Attorneys assigned to the Felony Section review all reports of alleged felony criminal activity referred by police agencies throughout Pierce County. Those reports that meet charging standards are filed as felony cases in Pierce County Superior Court. Over 10,000 cases are reviewed for a charging decision each year. The Felony Section is organized into trial teams, consisting of attorneys, legal assistants, victim advocates and child interviewers. Those teams are Robbery/Assault, Arson/ID Theft, Burglary/Theft, Special Assault (sexual assault and felony domestic violence), Drugs/Vice, Vehicular Crimes and Murder/Manslaughter. There is also an Appeals Unit that prosecutes all state court appeals from Superior and District Court convictions.

Felony caseloads are high in comparison to other large counties in Washington State. This office prosecutes over 6,000 felony cases each year and was responsible for 15% of the felony convictions statewide in 2007. By way of comparison, King County, with 24% of the felony convictions statewide, has nearly 4 times the number of deputies assigned to prosecute felony crimes as Pierce County.

Our main focus is on murders and aggravated assaults as well as crimes against women and children. Sexual assault crimes tend to be the most challenging and labor intensive, due in large part to the harsh penalites upon conviction. Crimes involving illegal gun use or possession, which are often associated with gang-related violence, are a priority as well. This office is recognized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state for its willingness to charge complex cases of identify theft and embezzlement involving volumes of evidence. Though our caseloads are among the highest in the state, we have developed a culture that is efficient, exceedingly dedicated and inspired by the Public Prosecutor's challenging role.