Superior Courts in Washington State handle Felonies, not Gross Misdemeanors or Misdemeanors.  There are three classes of felonies in Washington State, Class "A", Class "B", and Class "C".  Class "A" is the most offensive type of felony, Class "C" is the least offensive type of felony.

DETERMINATION OF FILING:

If a defendant is held in custody and/or is subject to "Conditions of Release", the court must set a time for a "Second Appearance" in District Court within seventy-two (72) hours of the subject's arrest.  In the event no formal charges are filed at the Second Appearance, the defendant must be unconditionally released.  If charges are filed, the defendant will receive notice of his next court appearance and the Second Appearance will be stricken.   

ARRAIGNMENT:

An "Arraignment" is the first formal step in any criminal court proceeding and is where the accused is: (1) called to court; (2) his identity established; (3) he is informed of the charges being brought against him; and (4) he is called upon to enter his plea of not guilty/ guilty to the charge before him.  Although not absolutely necessary, it is wise to have a qualified Seattle criminal defense attorney at this stage of the proceedings.  A defendant, who is in custody, or subject to conditions of release following a Preliminary Appearance, must be arraigned in Superior Court with fourteen (14) days of the time that the indictment or information is filed.