Any time you are convicted of a criminal offense in the state of Washington, there is the possibility of jail time. Misdemeanors are considered minor offenses under the law, but they still carry the possibility of up to 364 days in jail. While there is no minimum mandatory sentence for assault in the 4th degree, if you are arrested for the offense, you may spend a few hours in jail before you are released pending trial. Finally, whether you are sentenced to jail upon conviction will depend on a number of factors, including the circumstances under which the offense was committed, the seriousness of the offense, and your criminal history. An experienced Washington criminal defense lawyer is often able to negotiate probation or some other sentencing alternatives in lieu of incarceration for assault in the 4th Degree.