Spokane County Court Records
What Is Spokane County Court Records
Spokane County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as maintained by the courts of Spokane County, Washington. Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 31, court records include case files, dockets, indices, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, verdicts, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Spokane County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax and assessment records
- Voter registration information
The following courts within Spokane County maintain official court records:
- Superior Court (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 (cases involving minors)
These records document proceedings across various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Under the Washington Public Records Act § 42.56, most court records are considered public documents, though certain exceptions apply for confidential or sealed records.
Spokane County Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Spokane County Clerk
Are Court Records Public In Spokane County
Court records in Spokane County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Washington's commitment to governmental transparency. The Washington Public Records Act § 42.56 and Washington Court General Rule 31 establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Final verdicts and sentencing information
However, certain records may be restricted from public view, including:
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records (with exceptions under RCW 13.50.050)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers
- Cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault victims
- Grand jury proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (located in Spokane) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Washington Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through General Rule 31, which balances the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the effective administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Spokane County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Spokane County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:
Online Access:
- Visit the Spokane County Court Records portal to search available digital records
- Navigate to the appropriate court division (Superior, District, or Municipal)
- Enter relevant search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and access viewable documents
In-Person Requests:
- Determine which court holds the records of interest
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form with specific case information
- Present valid identification if required
- Pay applicable copy fees if requesting physical documents
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the relevant court clerk
- Include specific case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for any applicable fees
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must submit applications to the Spokane County Clerk's Office with appropriate identification and payment of certification fees.
Spokane County Superior Court Clerk
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County Superior Court
Spokane County District Court
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-4770
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County District Court
How To Look Up Court Records in Spokane County Online?
Spokane County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting courthouse facilities in person.
Spokane County Court Records Portal:
- Access the Spokane County Court Records website
- Select the appropriate court division (Superior, District, or Juvenile)
- Enter search parameters (case number, party name, date range)
- Review results and access available documents
- Note that some documents may require in-person retrieval
Washington State Courts Case Search:
- Visit the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
- Select "Spokane County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter party name or case number
- Review case summary information
- Note that document images are generally not available through this system
Spokane County Court Calendar Viewer:
- Navigate to the Spokane County Court Calendar
- Select the relevant court (Superior, District, or Municipal)
- Choose the desired date range
- View scheduled hearings and associated case information
Spokane County Name/Case/Court Date Search:
- Access the Search Name/Case/Court Dates portal
- Select the appropriate search option
- Enter required information
- Review results for case status and upcoming court dates
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those with sealed components. Additionally, document images may require fees for viewing or downloading, and some sensitive records may only be accessible in person at the courthouse.
How To Search Spokane County Court Records for Free?
Washington state law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in the Public Records Act § 42.56.120, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Spokane County offers several no-cost options for accessing court record information:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files using case numbers or party names
- Examine documents on-site without charge
- Take notes from records without incurring fees
Free Online Search Options:
- Spokane County Court Records portal - Basic case information is available without fees
- Washington State Courts Name and Case Search - Provides free access to case summaries
- Spokane County Court Calendar - Free access to hearing schedules
- Find My Court Date - No-cost lookup of scheduled court appearances
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals are available at courthouse locations for free public use
- These terminals may provide enhanced access to electronic court records
- No fees for viewing documents on these dedicated systems
While basic record searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($0.25-$0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Document downloads from certain systems
- Research assistance from court staff
For comprehensive research without fees, combining online preliminary searches with in-person document inspection offers the most cost-effective approach.
What's Included in a Spokane County Court Record?
Spokane County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions in civil matters
- Information or indictments in criminal cases
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Initial appearances and arraignment records
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Responses and replies to motions
- Court orders and rulings
- Scheduling notices and continuances
- Discovery-related filings (when not sealed)
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists and testimony transcripts
- Expert reports (when filed with the court)
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Affidavits and declarations
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments and decrees
- Verdicts (jury or bench)
- Sentencing orders in criminal cases
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
Post-Judgment Materials:
- Appeals documentation
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Enforcement proceedings
- Modification requests
- Probation/parole reports (in criminal matters)
Administrative Records:
- Case docket sheets listing all filings
- Court reporter logs
- Judicial assignments
- Fee payment records
- Certificate of service documentation
The Washington Court Records Act requires courts to maintain these records according to established retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of documents, including social security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal identifiers.
How Long Does Spokane County Keep Court Records?
