Lewis 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 the general trial court for Lewis County, and the County Clerk keeps its official court records. Washington also has district and municipal courts, which handle limited-jurisdiction cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of Washington for Lewis County |
| Court Role | General trial court for the county; Washington has one Superior Court per county |
| Official Records Keeper | Lewis County Clerk (superior court clerk) |
| Statewide Case Search | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov |
| Higher Courts | Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (statewide appellate courts) |
How to Search Lewis County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Lewis County court records are kept by the County Clerk.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open JIS-Link, the statewide case search.
Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
Check which case types the portal lists before you search.
Best for: Quick statewide case lookups
In Person
Go to the Lewis County Clerk's office at the county courthouse.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Confirm the address at courts.wa.gov before you go.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Lewis County Clerk's office to confirm which records you need.
Ask the clerk how to request copies of a case file.
Have the case number and party names ready when you call.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
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
Lewis County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Lewis County courts handled an estimated 7,766 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 7,985. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~7,766
Total filings in CY 2024
~7,985
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,942
Filings per judicial position (4 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~7,766 | ~7,657 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~7,985 | ~7,657 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~5,250 | ~5,141 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~2,078 | ~2,078 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~350 | ~350 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~164 | ~164 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~109 | ~109 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~77 | ~77 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~4 | ~4 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Lewis County's 1.09% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lewis County?
Estimated total filings in Lewis 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 | ~7,766 | ~7,985 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~7,657 | ~7,657 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2022 | ~7,547 | ~7,438 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~7,001 | ~7,110 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~7,219 | ~7,110 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 7,219 to 7,766. 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 Lewis County's 1.09% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lewis County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Lewis County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~5,250 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~2,078 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~350 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~164 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~109 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~77 | ~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 Lewis County's 1.09% share of the state population.
How Does Lewis County Compare With Washington Overall?
Lewis County is estimated to account for about 1.09% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Lewis County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~7,766 | 710,000 | ~1.09% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,942 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,996 | 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 Lewis County's 1.09% share of the state population.
Lewis County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lewis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 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 | 1,393.8 | 131,566 | -15.2% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 20,206 | 252.5 | 34,655 | -41.7% |
| Property crimes total | 157,507 | 1,968.6 | 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 Lewis County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Lewis County Courthouse Locations
Lewis County court proceedings are held at the Lewis County Law & Justice Center. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis County Law & Justice Center | 345 W. Main Street, Chehalis, WA 98532 | 360-740-2704 | 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 Lewis County?
In Lewis County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Lewis County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Lewis County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Lewis County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Lewis County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Lewis County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Lewis County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Lewis 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 Lewis County Court Records Public?
Yes, most court records for Lewis County are open to the public, but some records are sealed or restricted by law or court order.
Public records
Court records held by the County Clerk are generally open for public inspection, unless a law or court order says otherwise.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records made confidential by law or court order are not available to the public. Ask the clerk which records in a given case are restricted.
Online access
The statewide case search, JIS-Link, is available through courts.wa.gov. Online results do not replace the official file, and not every document or case is shown online.
In-person access
Visit the Lewis County Clerk's office at the county courthouse to view or request records. Confirm the address at the official courts website before you go.
How to Search Lewis County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Lewis 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 Lewis County
Payment options for fines and citations issued in Lewis County are not confirmed here.
To learn how to pay, contact the Lewis County Clerk's office and ask which payment methods it accepts, or check the official courts website at courts.wa.gov.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Lewis County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Lewis County court records?
Start with JIS-Link, the statewide case search at courts.wa.gov, or contact the Lewis County Clerk for records that are not available online.
Are Lewis County court records public?
Generally yes, but some records are sealed or restricted by law or court order. Ask the County Clerk which records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Lewis County?
Search by name in JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, or contact the County Clerk's office with the person's full name and approximate dates.
How do I find a court date in Lewis County?
Check your ticket, notice, or summons first. If the date is not there, contact the County Clerk's office to confirm it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Lewis County?
Payment options are not confirmed on this page. Contact the County Clerk's office to ask which payment methods it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Lewis County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so no annual total is shown for Lewis County.
What is the most common type of case in Lewis County?
Case-type counts for Lewis County are not published here, so no most common category is shown.
Is crime rising in the latest year?
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
Lewis-County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 351 NW. North St, Lewis-County, WA, 98532 |
| Phone Number: | 360-748-9121 |
| Fax: | 360-740-2603 |
| Website: | https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/superior-court/ |
Centralia Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 118 W Maple Street, Centralia, WA, 98531 |
| Phone Number: | 360-330-7667 |
| Fax: | 360-330-7668 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofcentralia.com/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=10 |
Useful Links
- Lewis County Superior Court - Lewis County, Washington - Official site providing court rules, forms, and information for Superior Court services.
- Lewis County District Court - Provides information and resources including court calendars, fees, and small claims procedures for local residents.
- Washington State Courts - Washington Courts’ official public site, offering resources, policies, and access to state-wide court information.
- Lewis County Law Library - Provides public access to legal resources, books, and online databases critical for legal research and case preparation.
- Lewis County Clerk - Manages court records, handles court financial matters, and provides public access to Superior Court documents.
- Washington LawHelp - Offers valuable free legal information and resources, especially helpful for those without attorneys in Washington State.
- Legal Services - Lewis County - Obtain legal aid and resources from local nonprofit organizations providing services for low-income residents.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services - Provides information about state support services, including legal assistance programs.
- Attorney General of Washington - Consumer protection resources, public legal manuals, and advice for engaging with law and judicial matters across the state.
- Avvo Lawyer Directory - Avvo offers directory of attorneys including reviews, background checks, and information to help select legal representation.
- Washington State Bar Association - Offers a legal research library with resources and publications for lawyers, judges, and the public.
- Washington State Constitution - Comprehensive resource for anyone looking to find information and legal text about the state’s constitution.
- Lewis County Property Records - Access searchable databases for land and property records, assessments, and tax information within Lewis County.
- Lewis County Court Information - Provides comprehensive information about courts in Lewis County, including addresses, phone numbers, and services offered.
- PRISM Online - WA - Database of ecology and environmental projects in Washington, includes legal and governmental documentation for public record.
- Court Programs and Partners - WA Courts - Official contact and support partners for courts, providing services and assistance to justice-related programs.
- Judicial Information System - Comprehensive digital court record and case management services for users within the jurisdiction of Lewis County.
- Lewis County Legal Resources - Blog and updates on legal resources, law library and scheduled legal clinics held within the county.
- Washington State Law Library - Legal reference assistance online and at their physical site, including digital access for case law and legal forms.
- Washington Courts Foundation - Supports equitable access to justice by funding courthouse improvement and educational opportunities state-wide.
Table of Contents
- Lewis County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lewis County Court Records
- Lewis County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lewis County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lewis County?
- How Does Lewis County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Lewis County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lewis County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lewis County?
- Are Lewis County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lewis County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lewis County
- Lewis County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links