Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 | Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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
Cowlitz County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Cowlitz County courts handled an estimated 10,169 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 10,456. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~10,169
Total filings in CY 2024
~10,456
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,695
Filings per judicial position (6 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~10,169 | ~10,026 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~10,456 | ~10,026 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~6,875 | ~6,732 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~2,721 | ~2,721 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~458 | ~458 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~215 | ~215 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~143 | ~143 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~100 | ~100 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~6 | ~6 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Cowlitz County's 1.43% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cowlitz County?
Estimated total filings in Cowlitz 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 | ~10,169 | ~10,456 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~10,026 | ~10,026 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~9,883 | ~9,739 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~9,166 | ~9,310 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~9,453 | ~9,310 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 9,453 to 10,169. 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 Cowlitz County's 1.43% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cowlitz County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Cowlitz County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~6,875 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~2,721 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~458 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~215 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~143 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~100 | ~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 Cowlitz County's 1.43% share of the state population.
How Does Cowlitz County Compare With Washington Overall?
Cowlitz County is estimated to account for about 1.43% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Cowlitz County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~10,169 | 710,000 | ~1.43% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,695 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,743 | 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 Cowlitz County's 1.43% share of the state population.
Cowlitz County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Cowlitz County Courthouse Locations
Cowlitz County court proceedings are held at the Cowlitz County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowlitz County Courthouse | 312 SW 1st Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626 | 360-577-3016 | 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 Cowlitz County?
In Cowlitz County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Cowlitz County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Cowlitz County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Cowlitz County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Cowlitz County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Cowlitz County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Cowlitz County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County Court Records Public?
Most Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County Court Records Online
Use the statewide JIS-Link portal to search Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County
Ask the Cowlitz 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.
Cowlitz County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County each year?
County filing counts are not available on this page, so no annual total is given. The county had 114,885 residents in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Cowlitz County?
The case-type breakdown is not available on this page, so no most common category is named.
Is crime in Cowlitz 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
Cowlitz County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 312 SW 1st Ave , Kelso, WA, 98626 |
| Phone Number: | 360-577-3085 |
| Website: | https://www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us/ |
Kelso Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 312 SW 1st Avenue, Kelso, WA, 98636 |
| Phone Number: | 360-577-3073 |
| Fax: | 360-577-3132 |
| Website: | https://www.kelso.gov/legal/municipal-court |
Useful Links
- Cowlitz County District Court - Visit the official site for information on small claims, traffic cases, and court services in Cowlitz County.
- Cowlitz County Superior Court - Find civil, criminal, and juvenile court case information along with schedules and contact details on this official site.
- Washington Courts - Search Case Records - Access statewide case records including trial court information, document access is restricted to official Government users.
- Washington Courts Case Search - Use the Washington Courts portal to locate Superior and District Court case information, limited access may apply.
- Washington State Court Forms - Download necessary forms for family law, small claims, and other proceedings from this comprehensive court forms database.
- Cowlitz County Superior Court Administration - Explore resources, schedules, and administration contact information directly from Cowlitz County's dedicated court management website.
- Cowlitz County Probation Services - Provides resources and service contact details for adult and juvenile probation management, courtesy of Cowlitz official site.
- Cowlitz County Clerk's Office - Official site for accessing court records, e-filing, and other document management services managed by the County Clerk.
- Cowlitz County Marriage License Information - Find details on marriage license applications and processing procedures for Cowlitz County residents, via official channels.
- Legal Services Corporation - Our Grantees - Directory of grant-supported organizations providing legal aid services across the U.S., including those active in Washington State.
- Northwest Justice Project - Statewide non-profit offering free civil legal services to low-income individuals across Washington, including Cowlitz County.
- Washington State Civil Legal Needs Study - In-depth analysis of legal needs conducted across Washington State, offering insights into community requirements and legal service coverage.
- Washington State Bar Association - Official source for finding lawyers, legal resources, and becoming acquainted with the State's legal community protocols.
- Washington LawHelp - Offers easy-to-understand guides, legal aid, and informational pamphlets for those seeking help with statewide legal issues and court processes.
- Cowlitz County Sheriff - Civil Division - Information on civil services including evictions, restraining orders, and property seizures, provided by the Sheriff's Office.
- Cowlitz County Sheriff - Jail Roster - Updated list and info on inmates including booking, charges, and bail, maintained by Cowlitz County's Sheriff's Department.
- Washington State Appellate and Trial Courts - Overview on structure, function, and contact information for Washington's appellate system, including related procedural guides.
- Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense - Essential for those who require publicly provided defense services, includes contact and service eligibility information.
- Cowlitz County Auditor's Office - Vault of public records, including recording, licensing, and voter registration data, managed by the County Auditor’s Office.
- Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney - Official portal for county prosecution details, services, and justice-related administrative contacts and resources.
Table of Contents
- Cowlitz County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cowlitz County Court Records
- Cowlitz County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cowlitz County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cowlitz County?
- How Does Cowlitz County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Cowlitz County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cowlitz County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cowlitz County?
- Are Cowlitz County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cowlitz County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cowlitz County
- Cowlitz County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links