Pierce County Court Records
What Is Pierce County Court Records
Pierce County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act, court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, and administrative documents.
The following courts within Pierce County maintain official court records:
- Superior Court (handles felonies, civil cases over $100,000, family law)
- District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $100,000, small claims)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, traffic infractions)
- Juvenile Court (juvenile offenses and dependencies)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
Court records in Pierce County document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. According to Washington Court General Rule 31, court records are defined as "any document, information, or other thing that is collected, received, or maintained by court personnel in connection with a judicial proceeding."
Are Court Records Public In Pierce County
Court records in Pierce County are generally accessible to the public under Washington state law. The Washington State Constitution, Article I, § 10 establishes that "Justice in all cases shall be administered openly," creating a presumption of public access to court proceedings and records. Additionally, the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56 further codifies the public's right to access government records, including court documents.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that federal courts in Washington (including those serving Pierce County) operate under separate rules governed by federal statutes and are not subject to state public records laws. Access to federal court records is provided through the PACER system.
Certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 15, which establishes procedures for restricting access to court records when privacy or safety concerns outweigh the public interest in disclosure.
How To Find Court Records in Pierce County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Pierce County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple systems for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for record identification
- Pay applicable copy fees if obtaining physical copies
Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office
930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-798-7455
Pierce County Superior Court
Pierce County District Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-798-7487
Pierce County District Court
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees
Electronic Access:
- Access the Pierce County Superior Court LINX system
- Create an account or log in as a guest user
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View basic case information at no cost; document downloads may require fees
Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 31(c), courts must "make available to the public for inspection and copying all court records" unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
How To Look Up Court Records in Pierce County Online?
Pierce County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient methods for searching and retrieving court documents without visiting a courthouse:
Pierce County LINX (Legal Information Network Exchange):
- Navigate to the LINX online portal
- Select the desired search type (case, name, property, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as case number or party name
- Review search results and select specific cases to view details
- Access available documents (some may require fees)
Washington State Courts Case Search:
- Visit the Washington Courts Name and Case Search
- Enter party name or case number
- Select Pierce County from jurisdiction options
- Review search results for case information
- Note that document images are not available through this system
Washington State Digital Archives:
- Access the Washington State Digital Archives
- Select "Court Records" from available collections
- Choose Pierce County from location options
- Enter search parameters (name, date range, case type)
- View historical court records that have been digitized
Odyssey Portal for District and Municipal Courts:
- Visit the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal
- Select "Smart Search" option
- Enter party name or case number
- Filter results by Pierce County courts
- View case information and scheduled hearings
Each system contains different record types and search capabilities. The LINX system provides the most comprehensive access to Pierce County Superior Court records, while the Odyssey Portal focuses on District and Municipal court cases.
How To Search Pierce County Court Records for Free?
Washington state law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records or for locating public documents and making them available for inspection.
The following Pierce County court record systems are available for free searching:
-
LINX Basic Search - Free access to case summaries, party information, and docket entries for Superior Court cases through the Pierce County LINX system
-
Washington Courts Case Search - Free statewide search for case information through the Washington Courts website
-
Pierce County Jail Inmate Search - Free access to current inmate information through the Pierce County Sheriff's Department
-
Washington State Digital Archives - Free access to historical court records through the Washington State Archives
While searching these systems is free, fees may apply for:
- Obtaining certified copies of documents
- Printing physical copies (typically $0.15-$0.50 per page)
- Accessing certain document images online
- Requesting research assistance from court staff
Members of the public may visit any Pierce County courthouse during regular business hours to inspect court records at no cost. Computer terminals are available at courthouse locations for free access to electronic records.
What's Included in a Pierce County Court Record?
Pierce County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Initial appearances
- Charging documents (in criminal cases)
- Filing fee information
Party Information:
- Names of plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, respondents
- Attorney information
- Contact details (may be partially redacted)
- Party type and status
Docket/Register of Actions:
- Chronological list of all case events
- Filing dates
- Hearing dates and times
- Document titles
- Judicial assignments
- Case status updates
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary and permanent orders
- Default judgments
- Summary judgments
- Final judgments
- Sentencing information (criminal cases)
- Child support orders (family cases)
Filed Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Exhibits and attachments
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Briefs and legal memoranda
Hearing Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Hearing outcomes
- Continuances
- Judicial notes (if public)
- Court reporter information
Financial Information:
- Filing fees paid
- Judgments and monetary awards
- Restitution orders
- Fine and penalty assessments
- Payment records
Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 22, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How Long Does Pierce County Keep Court Records?
Pierce County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives. These schedules vary by record type and are governed by the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the Judicial Records Retention Schedule.
