Benton County, WA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Benton County Superior Court is the county's general trial court. The County Clerk keeps the official court records for Benton County.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Benton County Superior Court |
| Statewide Court Website | courts.wa.gov |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link statewide case search, courts.wa.gov |
Local addresses, phone numbers and judicial officer details for Benton County are not listed here. Confirm them through courts.wa.gov.
How to Search Benton County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Benton County court records.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open the statewide JIS-Link case search.
Search by name or case number to view case information.
Best for: Quick case lookups by name or number
In Person
Go to the Benton County Clerk's office to request court records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Best for: Records not available online
Contact the Clerk
Contact the Benton County Clerk's office to ask how to request records.
Ask which records the clerk can copy or send to you.
Confirm contact details at courts.wa.gov before you call.
Best for: Requests you cannot make in person
Search by Name on WashingtonCourts.org
Go to WashingtonCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Benton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Benton County courts handled an estimated 19,466 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 20,014. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~19,466
Total filings in CY 2024
~20,014
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,770
Filings per judicial position (11 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~19,466 | ~19,192 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~20,014 | ~19,192 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~13,160 | ~12,886 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~5,209 | ~5,209 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~877 | ~877 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~411 | ~411 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~274 | ~274 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~192 | ~192 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~11 | ~11 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Benton County's 2.74% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Benton County?
Estimated total filings in Benton County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~19,466 | ~20,014 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~19,192 | ~19,192 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~18,918 | ~18,644 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~17,547 | ~17,821 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~18,095 | ~17,821 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 18,095 to 19,466. The largest annual change was +7.8% in CY 2022. The latest change of +1.4% reflects statewide Washington trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Benton County's 2.74% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Benton County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Benton County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~13,160 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~5,209 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~877 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~411 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~274 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~192 | ~1.0% | ~+0.0% |
Criminal cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and civil cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Benton County's 2.74% share of the state population.
How Does Benton County Compare With Washington Overall?
Benton County is estimated to account for about 2.74% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Benton County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~19,466 | 710,000 | ~2.74% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,770 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,819 | 1,825 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~67.6% | 67.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~26.8% | 26.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~4.5% | 4.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Washington figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Benton County's 2.74% share of the state population.
Benton County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Benton County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 20.1% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97.7% of Washington's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
22,798
Violent crimes, Washington statewide, 2025
157,507
Property crimes, Washington statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
284.9
Violent crime rate per 100K, Washington statewide, 2025 (population 8,001,020)
-20.1%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Washington statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (180,305 vs 225,760)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 234 | 2.9 | 304 | -23.0% |
| Rape | 3,120 | 39.0 | 3,212 | -2.9% |
| Robbery | 4,140 | 51.7 | 5,388 | -23.2% |
| Aggravated assault | 15,304 | 191.3 | 17,373 | -11.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 22,798 | 284.9 | 26,277 | -13.2% |
| Burglary | 24,862 | 310.7 | 32,152 | -22.7% |
| Larceny-theft | 111,515 | 1393.8 | 131,566 | -15.2% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 20,206 | 252.5 | 34,655 | -41.7% |
| Property crimes total | 157,507 | 1968.6 | 199,483 | -21.0% |
Rates use the Washington 2025 population of 8,001,020. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Benton County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Benton County Courthouse Locations
Benton County court proceedings are held at the Benton County Justice Center. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benton County Justice Center | 7122 W Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336 | 509-735-8388 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Benton County?
In Benton County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Benton County and by district or municipal courts for lower-level cases.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court or municipal court serving Benton County | Traffic infractions are handled by the district court or the city municipal court where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket (municipal or district court) | Parking tickets are handled by the issuing city's municipal court or the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court or municipal court in Benton County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Benton County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Benton County | DUI is commonly charged as a gross misdemeanor in a court of limited jurisdiction. |
| Domestic violence | District Court, municipal court, or Superior Court of Benton County | Criminal charges go to the limited-jurisdiction court or superior court by level; protection orders may be filed in either. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court of Benton County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Benton County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Benton County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Benton County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Benton County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Benton County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Benton County, Juvenile Division | Juvenile matters are handled in superior court. |
| Appeal | Washington Court of Appeals or Supreme Court | Appeals go to the Court of Appeals, and some go directly to the Supreme Court. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Benton County Court Records Public?
Generally yes. Court records in Benton County are open to the public, except records that are sealed or restricted by law or court order.
Public records
Most court case files are open for inspection unless a law, court rule or court order makes them confidential.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records made confidential by law or court order are not available to the public without authorization from the court.
Online access
The statewide JIS-Link case search at courts.wa.gov lets you look up case information online. Online results do not replace official records, and not every document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Benton County Clerk's office to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Benton County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Benton County through Washington's statewide court record tools and the county clerk.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family.
- Choose the official portal: Find Court Records or the Odyssey Portal.
- Search by name or case number.
- Review the case details, hearing dates, and outcomes.
