Garbage, curbside recycling, and yard waste pickup will be a day late starting Thursday, with Friday's pickup occurring on Saturday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please have your carts out at the point of collection by 6 AM on your collection day. See more information regarding other City closures.

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Courts

Municipal Court

Spokane Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction with statutory authority to process criminal misdemeanors and civil infractions. Spokane Municipal Court processes approximately 101,000 tickets annually:

7,000 Criminal Misdemeanors
10,000 Civil Infractions
25,000 Photo-Enforcement Infractions
59,000 Civil Parking Infractions

Criminal Misdemeanors

Criminal cases are brought by the City of Spokane against individuals accused of committing a crime. The City bears this burden because a crime is considered an act against all of society. The prosecuting attorney prosecutes the charge against the accused person (defendant) on behalf of the City (plaintiff).

Criminal charges are categorized as either misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, both of which are punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine. Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples of misdemeanors are:

Disorderly conduct
No valid operator's license
Possession of less than 40 grams of marijuana

Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Examples of gross misdemeanors are:

Theft of property or services valued at up to $750
Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
Domestic violence assault

Civil Infractions

Civil Infractions are not crimes. They are violations of law that have a fine or penalty amount but are not punishable by imprisonment. Examples of infractions are:

Speeding
No liability insurance
Expired vehicle license
Defective equipment
All parking violations

Spokane Municipal Court does not process protection or restraining orders, name changes, small claims or civil cases, or junk vehicle abatement removal and impounds under Chapter 10.16 of the Spokane Municipal Code.