Pierce 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 Pierce County Superior Court is the county's general trial court, and the county clerk keeps its official court records. Washington also has courts of limited jurisdiction, including district and municipal courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Pierce County Superior Court |
| Records Keeper | Pierce County Clerk (superior court clerk) |
| Court Level | General trial court (one Superior Court per county) |
| Handles | General trial court matters for the county |
| Does NOT Handle | Matters assigned to courts of limited jurisdiction (district and municipal courts), appellate review (Court of Appeals and Supreme Court), federal cases (U.S. District Court for Washington), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link on courts.wa.gov |
How to Search Pierce County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Pierce County court records are kept by the county clerk.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open the JIS-Link case search.
Search by party name or case number where online access is offered.
Review the case details shown, then confirm them with the clerk.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Visit the Pierce County Clerk's office for records that are not available online.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which records are open to public view.
Best for: Records not available online
Contact the County Clerk
Contact the Pierce County Clerk's office to ask how to request records.
Describe the case name, case number, and dates you need.
Confirm which records are available and how the clerk will send them.
Best for: Requests that need the clerk's help
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
Pierce County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Pierce County courts handled an estimated 83,968 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 86,333. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~83,968
Total filings in CY 2024
~86,333
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,787
Filings per judicial position (47 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~83,968 | ~82,785 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~86,333 | ~82,785 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~56,767 | ~55,584 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~22,470 | ~22,470 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~3,784 | ~3,784 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~1,774 | ~1,774 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~1,183 | ~1,183 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~828 | ~828 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~47 | ~47 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Pierce County's 11.83% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Pierce County?
Estimated total filings in Pierce 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 | ~83,968 | ~86,333 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~82,785 | ~82,785 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~81,602 | ~80,420 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~75,689 | ~76,872 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~78,055 | ~76,872 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 78,055 to 83,968. 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 Pierce County's 11.83% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pierce County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Pierce County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~56,767 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~22,470 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~3,784 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~1,774 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~1,183 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~828 | ~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 Pierce County's 11.83% share of the state population.
How Does Pierce County Compare With Washington Overall?
Pierce County is estimated to account for about 11.83% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Pierce County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~83,968 | 710,000 | ~11.83% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,787 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,837 | 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 Pierce County's 11.83% share of the state population.
Pierce County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Pierce 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 | 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 Pierce County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Pierce County Courthouse Locations
Pierce County court proceedings are held at the Pierce County County-City Building. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce County County-City Building | 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 | (253) 798-7455 | 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 Pierce County?
In Pierce County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Pierce County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Pierce County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Pierce County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Pierce County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Pierce County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Pierce County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Pierce 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 Pierce County Court Records Public?
Court records in Pierce County are kept by the county clerk, and access depends on the type of record and any sealing order. Ask the clerk which records you can inspect or copy.
Public records
Ask the County Clerk which records are open to the public before you request them.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records made confidential by law or court order are not available to the public. The clerk can confirm which restrictions apply to a specific case.
Online access
Use the statewide case search, JIS-Link, at courts.wa.gov, to look up case information where online access is offered. Online results may show case information rather than every document.
In-person access
Visit the Pierce County Clerk's office to view or request records that are not available online.
How to Search Pierce County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Pierce 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 Pierce County
To pay a fine or citation in Pierce County, ask the county clerk which payment methods the court accepts.
Ask the clerk about traffic citations, criminal fines, and any payment plan options before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Pierce County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Pierce County court records?
Search JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov by party name or case number, or contact the Pierce County Clerk for records that are not online.
Are Pierce County court records public?
Access depends on the record type and any sealing order, so ask the county clerk which records you can inspect or copy.
How do I find a criminal case in Pierce County?
Search JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov by party name or case number, or ask the Pierce County Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date in Pierce County?
Check your notice or paperwork first, then contact the Pierce County Clerk to confirm the date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Pierce County?
Ask the Pierce County Clerk which payment methods the court accepts, since online payment options are not listed here.
How many cases are filed in Pierce County each year?
Filing counts for Pierce County are not published here. The county had 946,288 residents in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Pierce County?
Case-type counts for Pierce County are not published here, so no most-common case type is shown.
Is crime rising or falling in Washington?
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
Tacoma Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA, 98402 |
| Website: | https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=12167#skipnav |
Lakewood Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499 |
| Phone Number: | (253) 512-2258 |
| Website: | https://cityoflakewood.us/municipal-court/ |
Puyallup Municipal Court More Info
| Address: | 929 E Main St, Puyallup, WA, 98372 |
| Phone Number: | 253-841-5450 |
| Fax: | 253-770-3365 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofpuyallup.org/558/Court |
Bonney Lake Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 9002 Main St E, Bonney, WA, 98391 |
| Phone Number: | 253-862-6606 |
| Website: | http://sumnerwa.gov/ |
Edgewood Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2224 104th Avenue East, Edgewood, WA, 98372 |
| Phone Number: | 253-952-3299 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofedgewood.org/ |
Useful Links
- Clerk of the Superior Court - Pierce County, WA Find information on court procedures, public records access, and service details, managed by Pierce County's Clerk of Court.
- District Court - Pierce County, WA Explore resources, court case lookups, and service offerings provided by the Pierce County District Courts.
- Pierce County Law Library Access legal materials, resources, and assistance for research and educational purposes at the Pierce County Law Library.
- Probation Services - Pierce County, WA Learn about probation services, programs, and resources available to individuals in the criminal justice system in Pierce County.
- Washington Courts - State of Washington Statewide court information access for Washington State including case searches, educational resources, and judicial resources.
- Washington State Bar Association - For the Public Educational resources, legal services, and professional guidance provided by the Washington State Bar Association for citizens.
- Prosecuting Attorney - Pierce County, WA Discover information on criminal prosecutions, victim services, and community safety provided by Pierce County’s Prosecuting Attorney.
- Department of Assigned Counsel - Public Defense Access information about legal representation and defense services for individuals in need within Pierce County.
- Pierce County Sheriff's Office Community safety updates, public service announcements, and outreach information from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
- Emergency Management - Pierce County Learn about disaster preparedness, emergency response plans, and resources available through Pierce County's Emergency Management.
- Seattle Municipal Court - City of Seattle Provides information on court cases, fines, hearings, and judicial resources for Seattle within proximity to Pierce County.
- Find Legal Help - Washington State Bar Association Assistance resources by the Washington State Bar Association for individuals seeking legal aid and professional attorney services.
- ACLU of Washington Advocacy updates, resources, and information on civil liberties and public interest issues concerning Washington State residents.
- LawHelp - Washington Legal help, informational resources, and guidance for low-income individuals needing legal assistance in Washington State.
- Tenants Union of Washington State Support, advocacy, and resources for tenants dealing with housing, legal rights, and rental assistance in Washington State.
- Jury Duty Information - Pierce County Comprehensive details on serving jury duty, including schedules, responsibilities, and requirements for Pierce County residents.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington Legal proceedings, federal court cases, and prosecutorial services in the Western District of Washington.
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Offers support, resources, and educational opportunities for professionals engaged in criminal defense across Washington State.
- Domestic Violence Resources - Pierce County, WA Support services, safe housing information, and legal assistance for domestic violence victims in Pierce County.
- Pierce County Library System Educational materials, community programs, and resource access available through the extensive network of Pierce County libraries.
Table of Contents
- Pierce County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Pierce County Court Records
- Pierce County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Pierce County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pierce County?
- How Does Pierce County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Pierce County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Pierce County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Pierce County?
- Are Pierce County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Pierce County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pierce County
- Pierce County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links