Find Court Records in Tacoma
Tacoma court records are maintained by three courts: Tacoma Municipal Court, Pierce County District Court, and Pierce County Superior Court. Searching Tacoma court records requires knowing which court handled the case, since each court covers different case types and maintains its own records. Tacoma Municipal Court handles misdemeanors and city ordinance violations within Tacoma city limits. Felony cases and major civil matters go to Pierce County Superior Court. This page explains where to search and how to request records from each court serving Tacoma, Washington.
Tacoma Overview
Tacoma Municipal Court Records
Tacoma Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction that hears misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases involving alleged violations of City of Tacoma ordinances. Cases include criminal charges such as domestic violence, assault, theft, and drug offenses. The court also handles criminal-traffic offenses including DUI, physical control, and reckless driving, as well as traffic and parking infractions.
The court's mission is to promote respect for the law, society, and individual rights while providing open, accessible, and effective forums for dispute resolution. Judges serving the court include Dee A. Sonntag (Department 1), Sergio C. Flores (Department 2), Steven J. Krupa (Department 3), and Commissioner Jason L. Johnson. Courtroom locations are at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Rooms 234, 134, 235, and 135, and at 1102 Tacoma Avenue South.
Electronic filing is mandatory per Local Rule 30.1. Attorneys must use eFileWA Services for all filings. Virtual hearings are available for infractions, photo and parking citations, and criminal matters on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m., subject to judicial approval. Cash bail or a bail bond may be required before release from jail pending the outcome of a case.
Tacoma Court Dates and Hearings
The court dates and hearings page at tacoma.gov covers several options. Warrant hearings to quash a warrant must be scheduled in person at the Municipal Court service counter or by emailing MunicipalCourt@tacoma.gov. A warrant stays active until a judge orders it quashed at a hearing.
Infraction hearings can be requested by checking the box on the back of the ticket and mailing it to the court, or by going in person to the service counter on the 8th floor, Room 841, of the County-City Building. Infraction hearings cannot be scheduled by phone. Requests must be made within 30 days of the violation date, or 33 days if the ticket was received by mail.
Hearing by Mail is available for infractions, parking, and camera tickets only. There is no appeal option for a Hearing by Mail decision. Forms can be filed at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Rm 841, Tacoma, WA 98402, or emailed to MunicipalCourt@tacoma.gov. Parking and camera tickets are not reported to the Department of Licensing, but unpaid tickets can suspend your vehicle registration renewal.
Tacoma Municipal Court Records Request
Public requests for Tacoma Municipal Court case records may be submitted by mail or email using the Records Request Form. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, case number, and the date of the incident if it is known and relevant. You can also note if you want the completed records sent by email and how urgent the request is.
Copy fees at Tacoma Municipal Court are as follows: the first 10 photocopies are free, and additional pages cost $0.50 each. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. Audio recordings on CD cost $10.00 and take 5 to 10 business days to process. The request form includes a confidentiality agreement under RCW 10.97, the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act. Records can be picked up at the customer service counter or mailed to any address you provide.
Fines and court costs are due at the time of the court hearing. Payment arrangements are available with the judge's approval, though a $10 time plan fee applies to infraction traffic matters. Interpreters and hearing devices are available at no cost, but contact the court before the hearing to request these services.
Pierce County District Court in Tacoma
Pierce County District Court serves Tacoma residents for matters outside Tacoma Municipal Court's jurisdiction. The District Court handles small claims, civil cases under $100,000, name changes, and anti-harassment orders. It is located at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402.
To request case records from Pierce County District Court, contact the Public Records Officer. You can email PCDCRecords@piercecountywa.gov or mail a written request to Pierce County District Court, Attn: Public Records Officer, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Rm 239, Tacoma WA 98402. Phone is (253) 798-7487 and fax is (253) 798-6310. You will need to include the name, date of birth, case number if known, and the date of incident. Online payment is available at www.pcdistrictcourtpay.com or by phone at (253) 590-4452.
Note: Access to District Court records is governed by GR 31. Fees will be communicated before any records are released.
Pierce County Superior Court Records
Pierce County Superior Court is responsible for ensuring a timely and impartial resolution to legal disputes. It is located at 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone is 253-798-7455. The court handles felonies, civil cases over $100,000, family law, probate, juvenile matters, and appeals.
Court records for Pierce County Superior Court can be searched online through LINX at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. The courthouse, also called the County-City Building, houses Municipal Court courtrooms on floors 1 and 2, the Superior Court Clerk on floor 1, and Superior Court administration on floor 3. Each judicial department has specific procedures for remote appearances. Many departments require written requests 5 to 7 days in advance for remote hearing access.
For a statewide search that covers both Tacoma Municipal Court and Pierce County courts, use the Washington Courts case search at dw.courts.wa.gov. Results are updated every 24 hours. The statewide search is a good starting point if you are not sure which court handled a specific case.
Pierce County Court Records
Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County. Felony cases, family law filings, and civil matters over $100,000 all run through the Pierce County court system. For more information on county courts, online search tools, and record request procedures, visit the Pierce County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Tacoma also have court records pages. They are each served by a combination of municipal, district, and superior courts within Pierce County.