Jefferson 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 Superior Court is Washington's general trial court for Jefferson County, and the County Clerk keeps its official court records. Washington also has courts of limited jurisdiction, such as district and municipal courts, that handle other matters.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of Washington for Jefferson County |
| Court Records Keeper | County Clerk (superior court clerk) |
| Handles | General trial matters for the county, including felony cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which are heard in the U.S. District Court for Washington; limited-jurisdiction matters, which are heard in district and municipal courts |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov |
How to Search Jefferson County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The County Clerk keeps Jefferson County court records.
Online
Go to JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov to search statewide case information.
Look up cases using the name or case number you have.
Review the case details the portal shows you.
Best for: Quick lookups of case information
In Person
Go to the Jefferson County Clerk's office to request court records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office or division holds your case.
Best for: Copies and records the online search does not provide
By Phone
Contact the Jefferson County Clerk's office to ask how to request records.
Ask what the clerk needs before you send a request.
Have the case number and party names ready.
Best for: Confirming what the clerk needs first
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
Jefferson County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Jefferson County courts handled an estimated 3,028 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 3,114. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~3,028
Total filings in CY 2024
~3,114
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,514
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,028 | ~2,986 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~3,114 | ~2,986 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~2,047 | ~2,005 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~810 | ~810 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~136 | ~136 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~64 | ~64 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~43 | ~43 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~30 | ~30 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Jefferson County's 0.43% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson County?
Estimated total filings in Jefferson 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 | ~3,028 | ~3,114 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~2,986 | ~2,986 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2022 | ~2,943 | ~2,900 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~2,730 | ~2,772 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~2,815 | ~2,772 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 2,815 to 3,028. 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 Jefferson County's 0.43% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Jefferson County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~2,047 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~810 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~136 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~64 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~43 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~30 | ~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 Jefferson County's 0.43% share of the state population.
How Does Jefferson County Compare With Washington Overall?
Jefferson County is estimated to account for about 0.43% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Jefferson County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,028 | 710,000 | ~0.43% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,514 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,557 | 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 Jefferson County's 0.43% share of the state population.
Jefferson County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Jefferson County Courthouse Locations
Jefferson County court proceedings are held at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County Courthouse | 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 | 360-385-9125 | 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 Jefferson County?
In Jefferson County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Jefferson County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Jefferson County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Jefferson County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Jefferson County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Jefferson County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Jefferson County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Court Records Public?
Yes, court records in Jefferson County are generally open to the public, with exceptions for records restricted by law or court order.
Public records
The County Clerk keeps the official court records for Jefferson County and makes them available for inspection, subject to the exceptions below.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that are sealed, confidential under law, or restricted by court order are not available to the public. Ask the County Clerk which records apply to your case.
Online access
Look up case information through JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov. Online results may not show every document, so request any document that is not online from the clerk.
In-person access
Visit the Jefferson County Clerk's office to view or request records. Ask the clerk which office holds your case.
How to Search Jefferson County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Jefferson 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 Jefferson County
Payment options for Jefferson County court fines and citations are not listed here, so contact the County Clerk to confirm how to pay.
Parking tickets are generally handled by the agency that issued the ticket, not by the court.
Jefferson County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Jefferson County court records?
Go to JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov to search statewide case information by name or case number, or contact the County Clerk.
Are Jefferson County court records public?
Generally yes, with exceptions for records that are sealed, confidential under law, or restricted by court order.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number in JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov, or contact the County Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket, or contact the County Clerk to confirm the court date on your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Payment options for Jefferson County are not listed here, so contact the County Clerk to confirm how to pay.
How many cases are filed in Jefferson County each year?
County filing counts for Jefferson County are not published here.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type counts for Jefferson County are not published here.
Is crime in Jefferson 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
Jefferson County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA, 98368 |
| Phone Number: | 360-385-9395 |
| Fax: | 360-385-9395 |
| Website: | https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/308/Superior-Court |
Useful Links
- Jefferson County, WA - District Court - Access court records, forms, and information about district court processes in Jefferson County.
- Jefferson County, WA - Superior Court - Find Superior Court schedules, contact information, and procedural guidelines for Jefferson County.
- Washington State Courts - Home Page - Provides comprehensive resources about courts across Washington State, including Jefferson County, plus forms and legal resources.
- Washington Courts - Search Case Records - Access statewide court case information and records from the Washington State courts database for public information.
- Jefferson County Public Health - Community Health - Learn about public health initiatives and programs in Jefferson County addressing community health and safety issues.
- Jefferson County, WA - Prosecuting Attorney - Discover legal and court services offered by the prosecuting attorney's office in Jefferson County, Washington.
- Legal Voice - Northwest Women's Law Center - Offers legal resources and advocacy for women, featuring helpful information about court procedures and rights.
- Northwest Justice Project - Provides legal assistance and resources for low-income individuals in Washington, including information on court access.
- LawHelp.org - Find Free Legal Help - A portal to find free legal aid and self-help resources, vital for navigating court systems in Washington.
- Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board - Provides regulatory information regarding liquor and cannabis in Washington, including licensing and legal guidelines.
- Privacy & Technology Working Group of Washington State - Explore privacy laws and technology regulations influencing court cases and public records access in Washington State.
- Washington Law Help - Access free legal information and self-help materials, crucial for understanding Washington's court systems and procedures.
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General - Delivers information on legal actions, consumer protection, and public records management across Washington, including court-related topics.
- Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court - Administrative services and access to Superior Court records and services within neighboring Pierce County, WA.
- American Bar Association - Pro Bono Publico - Provides resources promoting pro bono work and legal support, relevant to understanding court services and access.
- ACLU of Washington - Advocacy and legal resources addressing civil liberties issues, which may include court case insights and public records.
- Municipal Research and Services Center - Research support on municipal issues impacting courts and legal services within Washington State communities.
- Fairchild Defense | DUI, Criminal, and Personal Injury Attorneys in Jefferson County - Legal representation and consultation services focusing on DUI, criminal, and injury cases in Jefferson County, WA.
- Washington State Bar Association - Offers support and resources for legal professionals and the public regarding practicing law and legal processes in Washington.
- Northwest Consumer Law Center - Dedicated to assisting consumers with legal issues, providing education, and navigating court and legal systems.
Table of Contents
- Jefferson County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Jefferson County Court Records
- Jefferson County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson County?
- How Does Jefferson County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Jefferson County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Jefferson County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Jefferson County?
- Are Jefferson County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Jefferson County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Jefferson County
- Jefferson County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links