Columbia 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 Columbia County Superior Court is the county's general trial court, and the County Clerk keeps its official court records. Statewide court information is listed below for reference.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Columbia County Superior Court |
| Court Level | General trial court (Superior Court), one per county |
| Records Custodian | County Clerk (superior court clerk), who keeps the official court records |
| Handles | General trial matters for Columbia County; Washington also has district and municipal courts, which hear limited-jurisdiction matters |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Washington); parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Appeals | Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court |
| Statewide Case Search | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov |
How to Search Columbia County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The County Clerk keeps Columbia County court records.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open JIS-Link, the statewide case search.
Search by name or case number to find case records.
Confirm results with the court before relying on them.
Best for: Finding statewide case records by name or number
In Person
Go to the County Clerk's office after confirming its address on courts.wa.gov.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail or Email
Contact the County Clerk to confirm how to send a records request.
Include the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk about expected response times.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit 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
Columbia County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Columbia County courts handled an estimated 359 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 369. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~359
Total filings in CY 2024
~369
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~359
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~359 | ~354 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~369 | ~354 | ~+4.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~243 | ~238 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~96 | ~96 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~16 | ~16 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~8 | ~8 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~5 | ~5 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~4 | ~4 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Columbia County's 0.05% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Columbia County?
Estimated total filings in Columbia 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 | ~359 | ~369 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~354 | ~354 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~349 | ~344 | ~+7.7% |
| CY 2021 | ~324 | ~329 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~334 | ~329 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.5% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 334 to 359. The largest annual change was +7.7% in CY 2022. The latest change of +1.4% reflects statewide Washington trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Columbia County's 0.05% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Columbia County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Columbia County, at about 67.7% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~243 | ~67.7% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~96 | ~26.7% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~16 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~8 | ~2.2% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~5 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~4 | ~1.1% | ~+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 Columbia County's 0.05% share of the state population.
How Does Columbia County Compare With Washington Overall?
Columbia County is estimated to account for about 0.05% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Columbia County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~359 | 710,000 | ~0.05% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~359 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~369 | 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 Columbia County's 0.05% share of the state population.
Columbia County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Columbia 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 (as published, may include arson) | 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 Columbia County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Columbia County Courthouse Locations
Columbia County court proceedings are held at the Columbia County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia County Courthouse | 341 E Main Street, Dayton, WA 99328 | 509-382-4321 | 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 Columbia County?
In Columbia County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Columbia County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Columbia County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Columbia County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Columbia County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Columbia County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Columbia County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Columbia 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 Columbia County Court Records Public?
Most Columbia County court records are open to the public, but some records are restricted by law or court order.
Public records
Court records kept by the County Clerk are generally open for inspection. Ask the clerk which records are available for your request.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed and confidential records are not available without authorization. The County Clerk can confirm whether a specific record is restricted.
Online access
The statewide case search, JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, lists case information online. Not every document is available online, so request copies from the County Clerk.
In-person access
Visit the County Clerk's office to view or request records. Confirm the office address on courts.wa.gov before you go.
Fees
No court fees are listed on this page. Ask the County Clerk about any fees for copies or certified records.
How to Search Columbia County Court Records Online
Use the statewide JIS-Link portal to search Columbia County court cases, then ask the County Clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the County Clerk to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Traffic | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Civil | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Small claims | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Family law | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Probate | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
| Juvenile | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov (if listed there) | Case information shown in the portal | Coverage by case type is not confirmed here; ask the County Clerk |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Columbia County
Ask the Columbia County Clerk which payment methods the court accepts for traffic citations, criminal fines, and payment plans.
No statewide online fine-payment portal is listed on this page, so no payment methods, fees, or card types are shown here.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Columbia County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Columbia County court records?
Use JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov to search by name or case number, or contact the County Clerk for records that are not online.
Are Columbia County court records public?
Most are open to the public, but sealed and confidential records are restricted by law or court order.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number in JIS-Link, or ask the County Clerk for help locating the case.
How do I find a court date?
Check your paperwork first, then contact the County Clerk to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the County Clerk to confirm which payment methods are accepted, since no statewide online fine-payment portal is listed on this page.
How many cases are filed in Columbia County each year?
County filing counts are not available on this page, so no annual total is given. The county had 4,141 residents in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Columbia County?
The case-type breakdown is not available on this page, so no most common category is named.
Is crime in Columbia 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
Columbia County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 341 E Main St, Dayton, WA, 99328 |
| Phone Number: | 509-382-4321 |
| Fax: | 509-382-4830 |
| Website: | http://www.columbiaco.com/25/Superior-Court |
Useful Links
- Washington Courts - Information, Forms and Resources Official site for Washington State Courts providing information on court rules, forms, procedures, and statewide court services.
- Washington Courts - Search Case Records Access Washington State court case records from the official court website with a user-friendly search feature.
- Columbia County Superior Court Information Provides details on Columbia County Superior Court including contact information, jurisdiction, and court schedules.
- Columbia County District Court Rules PDF Downloadable PDF document containing specific rules and procedures for Columbia County District Court.
- Columbia County District Court Information Provides information about Columbia County District Court including location, hours, and types of cases handled.
- Washington State Bar Association - For Legal Professionals and Public Professional and public resource for legal assistance, attorney referrals, and legal education in Washington State.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org - Free Legal Information and Self-Help Materials Non-profit providing free legal resources and guides for low-income people in Washington State.
- Network of Care - Columbia County Legal Services Resource for accessing legal services in Columbia County, including directory and contact information for local services.
- Columbia Legal Services - Advocacy and Legal Representation Non-profit law firm advocating for community stakeholders and providing civil legal aid in Washington State.
- Court Directory - Find Washington State Courts Comprehensive directory listing all court locations and contact information for courts throughout Washington State.
- Columbia County Property and Record Search Provides access to Columbia County property records and other public records for research purposes.
- Legal Voice - Legal Information and Advocacy in the Northwest Non-profit advocating for women's and LGBTQ legal rights and providing resources across Washington and the Northwest.
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General Official site of the Attorney General's Office offering information and resources on various legal issues in Washington.
- Washington State Courts Virtual Proceedings | Zoom Platform for participating in Washington State court proceedings virtually, with links to join scheduled sessions.
- Washington Secretary of State - Corporations and Charities Division Resource for searching corporate and charitable entity registrations and related records in Washington State.
- Northwest Justice Project - Legal Aid to People with Low Income Legal aid organization providing civil legal assistance to low-income individuals throughout Washington State.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services State agency providing health and human services, including support for families, the disabled, and vulnerable populations.
- Washington State Court Forms Official repository of state-wide court forms for various legal processes, accessible and downloadable for public use.
- City of Dayton Homepage Provides information about city departments, services, and community resources, serving the largest city in Columbia County.
- Association of Washington Cities Organization supporting Washington's cities and towns, offering resources on local governance and municipal services.
Table of Contents
- Columbia County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Columbia County Court Records
- Columbia County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Columbia County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Columbia County?
- How Does Columbia County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Columbia County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Columbia County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Columbia County?
- Are Columbia County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Columbia County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Columbia County
- Columbia County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links