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Facing a criminal charge in Washington can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re presented with options you’ve never heard of before. One option that often surprises people is something called a Stipulated Order of Continuance, or an SOC. It’s a tool used in many Washington courts to resolve certain cases without going through a trial or entering a conviction.

If you’ve been offered an SOC, here’s what it actually means, without the fancy lawyer lingo.

An SOC Is Basically a Chance to Earn a Dismissal

At its core, a Stipulated Order of Continuance is an agreement between you and the State. The court pauses your case for a certain amount of time—often six months to a year—while you complete specific requirements.

If you do everything you’re supposed to do, your charge is dismissed at the end of the SOC period. That means:

• No conviction on your record
• No jail time
• No probation after the dismissal

For many people, this is a way to avoid a permanent criminal record.

You Don’t Plead Guilty, but You Give Up Some Rights

An SOC is not a guilty plea. You aren’t admitting to the crime, and you aren’t convicted of anything.

However, you do have to stipulate (agree) that the police reports contain enough evidence that the judge could find you guilty. This matters because if you violate the terms of the SOC, you don’t get a regular trial later. Instead, the judge reviews the police reports and can find you guilty based on those alone.

In other words:
An SOC gives you a path to a dismissal, but it also removes your ability to fight the case later if you don’t follow the rules.

You Must Follow Certain Conditions

Every SOC comes with requirements. They’re different from case to case, but common conditions include:

• No new criminal charges
• Community service
• Drug, alcohol or domestic violence* (DV) evaluation and compliance with recommended treatment
• Staying away from certain people
• Paying fees or costs
• Not using alcohol or drugs
• Checking in with probation as directed

*It is not impossible, but very rare to get an SOC in a DV case.

Think of it like this: the State offers you a second chance, and you agree to show progress and responsibility during the SOC period.

What Happens If You Violate the SOC?

If you don’t follow the conditions, the prosecutor can ask the court to revoke the SOC. You would have a hearing, but not a full trial. Because you already agreed that the police reports contain enough evidence, the judge can:

• Find you guilty
• Move directly to sentencing

That’s the biggest risk of an SOC—it’s much easier for the State to secure a conviction if you don’t comply.

What Happens If You Complete Everything?

If you successfully finish all the conditions, the judge signs an order dismissing your case. That means:

• No conviction enters
• You avoid jail
• The case shows as dismissed in court records

It’s one of the few ways to earn a dismissal even when the State believes they could prove the case.

Is an SOC Right for Everyone?

Not always. An SOC can be a great option if:

• You can realistically complete the conditions
• You want to avoid a conviction
• You prefer a structured plan instead of a trial

But it may not be the best choice if:

• The conditions are too demanding to complete
• You have a strong defense and want to go to trial
• The risk of a quick conviction after a violation is too high for you

Every case—and every person’s situation—is different.

Final Thoughts

A Stipulated Order of Continuance is a valuable tool in Washington’s criminal justice system. It offers many people a second chance and a real opportunity to keep their record clean. But it also carries risks, and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign.

If you’re considering an SOC, it’s always wise to talk through your options with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your specific case.