Criminal Court May 8, 2026: The Weight of Arraignment, and Warrants
Arraignments are the most important hearings for defendants because their freedom from custody is determined before the trial.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — “Many Defenders would argue that arraignment is the most important moment in a criminal case,” Emily Galvin Almanza wrote in The Price of Mercy. “It is when the person learns what they are being accused of, and usually when a judge will decide whether the person is sent to jail while the case proceeds. This is not a minor factor. If a person is in jail, every day that goes by could be lethal.”
In Washington State, arraignment typically occurs within 14 days of filing charges, though it can be sooner if the accused are already in custody. It is the first formal court appearance where a defendant is read their charges, constitutional rights, potential penalties, and has potential bail or release conditions set.
In Jefferson County Superior Criminal Court on May 6, two brief arrangements occurred, while variations of warrant issuance showed how deep the decisions about a bail and bonds can go.
Gaige Reading was charged on May 5 with assault in the second degree and unlawful possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty. During his arraignment, his attorney, Julian St. Marie, made a motion to lower his bail, stating the $10,000 bail is "tantamount to no bail.” The court denied the motion. Reading’s omnibus will be June 5, his pretrial June 26, and his trial during the week of July 6.
Zachary Steed was charged with assault in the second degree on May 5. He was appointed attorney Lillian Powers, and pleaded not guilty. He has an omnibus set for June 26, pretrial on July 24, and his trial the week of August 3.
Chandra Andersen was charged on January 5, 2026 with burglary in the first degree, assault in the second degree, malicious mischief in the third degree, and then the following day, assault in the third degree. At her status conference, her attorney, also Powers, asked for a bail reduction from $25,000 to $10,000 on behalf of Andersen. For the second account, Powers requested the $500 bail to be waived on personal recognisance, or displayed stability.
Powers said the reduction is so Andersen can participate in treatment with Behavioral Health in Olympia, where she has participated in programs before. Her family has committed to transport her to and from Olympia.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Chalfant asked the court not to change the conditions of release until Anderson has support systems like housing and treatment in place.
The court granted bail reduction on the first account, but denied the second request for the zero dollars on personal recognisance, and left her bail at $500. The court instructed Anderson that if she makes bail that she has to report her place of living and treatment facility and remain in compliance. They are considering a resolution with the state and her next status hearing is June 15.
Updates:
Jane Franklin’s attorney, also Powers, asked the Court to vacate the judgment for forfeiture made December 1, 2025, and exonerate the bond agency, Tom Lewis Owner of A Plus Bail Bonds, based on Franklin's cognitive decline.
An Extraditable warrant was issued, meaning law enforcement across state borders can pick Franklin up from the warrant.
Shahidah Byrd failed to appear at her omnibus hearing. Powers reported Byrd may be suffering memory loss from a recent car accident. The court set her omnibus out to May 15. Her appearance is mandatory.
Noah Peterson’s case was dismissed.
Heather Woodley also failed to appear for her review hearing. A warrant for $5,000 was issued. There is a chance she is in treatment, according to attorney Powers. If she is, the court will quash the warrant. “She’s had many, many, many opportunities to engage in treatment,” Judge Brandon Mack said.
Camille Ehn waived her speedy trial rights for a two week review set on May 22, to present a resolution with the state.
Why we are reporting on this:
Our goal is to bring transparency to the Jefferson County legal system. We believe understanding the court system helps highlight what needs to be fixed, as well as what types of support are available within the criminal justice system. It’s hard to change what you can’t see, and we believe that transparency will bring the kinds of accountability needed.
We also intend this work as an effort to keep the community together when the criminal justice system and stigma isolate individuals disproportionately affected by poverty and oppression.
Where did we get our information from:
Our reporter attends Superior Court, and follows up with the legal representation or the judge if anything is unclear.
Our approach to covering the court system:
We follow court cases from arraignment to sentencing, paying special attention to the programs that help the accused find ways to improve their lives and to the places where the legal system fails those whose criminal behavior is the result of unaddressed external issues, such as poverty or abuse.
