Contracted City Prosecutor
Private municipal attorneys are contracted to prosecute all City of Richland misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil infractions and dangerous/potentially dangerous dog appeals. If you have a question about a case, either as a defendant/respondent, witness or victim, please contact:

Rio Foltz, PLLC
530 W. Kennewick Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-628-4700

Dangerous/Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeals
The Richland City Attorney's Office is responsible for ensuring that timely appeals are filed with Benton County District Court.  RMC 7.03.320(c). After the appeal is filed, the case is referred to the City Prosecutor for handling. Once the appeal is filed, the dog owner will be mailed a court date upon which to appear and be heard on the matter. During the hearing, the City Prosecutor will present evidence in support of affirming/upholding the declaration. The dog owner will also be given an opportunity to address the court, which includes putting on evidence or making argument, or both. Dog owners who appeal dangerous/potentially dangerous dog declarations are welcome to represent themselves or to hire the private attorney of their choosing. Neither the Richland City Attorney's Office nor the City Prosecutor can give legal advice on these matters. 

Court Information
All Richland misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor criminal cases are prosecuted in Benton County District Court. If you have questions about the court schedule, outstanding warrants, or any other court process, please contact Benton County District Court at 509-735-8476. The Benton County Justice Center, which houses Benton County District Court, is located at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336. 

Public Defense
If you are indigent and in need of legal counsel on a criminal case, please contact the Benton & Franklin Counties Office of Public Defense at 509-222-3700. For more information, visit the OPD website.