Search Pierce County Court Records

Pierce County court records are managed by the Superior Court Clerk at the County-City Building in Tacoma. You can search criminal and civil cases online through the LINX system, request copies through the clerk's office, or visit in person during regular hours. Pierce County is Washington's second most populous county, with a large and active court system handling thousands of filings each year. Superior Court, District Court, and several municipal courts all maintain separate records. This page covers how to find and request Pierce County court records from each of those courts.

Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court

The Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court is the primary keeper of all Superior Court records. The office is located at the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. Services include requesting court records, e-filing support, self-help resources, case information access, and rules and fee schedules. Note that construction at the building may cause longer than usual wait times, so the clerk's office encourages use of online resources when possible.

The clerk's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone service ends at 3:30 p.m. New fee schedules take effect periodically, so check the website for the latest costs before you visit or submit a request.

The clerk's website has self-help resources, LINX access links, juror information, and a lawyer referral. If you need a certified copy of a court document, you can request it in person or order it through the LINX portal.

LINX: Pierce County's Online Case System

LINX stands for Legal Information Network Exchange. It is Pierce County's case management system for Superior Court records. The system has been in use in Pierce County for nearly 20 years. LINX was designed by court administrators, clerks, judicial assistants, prosecutors, corrections managers, and attorneys to share data across the county's criminal justice system.

With LINX, you can search criminal and civil cases by party name or cause number. The system shows attorneys, charges, docket entries, proceedings, schedules, and judgments. You can also view court calendars for Superior Court, including anticipated trial dates and the Readiness Docket. The jail roster shows current Pierce County Corrections inmates, with links to related Superior Court cases.

The LINX main portal is available at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. Public users can search cases and view court calendars without a subscription. Attorney subscribers get additional features including e-filing, document downloads, and track assignment requests. Note that copying or storing LINX data for the purpose of giving access to third parties is strictly prohibited by Pierce County.

For a more detailed look at what LINX offers, visit the LINX Online Case Information page on the Pierce County website. That page explains features, search options, and how to set up a subscription if you need advanced access.

Note: Pierce County Superior Court cases are not searchable through the standard Washington Courts statewide portal. Use LINX for Pierce County Superior Court case searches.

Pierce County Superior Court

Pierce County Superior Court has departments numbered 1 through 23, each with an assigned judge. The court handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over a set threshold, family law, probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. Most hearings and trials are in person. Remote appearances via Zoom require prior approval, typically submitted 5 to 7 business days before the scheduled hearing.

Each department has its own email address for trial assignments and questions. Judge assignments and courtroom locations are updated on the Superior Court website. Commissioners handle civil motions, family law matters, and protection orders. Courtroom deputy clerks maintain journals and process exhibits for each department.

Requesting Pierce County Court Records

Pierce County has a dedicated page for finding case information and submitting public records requests. For Superior Court records, the main method is through the LINX portal. You can search cases, pay for documents, and view or print filings online. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per document page through the portal. Documents filed before 2002 may not be available online and must be requested from the clerk's office.

To request records by mail, email, or fax, visit the Request Court Records page. Provide the case number or the name of a party and specify which documents you need. Payment is accepted by credit card through the secure LINX portal. For records not available online, contact the clerk at (253) 798-7455.

For Superior Court transcript requests, contact the clerk's office at (253) 798-7455. Transcript requests must include the case number, hearing date, and delivery instructions. Turnaround times vary. CD duplications of hearings can also be ordered through the clerk.

Pierce County District Court

Pierce County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and civil matters under $75,000. The court has four divisions covering different geographic areas of the county. Customer service counters are open at the courthouse. Visitors can also call (253) 798-7487 or use the Live Chat feature online. Online payment for fines is available without coming to the courthouse.

For District Court records requests, you can submit by mail, email, or fax. Provide the name, date of birth, case number if known, and the date of incident if relevant. Be specific about which documents you need and indicate your preferred delivery method. Divorce decrees and child support matters must be requested from Superior Court, not District Court.

District Court records requests go to: Pierce County District Court, Attn: Case Records, 930 Tacoma Ave. S. Rm 239, Tacoma, WA 98402. Email: PCDCRecords@piercecountywa.gov. Phone: (253) 798-7487. Fax: (253) 798-6310. The Public Records Officer for administrative records is Mary Ann Romo at PCDISTCRT1@piercecountywa.gov. Access to court records is governed by GR 31.

Cities in Pierce County

Pierce County includes Tacoma, the county seat, along with several large communities. All felony cases and major civil matters are handled at the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma regardless of which city the case originates from.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pierce County. If you are unsure which county a case was filed in, check the address where the filing party resides.