Filing Standards
The Filing Standards of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office (CAO) are a resource and reference guide for the CAO Filing Unit of the Criminal Division, as well as all CAO Prosecutors . The Filing Standards are intended to govern the charging of cases and to increase their uniformity, equity, and proportionality. In addition, the CAO Filing Standards are intended to serve as a guide for the Seattle Police Department, as that department’s work culminates in a referral that is the starting point for the operations of the CAO’s Criminal Division.
The CAO Filing Standards adhere to the Seattle Municipal Code and refer to pertinent case law and general reference information.
The CAO Filing Standards are not intended to, and they do not, and they may not be relied upon to create a right, or benefit, enforceable at law by a party in litigation with the city or state.
Lastly, the CAO Filing Standards are published on this website to provide the public with transparency and accountability from the City Attorney’s Office and are updated, as necessary.