- Request documents that are not online from the clerk or court in Benton County.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Odyssey Portal and Find Court Records | Superior court criminal case information in participating counties; limited-jurisdiction court cases use separate local or statewide search tools. | Not all counties use the Odyssey Portal; documents are typically available from the county clerk. |
| Traffic | Find Court Records | Traffic infraction cases are searched through the statewide record search or the local district or municipal court. | Not part of the superior court Odyssey Portal. |
| Civil | Odyssey Portal | Superior court civil case information in participating counties. | Anonymous users generally see case information but not documents; documents are available from the clerk. |
| Small claims | Find Court Records | District court small claims records are found through the statewide search or the local district court. | Not in the superior court portal; ask the district court for documents. |
| Family law | Odyssey Portal | Superior court family case information in participating counties. | Confidential and sealed records are not available, and documents usually require the clerk. |
| Probate | Odyssey Portal | Superior court probate case information in participating counties. | Document access varies by county; contact the Benton County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Benton County (restricted access) | Juvenile records are generally confidential. | Do not expect juvenile cases to appear in public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Benton County
Payment options for Benton County fines and citations are not listed here, so contact the Benton County Clerk to confirm which methods are accepted.
Parking tickets are generally handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Benton County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Benton County court records?
Use the statewide JIS-Link case search at courts.wa.gov by name or case number, or contact the Benton County Clerk for records that are not online.
Are Benton County court records public?
Generally yes. Most court records are open to the public, but sealed records and records restricted by law or court order are not available without authorization.
How do I find a criminal case in Benton County?
Search by name or case number in JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, or ask the Benton County Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date in Benton County?
Check your ticket or notice, search the case in JIS-Link, or contact the Benton County Clerk's office.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Benton County?
Payment options are not listed here, so contact the Benton County Clerk to confirm which methods are accepted.
How many cases are filed in Benton County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so no annual figure is shown.
What is the most common type of case in Benton County?
Case type counts are not published here, so no most common category can be shown.
Is crime in Benton County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 13.2% to 22,798 in 2025 from 26,277 in 2024, and property crimes fell 21.0% to 157,507 from 199,483, as reported to the FBI. These are Washington statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Benton County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick, WA, 99336 |
| Phone Number: | 509-736-3071 |
| Fax: | 509-736-3057 |
| Website: | http://www.benton-franklinsuperiorcourt.com/ |
West-Richland Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 3100 Belmont Boulevard, West-Richland, WA, 99353 |
| Phone Number: | 509-967-3431 |
| Fax: | 509-967-5706 |
| Website: | https://www.westrichland.org/ |
Useful Links
- Benton County WA Official Website Detailing District Court Information Discover the functions and services of the Benton County District Court, including case information and court schedules.
- Benton County Criminal & Civil Case Records Search Portal Access the Benton County portal for searching criminal and civil case records, facilitating detailed legal research.
- Washington Courts - Benton-Franklin County Superior Court Explore the official directory for Benton-Franklin Superior Court, offering court contact details and jurisdictional information.
- Washington State Courts - Courts Directory Find a comprehensive directory of all Washington State Courts, including Benton County, with in-depth jurisdictional insights.
- Benton County Glyph Reports for Police Records and Logs Access police reports and logs in Benton County through the Glyph Reports system, detailing crime incidents and arrests.
- Benton County District Court Clean Court Public Interface Utilize Benton County's Clean Court Interface for public access to court cases, dockets, and related legal documentation.
- Resources for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals in Washington via Beyond the Conviction Beyond the Conviction provides resources for reentry into society, specifically catering to those in Washington State.
- U.S Legal Forms Washington Court Forms and Legal Resources A robust repository of Washington court forms and legal resources, aiding in comprehensive legal documentation processes.
- FindLaw - Washington State Law Resources Delve into Washington State laws, covering Benton County legal matters, statutes, case law, and legal guidance.
- Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises - Washington State OMWBE offers legal support and resources for minority and women-owned businesses across Washington State, including Benton.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org - Resources for Free Legal Assistance in Washington Access free legal assistance resources designed to help residents of Washington navigate various legal challenges effectively.
- Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society - Assistance and Advocacy Providing legal aid and advocacy for low-income individuals in Benton County, ensuring access to justice for all.
- American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State ACLU WA works to defend civil liberties and rights within Washington State, promoting justice and equal rights.
- Washington State Bar Association - Member and Legal Services Official site of the WSBA, offering membership services, legal resources, and public protection measures in Washington.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services DSHS provides legal and social services, health-related support, and public assistance programs across Washington State.
- Washington Defenders Association - Advocacy and Legal Assistance The WDA offers comprehensive legal support, specializing in criminal defense advocacy throughout Washington State.
- Washington State Association of Counties WSAC serves the interests of Washington's counties, including Benton, fostering cooperation and providing legislative guidance.
- Washington State Bar News - Legal Insights & Updates WSBA's official publication offering news, insights, and updates related to legal practices within Washington State.
- Washington Courts - Unified Court Information A comprehensive platform for statewide court information in Washington, enhancing understanding of judicial roles and services.
- WA Courts Search Engine for Benton County Records A specialized search engine to locate Benton County court records, ensuring efficient retrieval of legal documentation.
Table of Contents
- Benton County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Benton County Court Records
- Benton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Benton County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Benton County?
- How Does Benton County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Benton County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Benton County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Benton County?
- Are Benton County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Benton County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Benton County
- Benton County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links