Thurston 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 Thurston County Superior Court is the county's general trial court. Courts of limited jurisdiction, such as district and municipal courts, also handle some cases in Washington.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Thurston County Superior Court |
| Official Records Keeper | Thurston County Clerk (superior court clerk) |
| Handles | General trial court cases for Thurston County |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for Washington; appeals, which go to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link (statewide Washington Judicial Information System) |
How to Search Thurston County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Thurston County records are kept by the County Clerk.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open JIS-Link, the statewide case search.
Search case information, then confirm details with the County Clerk.
Best for: Quick case lookups
In Person
Go to the Thurston County Clerk's office for records not available online.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office or division holds your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Thurston County Clerk's office to ask how to request records.
Ask which office holds your case type and what it needs from you.
Confirm the request details before you visit or send anything.
Best for: Checking 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
Thurston County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Thurston County courts handled an estimated 27,025 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 27,786. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~27,025
Total filings in CY 2024
~27,786
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,802
Filings per judicial position (15 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~27,025 | ~26,644 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~27,786 | ~26,644 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~18,270 | ~17,890 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~7,232 | ~7,232 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,218 | ~1,218 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~571 | ~571 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~381 | ~381 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~266 | ~266 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~15 | ~15 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Washington statewide figures scaled by Thurston County's 3.81% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Thurston County?
Estimated total filings in Thurston 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 | ~27,025 | ~27,786 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~26,644 | ~26,644 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2022 | ~26,263 | ~25,883 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~24,360 | ~24,741 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~25,122 | ~24,741 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 25,122 to 27,025. 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 Thurston County's 3.81% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Thurston County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Thurston County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~18,270 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~7,232 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~1,218 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~571 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~381 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~266 | ~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 Thurston County's 3.81% share of the state population.
How Does Thurston County Compare With Washington Overall?
Thurston County is estimated to account for about 3.81% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Thurston County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~27,025 | 710,000 | ~3.81% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,802 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,852 | 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 Thurston County's 3.81% share of the state population.
Thurston County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Thurston 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 | 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 Thurston County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Thurston County Courthouse Locations
Thurston County court proceedings are held at the Thurston County Courthouse Complex. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurston County Courthouse Complex | 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 | (360) 786-5430 | 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 Thurston County?
In Thurston County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Thurston County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Thurston County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Thurston County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Thurston County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Thurston County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Thurston County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Thurston 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 Thurston County Court Records Public?
Some Thurston County court records may be restricted or sealed, and the Thurston County Clerk can confirm which records you can access.
Public records
Request case information from the Thurston County Clerk, which keeps the official court records for Thurston County.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed or restricted records are not available through the public portal. Ask the Thurston County Clerk how a restriction applies to your case.
Online access
Search case information at courts.wa.gov through JIS-Link. Online results may not show every document, so check with the clerk for documents.
In-person access
Visit the Thurston County Clerk's office in Thurston County to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which office holds your case type.
How to Search Thurston County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Thurston 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Thurston 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 Thurston County
Payment options for Thurston County traffic citations, criminal fines, and parking tickets depend on the court and the citation. Contact the Thurston County Clerk or the court named on your citation to learn which methods apply.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, so ask that agency about payment.
Thurston County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Thurston County court records?
Use JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov to search case information, or contact the Thurston County Clerk for records the portal does not show.
Are Thurston County court records public?
Some records are restricted or sealed, so the Thurston County Clerk can confirm which records you can access.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, or call the Thurston County Clerk with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, notice, or paperwork for the date, or ask the Thurston County Clerk's office.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Thurston County Clerk or the court named on your ticket to learn which payment methods apply.
How many cases are filed in Thurston County each year?
County court filing counts are not published here, so no annual figure is given.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type shares are not published here, so no most-common type is shown.
Is crime in Thurston 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
Washington Supreme CourtMore Info
| Address: | 415 12th Ave SW, Olympia, WA, 98501 |
| Phone Number: | 360-357-2077 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/SupremeCourt/ |
Thurston County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2000 Lakeridge Drive Southwest, Olympia, WA, 98502 |
| Phone Number: | 360-786-5560 |
| Fax: | 360-754-4060 |
| Website: | https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/sc |
Olympia Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 900 Plum Street SE, Olympia, WA, 98501 |
| Phone Number: | 360.753.8312 |
| Website: | https://www.olympiawa.gov/government/olympia_municipal_court/index.php |
Tenino Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 420 College St SE, Tenino, WA, 98503 |
| Phone Number: | 360-491-3211 |
| Fax: | 360-438-2669 |
| Website: | http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-departments/finance/frequent-questions/violations-bureau |
Tumwater Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 555 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA, 98501 |
| Phone Number: | (360) 754-4190 |
| Website: | https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/departments/violations |
Useful Links
- Welcome to the Thurston County Clerk Thurston County Clerk's Office offers access to court records, case searches, and filing services for legal documents.
- Thurston County Superior Court Official website providing information on court procedures, case schedules, and contacts for Superior Court services.
- Thurston County District Court Details about cases, hearings, and various district court services including traffic and small claims information.
- Washington Courts - Homepage Washington State Courts site for statewide resources including court directories, rules, and public records access.
- Court Docket and Calendar - Thurston County Access current court dockets and schedules for upcoming hearings in Thurston County's district and superior courts.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org | Free legal help for Washingtonians who cannot afford a lawyer. Offers guides and resources for legal issues in Washington State, including court forms and self-help materials.
- LawHelp.org | Find free legal help and information in your community Connects people with free legal aid and public interest law offices for local legal assistance.
- Public Records Request - Thurston County Guidelines for requesting public records from Thurston County government agencies and departments.
- Thurston County Jury Services Provides information and resources for prospective jurors in Thurston County including jury duty requirements and schedules.
- Self-Help and FAQs - Thurston County Superior Court FAQs and self-help resources covering common queries and court-related procedures for Thurston County residents.
- Washington State Court Forms Repository of legal forms for various needs, including family law, small claims, and protection orders.
- Legal Assistance - Thurston County Clerk Resources for finding legal assistance and advice, including contact information for local services and legal aid providers.
- Washington Superior Courts Contact Directory Directory of contact information for superior courts across Washington State, including Thurston County.
- Legal Voice | Legal resources for women in the northwest Offers legal resources and advocacy especially for women, with publications and guides on various legal issues.
- Northwest Justice Project Provides civil legal aid to low-income people in Washington State, including legal self-help and representation services.
- Thurston County Bar Association Association of local attorneys providing resources and support for legal professionals in Thurston County.
- Thurston County Clerk - Online Records Search Access to online search tools for public records held by the Thurston County Clerk's Office.
- Legal Resources - Thurston County Clerk Compilation of legal resources available to the public, including links to help with understanding court processes.
- Washington State Department of Licensing Provides driver and vehicle licensing services, as well as professional and business licenses, in Washington State.
- Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington Non-profit organization providing research and services to support local governments in Washington State.
Table of Contents
- Thurston County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Thurston County Court Records
- Thurston County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Thurston County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Thurston County?
- How Does Thurston County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Thurston County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Thurston County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Thurston County?
- Are Thurston County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Thurston County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Thurston County
- Thurston County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links