Whitman 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 Whitman Superior Court is the county's general trial court, and the Whitman County Clerk keeps its official court records. Washington's appellate courts are the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Whitman Superior Court |
| Court Type | General trial court, one per county |
| Official Records | Kept by the Whitman County Clerk |
| Website | courts.wa.gov |
| Online Case Search | JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov |
| Handles | General trial matters for Whitman County |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Washington); appeals, which go to the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court |
How to Search Whitman County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Whitman County superior court records are kept by the Whitman County Clerk.
Online
Go to courts.wa.gov and open JIS-Link, the statewide case search.
Search by name or case number to view case information.
Check what the portal shows, since not every document is online.
Best for: Quick case lookups by name or number
In Person
Visit the Whitman County Clerk's office to view or request records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk whether public terminals are available.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Whitman County Clerk's office to confirm the request process.
Ask which records the clerk can release and what to include.
Ask the clerk how to send written requests if you cannot visit.
Best for: Requests you cannot make in person
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
Whitman County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Whitman County courts handled an estimated 4,318 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 4,440. The estimate scales Washington statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~4,318
Total filings in CY 2024
~4,440
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~2,159
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~+1.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~4,318 | ~4,257 | ~+1.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~4,440 | ~4,257 | ~+4.3% |
| Criminal Filings | ~2,919 | ~2,858 | ~+2.1% |
| Civil Filings | ~1,156 | ~1,156 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~195 | ~195 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~91 | ~91 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~61 | ~61 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~43 | ~43 | ~+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 Whitman County's 0.61% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Whitman County?
Estimated total filings in Whitman 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 | ~4,318 | ~4,440 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~4,257 | ~4,257 | ~+1.5% |
| CY 2022 | ~4,196 | ~4,136 | ~+7.8% |
| CY 2021 | ~3,892 | ~3,953 | ~-3.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~4,014 | ~3,953 | ~-3.0% |
Estimated filings changed +7.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 4,014 to 4,318. 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 Whitman County's 0.61% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Whitman County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Whitman County, at about 67.6% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~2,919 | ~67.6% | ~+2.1% |
| Civil | ~1,156 | ~26.8% | ~+0.0% |
| Family law | ~195 | ~4.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~91 | ~2.1% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~61 | ~1.4% | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile | ~43 | ~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 Whitman County's 0.61% share of the state population.
How Does Whitman County Compare With Washington Overall?
Whitman County is estimated to account for about 0.61% of the 710,000 cases filed in Washington courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Whitman County | Washington | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~4,318 | 710,000 | ~0.61% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+1.4% | +1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,159 | 1,775 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,220 | 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 Whitman County's 0.61% share of the state population.
Whitman County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Washington statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Whitman 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 Whitman County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Whitman County Courthouse Locations
Whitman County court proceedings are held at the Whitman County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitman County Courthouse | 400 N Main St, Colfax, WA 99111 | 509-397-6240 | 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 Whitman County?
In Whitman County, Washington, local matters are handled by the Superior Court of Whitman 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 Whitman 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 Whitman County | Misdemeanors are heard in the courts of limited jurisdiction. |
| Felony | Superior Court of Whitman County | Felony cases are heard in superior court. |
| DUI | District Court or municipal court in Whitman 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 Whitman 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 Whitman County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, Whitman County | Small claims are filed in the district court serving the area. |
| Eviction | Superior Court of Whitman County | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Divorce | Superior Court of Whitman County | Divorce is filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court of Whitman County | Custody and support cases are handled in superior court. |
| Probate or estate | Superior Court of Whitman County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the county clerk in superior court. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court of Whitman 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 Whitman County Court Records Public?
Court records for Whitman County are kept by the Whitman County Clerk. Access depends on the record type, and you should confirm with the clerk which records you may view.
Public records
Case information for Whitman County superior court cases can be searched through the statewide case search, JIS-Link, at courts.wa.gov.
Online access
JIS-Link shows case information. Not every document is available online, so ask the Whitman County Clerk for records that are not posted.
In-person access
Visit the Whitman County Clerk's office to view or request records. Call ahead to confirm which division holds your case.
