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1. How can I drop charges against someone?

You cannot. Once the police are called, the charging decision belongs to the City of Kennewick. The decision to prosecute a case is based on the facts of the case gathered by the police department and the evidence provided by any witnesses to the crime. The City's primary concern in these matters is doing our best to ensure the safety of our citizens while enforcing the law. We certainly welcome and consider any input you have in regards to the outcome of a case. We empathize with the difficult situation the defendant’s alleged criminal actions have placed on you and/or your relationship. However, please realize that dismissal is a rare outcome when charge(s) can be proven.

2. I received a subpoena. What do I do?

If you are a victim or a lay witness, you have likely been subpoenaed for a Friday Trial Readiness Hearing and a Monday Jury Trial. Please call our office directly on the Thursday before your scheduled hearing after 1:00pm to find out if we need you to appear for Friday’s hearing. We do not have any updated trial information prior to that time.

3. How do I get a No Contact Order dropped?

If the order was entered as part of a misdemeanor criminal case, the protected party may petition to have the order dropped or modified by the judge. To do this, the protected party must go to the Benton County District Court and fill out the paperwork to request a No Contact Order Review Hearing. A court date will be set and the protected party will be required to appear in front of the judge. A judge is the only person who can be make a ruling to lift, modify, or leave in place a No Contact Order. If the order was entered civilly or through the superior court, the protected party will need to petition the court in which the order was entered.
It is recommended that if the order was entered as a result of a domestic violence charge, the protected party seek safety planning counseling through Domestic Violence Services before appearing before the court. Domestic Violence Services

4. I have received a subpoena but I don’t know why and/or I am unavailable for those dates. What do I do?

Please call our office directly at 509-585-4274 or e-mail for further information.

5. I was the victim of a crime and have out-of-pocket loss. Who can I talk to?

If you are listed as a victim in the police report, you should receive a Restitution Letter from our office requesting you to fill out the forms and return proof of loss and replacement value for court purposes. You will need to complete these forms and return them to seek restitution through the court. We can only seek recovery of tangible loss or repair (ex: insurance deductibles, replacement or repair of a damaged/stolen item, uncovered medical expenses). We cannot seek restitution for pain and suffering. If you do not receive a letter from our office, please contact us at 509-585-4274 or by email.

6. How do I find out what happened at a court date?

You may call our office at 509-585-4274 or e-mail the day after the scheduled court hearing.

7. How do I get additional information to the prosecutor about my case?

If you are a victim or witness in a case, you may provide input to the prosecution agency. You may do so by completing the Victim Impact Statement mailed to you by our office after the defendant’s arraignment hearing and/or participating in any requested interviews. If you have additional evidence, medical records, or witness statements to present, please provide those to the Kennewick Police Department to include in the investigative file.