Spokane County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW § 40.14.070. These schedules vary by record type and case classification:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for homicide and Class A felonies
- Other felonies: 10 years after case completion
- Misdemeanors: 3-5 years after case completion
- Infractions: 3 years after case completion
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 6-10 years after case completion
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 25 years after case completion
- Probate matters: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 6 years after judgment
- Protection orders: 75 years after issuance
Juvenile Records:
- Dependency cases: Until child turns 25, then archived
- Juvenile offender records: Subject to sealing/destruction provisions under RCW 13.50.050
- Truancy matters: 2 years after child turns 18
Administrative Records:
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
- Financial records: 6 years after creation
- Recordings of proceedings: 6 years after creation
After the required retention period, records may be:
- Transferred to the Washington State Digital Archives for permanent preservation
- Microfilmed for long-term storage
- Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures
Historical records of significant legal or cultural value may be preserved indefinitely regardless of standard retention periods. The Washington State Archives Eastern Regional Branch maintains many older court records from Spokane County that have exceeded their retention requirements but hold historical significance.
Types of Courts In Spokane County
Spokane County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority:
Spokane County Superior Court
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-4400
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County Superior Court
Spokane County District Court
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-4770
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County District Court
Spokane Municipal Court
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 625-4400
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Spokane Municipal Court
Spokane Valley Municipal Court
10510 E. Sprague Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 921-1800
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane Valley Municipal Court
Cheney Municipal Court
609 2nd Street
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 498-9223
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cheney Municipal Court
Spokane County Juvenile Court
1208 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Spokane County Juvenile Court
The court hierarchy in Washington State proceeds from local courts (Municipal/District) to Superior Courts, then to the Court of Appeals, and finally to the Washington Supreme Court. Federal cases from Spokane County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, with appeals going to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Spokane County Courts Hear?
Each court within Spokane County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Washington state law:
Superior Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $100,000
- Real property disputes
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Mental health commitments
- Juvenile offenses and dependencies
- Appeals from lower courts
- Tax disputes and condemnation proceedings
District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 364 days in jail)
- Gross misdemeanors
- Civil actions with claims up to $100,000
- Small claims (up to $10,000)
- Traffic infractions
- Anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Name change petitions
Municipal Court Cases:
- Violations of city ordinances
- Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
- Misdemeanors committed within city boundaries
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement matters
- DUI and other traffic-related offenses within city jurisdiction
Juvenile Court Cases:
- Criminal offenses committed by minors
- Dependency proceedings
- Truancy matters
- At-risk youth petitions
- Child in need of services (CHINS) petitions
- Emancipation requests
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in the Revised Code of Washington for District Courts and RCW § 2.08.010 for Superior Courts. Municipal courts derive their authority from RCW § 3.50 and local city charters.
How To Find a Court Docket In Spokane County
Court dockets in Spokane County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. Members of the public can access these records through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Spokane County Court Calendar for daily hearing schedules
- Access the Washington Courts Case Search for docket information by case or party name
- Use the Spokane County Name/Case/Court Dates search for specific case docket information
- Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions
In-Person Docket Research:
- Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court
- Request docket information by case number or party name
- Review physical docket books for older cases not fully digitized
- Obtain printed docket reports for a nominal fee
Daily Court Calendars:
- Check posted calendars outside courtrooms for current day's proceedings
- Review the Spokane County Court Calendar for upcoming hearings
- Contact the clerk's office for specific courtroom assignments
Case-Specific Docket Information:
- If you are a party to a case, register for electronic notifications
- Attorneys can access additional docket details through court e-filing systems
- Media representatives may request enhanced access to certain docket information
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Chronological listing of all documents filed
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judgment information
- Current case status
For the most comprehensive docket information, combining online searches with in-person verification at the courthouse is recommended, particularly for complex or older cases.
Which Courts in Spokane County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Washington State, "courts of record" are defined by RCW § 2.08.030 and RCW § 3.30.015 as courts where proceedings are recorded verbatim, and appeals from these courts involve review of the record rather than a completely new trial (de novo review).
Courts Not of Record in Spokane County:
Small Claims Court divisions within District Court are not courts of record. These proceedings handle civil claims up to $10,000 and operate with simplified procedures. Key characteristics include:
- No formal transcription of proceedings
- Limited discovery and relaxed rules of evidence
- Appeals heard de novo in Superior Court
- Parties typically represent themselves without attorneys
- Decisions documented via judgment forms rather than formal opinions
Courts of Record in Spokane County:
- Superior Court
- District Court (except Small Claims division)
- Municipal Courts (for certain case types)
- Juvenile Court
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures and standards of review
- Record-keeping requirements
- Procedural formality
- Availability of court reporters or recording equipment
When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing the proceedings for legal errors. This provides litigants from small claims and certain other proceedings a second opportunity to present their case in a more formal setting.
Lookup Court Records in Spokane County
Search Spokane County Court Records