How to Search Whitman County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Whitman 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 Whitman 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 Whitman County clerk. |
| Juvenile | County Clerk, Superior Court of Whitman 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 Whitman County
Confirm how to pay Whitman County fines and citations with the Whitman County Clerk, since payment options are not listed here.
Check your ticket or notice for payment instructions and the court date it sets.
Parking tickets are usually handled by the agency that issued them, not by the superior court.
Whitman County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Whitman County court records?
Use JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov to search case information by name or case number, or contact the Whitman County Clerk.
Are Whitman County court records public?
Case information is searchable through JIS-Link, but not every document is online. Confirm with the Whitman County Clerk which records you can view.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov, or ask the Whitman County Clerk for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, notice, or paperwork, or contact the Whitman County Clerk to confirm.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Check your ticket for payment instructions, or contact the Whitman County Clerk, since payment options are not listed here.
How many cases are filed in Whitman County each year?
County filing counts are not published here. The county population was 48,512 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Whitman County?
Case-type counts for the county are not published here, so the most common type cannot be stated.
Is crime in Whitman 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.
Useful Links
- Washington Courts: Welcome to the Washington State Courts site - Official portal for the Washington State Courts. Provides access to court-related information, forms, and resources.
- Whitman County, WA: District Court - Offers information on court services in Whitman County including traffic, civil, and small claims court procedures.
- Whitman County, WA: Superior Court - Learn about the Superior Court in Whitman County, including resources for criminal cases, civil cases, and family law.
- Whitman County, WA: Clerk's Office - Provides access to public records, court documents, and vital statistics in Whitman County with guidance on obtaining copies.
- LawHelp.org: Find Free Legal Help - An excellent resource for those seeking legal aid and information about court processes and rights in Washington State.
- Northwest Justice Project: Legal Assistance in WA - A non-profit organization offering free legal services to low-income individuals within Whitman County and throughout Washington State.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org: Free legal information and self-help materials - A source for do-it-yourself legal forms, tutorials, and guides specific to Washington state legal issues and court processes.
- Washington State Bar Association - Find comprehensive resources for legal professionals and the public, including lawyer directories and consumer protection information.
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General - Provides legal advice to state agencies and protects public interests in both criminal justice systems and consumer rights.
- Judicial Branch: The National Center for State Courts - Offers research data, best practices, and court news aimed at improving judiciaries nationwide, including Washington State courts.
- Washington Courts: Court Forms - Access a wide variety of court forms pertinent to Washington State, usable for small claims, family law, and guardianship cases.
- Family Law Week: Comprehensive Family Law Resource - Resource for family law perspectives and updates applicable to Washington State court processes and legal rights for families.
- Washington Council of Lawyers: Promoting access to justice and pro bono service - Promotes access to justice through volunteer legal service and advocacy efforts for the underserved within Washington State.
- Washington State Association for Justice: Legal Service Provider - Offers public resources and supports the civil justice system for residents throughout Washington State, including Whitman County.
- Washington Courts Information Technology Accessibility - Ensures accessibility in court systems by providing assistive options to court service users in Washington State with impairments.
- Nolo: Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record in Washington - Offers guidance on the process of sealing or expunging criminal records in Washington, relevant to residents statewide.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association - Provides a wealth of information on legal assistance, public defense, and promoting equality in legal services nationwide, including WA.
- Washington Watchdog: Advocating Transparency in State Government - Focuses on advocacy for transparency and accountability within the Washington State government, including court-related data oversight.
- Washington Courts: Slip Opinions - Offers full-text slip opinions of recent court decisions by the Washington state appellate courts for public review and legal reference.
- ACLU of Washington State: Advocating Civil Liberties - Dedicated to protecting civil liberties and rights within Washington State through legal action, advocacy, and public education.
Table of Contents
- Whitman County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Whitman County Court Records
- Whitman County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Whitman County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Whitman County?
- How Does Whitman County Compare With Washington Overall?
- Whitman County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Whitman County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Whitman County?
- Are Whitman County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Whitman County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Whitman County
- Whitman County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links