King 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 King 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 King 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 King 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 King 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 King 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 King 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
King County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
King County courts handled an estimated 208,785 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 214,666. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~208,785
Total filings in CY 2024
~214,666
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,769
Filings per judicial position (118 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~208,785 | ~205,845 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~214,666 | ~205,845 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~141,151 | ~138,210 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~55,872 | ~55,872 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~9,410 | ~9,410 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~4,411 | ~4,411 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~2,941 | ~2,941 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~2,058 | ~2,058 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~118 | ~118 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by King County's 29.41% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in King County?
Estimated total filings in King 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 | ~208,785 | ~214,666 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~205,845 | ~205,845 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~202,904 | ~199,963 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~188,201 | ~191,141 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~194,082 | ~191,141 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 194,082 to 208,785. 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 King County's 29.41% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in King County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in King County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~141,151 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~55,872 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~9,410 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~4,411 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~2,941 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~2,058 | ~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 King County's 29.41% share of the state population.
How Does King County Compare With Washington Overall?
King County is estimated to account for about 29.41% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | King County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~208,785 | 710,000 | ~29.41% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,769 | 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 King County's 29.41% share of the state population.
King County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for King 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 King County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
King County Courthouse Locations
King County court proceedings are held at the King County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| King County Courthouse | 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 | (206) 296-9300 | 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 King County?
In King County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of King 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 King 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 King County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of King County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in King 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 King 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 King County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, King County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of King County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of King County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of King County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of King County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of King 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 King County Court Records Public?
Yes, court records in King 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 King 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 King County Clerk's office to view or request records. Ask the clerk which office holds your case.
How to Search King County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for King 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 King 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 King County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of King 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 King County
Payment options for King 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.
King County Court Records FAQ
How do I search King 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 King 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 King County are not listed here, so contact the County Clerk to confirm how to pay.
How many cases are filed in King County each year?
County filing counts for King County are not published here.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type counts for King County are not published here.
Is crime in King 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
King County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104 |
| Phone Number: | 206-477-1400 |
| Fax: | 206-296-0986 |
| Website: | https://kingcounty.gov/courts/superior-court.aspx |
Seattle Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 600 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104 |
| Phone Number: | (206) 684-5600 |
| Website: | https://www.seattle.gov/courts |
Kent Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1220 Central Ave. S, Kent, WA, 98032 |
| Phone Number: | 253-856-5730 |
| Fax: | 253-856-6730 |
| Website: | https://www.kentwa.gov/residents/public-safety/municipal-court |
Renton City Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA, 98057 |
| Phone Number: | 425-430-6550 |
| Website: | http://rentonwa.gov/court/ |
Federal-Way Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal-Way, WA, 98003 |
| Phone Number: | 253.835.3000 |
| Fax: | 253.835.3020 |
| Website: | https://www.cityoffederalway.com/page/municipal-court |
Useful Links
- King County Courts - King County - Access court information, resources, juror services, and judicial directories within King County. Official source for county court services.
- Clerk's Office - King County - Provides public access to judicial records, case histories, and court documents. Essential for legal information and public access services.
- Superior Court - King County - Information on the operations, cases, and procedures of the King County Superior Court. Key resource for superior court proceedings.
- District Court - King County - Details on limited jurisdiction court handling civil, criminal, small claims, and infraction cases in King County.
- Family Court - King County - Offers guidance on family law matters, including divorce, custody, and protection orders within King County's jurisdiction.
- Washington State Courts - Washington Courts - Central portal for all state-level court information across Washington, including opinions, calendars, and forms.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org - Free legal help and information - Provides accessible legal resources, guides, and forms for individuals needing help in various legal topics within Washington State.
- Court Rules - Washington Courts - Comprehensive repository of court rules governing proceedings in Washington State courts. Crucial for legal practitioners and public understanding.
- King County Bar Association - Offers legal community support, public services, and lawyer referrals. Important resource for connecting with legal professionals.
- King County Law Library - Provides access to legal reference materials, online databases, and legal research assistance throughout King County.
- King County Metro Transit - Information on public transportation options for accessing King County courthouses and related venues easily.
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General - Offers insights into state laws, consumer protection, and legal advocacy, essential for informed legal interactions.
- LawHelp Washington - Connects individuals with free legal aid providers and detailed legal guidance across Washington State.
- Pro Bono Services - Washington State Bar Association - Connects residents with volunteer lawyers offering free or reduced-rate legal services in Washington State.
- ACLU of Washington - Advocacy for individual rights and liberties in legal matters. Provides resources and support for various legal issues.
- Washington State Legislature - Search legislative documents, track legislation status, and understand state laws. Vital for legal research and updates.
- LINX: Pierce County Legal Information Network Exchange - Access court records, case information, and tools for legal research relevant to courts in Pierce County.
- Washington State Bar Association - WSBA - Provides resources for legal professionals, continuing education, and public access to legal help and information.
- Northwest Justice Project - Delivers legal services, advocacy, and support for low-income individuals across various legal areas in Washington.
- Claim Your Inheritance - Washington State - Information on unclaimed property and probate records. Helps residents check for potential inheritances or estates.
Table of Contents
- King County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search King County Court Records
- King County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in King County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in King County?
- How Does King County Compare With Washington Overall?
- King County Crime Statistics (2025)
- King County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in King County?
- Are King County Court Records Public?
- How to Search King County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in King County
- King County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links