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Question: “Is everyone arrested going to face felony charges?” Answer: No. Each case will be reviewed individually. In some cases individuals will be referred for misdemeanors, which are handled by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.
Question: “What is the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s response to George Floyd’s death?” Answer: King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg was one of 44 prosecutors who denounced the murder of George Floyd and outlined steps towards reform: fairandjustprosecution.org
