Pierce County, Washington court records are available through several channels. PierceCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through official county and state online tools, directly at court clerks' offices, and through public terminals installed in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to navigating the Pierce County court system.
Pierce Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Pierce County, each handling specific categories of cases.
Pierce County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It hears criminal cases involving felonies, civil lawsuits over $100,000, divorce and child custody cases, probate matters (the judicial process of distributing a deceased person's estate), and juvenile cases.
- Criminal cases: felonies, appeals from District Court
- Civil cases: large lawsuits, real estate cases
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Juvenile cases
Pierce County District Court handles less serious criminal cases (misdemeanors), civil lawsuits up to $100,000, small claims cases (up to $10,000), and traffic violations. This is where most people end up with speeding tickets or minor civil disputes.
Separate municipal courts within the county (such as Tacoma Municipal Court) handle violations of city ordinances and traffic cases that occur within their respective cities.
Pierce Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date of a hearing—today, tomorrow, or scheduled for this week—use the LINX Online system. This is the official Pierce County portal containing schedules, judges' calendars, and information about upcoming hearings.
Steps to follow:
- Go to the LINX Online page.
- Select the "Calendars" section to view schedules by date or judge.
- To search for a specific case, enter the party's name or case number in the appropriate field.
For cases heard in District Court or state municipal courts, a statewide tool is also available—Washington State Courts Name and Case Search. Note: the data on this resource is for reference only and does not replace the official court record.
If you need to check a hearing date urgently, call the appropriate court clerk's office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Pierce Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified—with a court seal confirming authenticity, and uncertified—regular copies for reference.
Online. Through LINX Online, you can view case information and some documents. To obtain certified copies, you usually need to contact the clerk's office directly.
In person or by mail. Contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office:
What you need for a request:
- Full name of the party in the case
- Case number (if known)
- Type of document you need
- Payment of the applicable fee
To obtain copies by mail, send a written request with case details and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified copies are needed for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal procedures. For personal reference, an uncertified copy is sufficient.
Records related to juvenile cases, sealed cases, or mental health cases are generally closed to public access. Ask the clerk if a specific document is available.
Pierce Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Washington state law (specifically, RCW 36.18.016 and RCW 36.18.020). Below are approximate rates—confirm exact amounts with the court clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | Free through LINX Online |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document |
| Civil lawsuit filing (Superior Court) | From $200 (depends on case type) |
| Small Claims filing | From $35 to $55 (depends on claim amount) |
The clerk's office accepts payment in cash, money orders, and typically credit/debit cards. Confirm acceptable payment methods before visiting or when sending a request by mail—checks are not always accepted.
To check a state-level criminal history, contact the Washington State Patrol, which has a separate fee for fingerprint-based checks. Information about inmates can be found through the state Department of Corrections inmate search. Both of these resources are free for online searches, but an official report may incur a fee.