Key retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 10 years after case closure for other felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 3-10 years after case closure, depending on offense type
- Infractions: 3 years after case closure
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 6-10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 6 years after case closure
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 25 years after case closure
- Probate cases: 10 years after case closure
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Court Dockets and Indexes:
- Permanent retention for felony and civil case indexes
- 10 years for misdemeanor indexes
- Permanent retention for judgment dockets
Court Recordings and Transcripts:
- 6 years after case closure for most cases
- Permanent retention for capital punishment cases
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives for historical preservation or destroyed according to established procedures. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
The Washington State Archives, Puget Sound Regional Branch maintains many historical Pierce County court records dating back to territorial days.
Types of Courts In Pierce County
Pierce County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-798-7455
Pierce County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Superior Court is Washington's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $100,000, family law, probate, mental health commitments, and juvenile cases.
Pierce County District Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-798-7487
Pierce County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases under $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, traffic infractions, and domestic violence protection orders.
Tacoma Municipal Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-591-5100
Tacoma Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Puyallup Municipal Court
929 E Main, Suite 120
Puyallup, WA 98372
253-841-5450
Puyallup Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lakewood Municipal Court
6000 Main Street SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-512-2258
Lakewood Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal courts handle violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Washington Court of Appeals, Division II
950 Broadway, Suite 300
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-593-2970
Washington Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from Superior Courts.
Washington Supreme Court
Temple of Justice
415 12th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98504
360-357-2077
Washington Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Supreme Court is Washington's highest court, reviewing cases from the Court of Appeals and certain direct appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Pierce County Courts Hear?
Pierce County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:
Pierce County Superior Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (assault, robbery, homicide, etc.)
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $100,000
- Real property disputes
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Juvenile offenses and dependencies
- Mental illness commitments
- Appeals from lower courts
Pierce County District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors (DUI, theft under $5,000)
- Civil actions up to $100,000
- Small claims up to $10,000
- Traffic infractions
- Anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders
- Name changes
- Vehicle impounds
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Municipal Court Cases:
- Violations of city ordinances
- Traffic infractions within city limits
- Parking violations
- Criminal misdemeanors occurring within city boundaries
- Code enforcement violations
- DUI and domestic violence cases occurring within city limits
Washington Court of Appeals Cases:
- Appeals from Superior Court decisions
- Administrative agency appeals
- Original actions for writs of mandamus and prohibition
Washington Supreme Court Cases:
- Appeals from Court of Appeals decisions
- Direct review of certain Superior Court cases
- Original actions involving state officers
- Disciplinary proceedings for attorneys and judges
- Certification questions from federal courts
Each court level operates under specific jurisdictional limits established by the Washington State Constitution and Revised Code of Washington. The hierarchical structure ensures appropriate review and specialization within the judicial system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Pierce County
Court dockets in Pierce County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Pierce County LINX system for Superior Court dockets
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Select the desired case from search results
- View the "Docket" or "Register of Actions" tab for chronological case events
Washington Courts Odyssey Portal:
- Access the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal
- Search by case number or party name
- Filter results for Pierce County District or Municipal courts
- View case summary and event information
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request docket information for specific cases
- Provide case number or party names for identification
- Review docket information on public access terminals
Upcoming Court Calendars:
- Access the Pierce County Superior Court Calendars for scheduled hearings
- Select the desired calendar type (criminal, civil, family law)
- View cases scheduled for specific dates and courtrooms
District Court Calendars:
- Visit the Pierce County District Court website
- Select "Court Calendars" from the menu
- Choose the desired court location and date
- View scheduled hearings and case information
Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 31, court dockets are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order.
Which Courts in Pierce County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Washington state, "courts of record" are defined by RCW 2.08.010 and RCW 3.30.015 as courts where proceedings are recorded verbatim and from which appeals involve review of the record rather than a new trial. Courts not of record typically conduct de novo trials on appeal.
The following Pierce County courts are not courts of record:
Small Claims Court:
- Division of Pierce County District Court
- Handles civil claims up to $10,000
- Informal procedures without attorneys
- Appeals go to Superior Court for trial de novo
- Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
Traffic Infractions Hearings:
- Conducted by District and Municipal courts
- Handled administratively rather than criminally
- Not recorded by court reporters
- Appeals to Superior Court are de novo
Certain Municipal Courts:
- Some smaller municipal courts may not maintain verbatim records
- Appeals from these courts to Superior Court are de novo
- Check with specific municipal court for record status
Courts of record in Pierce County include:
- Pierce County Superior Court
- Pierce County District Court (except small claims division)
- Tacoma Municipal Court
- Washington Court of Appeals
- Washington Supreme Court
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects the appeal process. Appeals from courts not of record involve a completely new trial in Superior Court, while appeals from courts of record involve review of the existing record for legal errors.