Pierce County, Washington criminal records are available through several channels. PierceCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through official county and state court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office. Below is a practical guide on searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records in Pierce County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Pierce
Start with one of these methods depending on the information you have and the level of detail you need.
Online Search
- PierceCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available data on criminal proceedings in the county.
- LINX Online — the main system for Pierce County Superior Court and District Court. It displays cases, hearing calendars, the current inmate list from Pierce County Corrections, as well as tax warrants and court decisions. A full name (last name required) or case number is needed for the search.
- Washington State Courts — Name and Case Search — a state-level portal covering cases from all Washington courts through the JIS system. Note: the data on this site is for reference and does not replace the official court record.
- Washington State Patrol — Criminal History — for a formal criminal history check based on fingerprints. This is a paid service often used by employers and licensing agencies.
Additional Online Tools
- Warrant Search through the Department of Corrections — allows searching by last name, DOC number, or county.
- Inmate Search at the state level — information about individuals currently in Washington correctional facilities.
- Washington Courts Portal with links to sex offender registries, arrest warrants, and unpaid fines.
In-Person Visit
The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides access to public terminals in the courthouse. Bring valid identification. The clerk can help locate a case if you know at least the defendant's last name and approximate year.
Mail Request
A written request is sent to the Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court or to the Washington State Patrol (for a complete state criminal history). Include in the letter:
- Full name and date of birth of the person
- Case number (if known)
- Purpose of the request
- Return address and contact phone number
- Payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check
Search Pierce Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Washington consists of several components, each carrying specific information. The typical format for Superior Court:
YY-C-NNNNN-X
- YY — the last two digits of the year the case was opened
- C — case type code (e.g., 1 for criminal felony cases, 2 for civil, 6 for family law)
- NNNNN — sequential case number for that year
- X — check digit or court suffix
District Court may use a slightly different format, where a jurisdictional letter code precedes the number. If you're unsure of the format, enter the number into the LINX system — it recognizes both formats. Searching by case number returns an exact result faster than searching by name, especially when the last name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Pierce
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code (RCW) | Reference to the Revised Code of Washington under which the charge is filed |
| Felony | Serious crime; handled in Superior Court |
| Gross Misdemeanor | Serious misdemeanor; punishment up to 364 days in jail |
| Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor; punishment up to 90 days |
| Infraction | Non-criminal violation (e.g., traffic ticket) |
| Amended Charge | Charge modified by the prosecutor after initial filing |
Case Status
- Pending — case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings may be scheduled
- Disposed — court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first court appearance where charges are read and the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — judge assesses if there is enough basis to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — procedural hearing to resolve motions and prepare for trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or jury verdict
- Review — review of compliance with conditions, such as probation
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by jury verdict or defendant's admission |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted as a result of trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict — initiated by prosecutor or court |
| Deferred Sentence | Sentence deferred; charge may be dismissed upon meeting conditions |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Pierce
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with the court's official seal, carrying legal weight. They are issued by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office in the County-City Building. Bring valid photo identification.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the defendant's full name, case number (if known), date of birth, and purpose of the request. Include payment in the form of a money order payable to the Pierce County Clerk.
- Through Washington State Patrol — to obtain a complete state criminal history, submit a request through the Criminal History section on the WSP website. Fingerprint-based checks require completing a special form and fingerprinting at an authorized location.
Contact Information
Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court
For state-level criminal history requests:
Washington State Patrol — Identification and Criminal History Section
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Pierce
Fees depend on the type of request and the processing institution. Below are approximate rates according to the current fee schedule.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard court clerk rate |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document; added to copy cost |
| Criminal history check (WSP, no fingerprints) | $30.00 | Name-based check through Washington State Patrol |
| Criminal history check (WSP, with fingerprints) | $30.00 – $50.00+ | Depends on the purpose of the request; may include federal FBI check for an additional fee |
Processing Times
- Copies at the court clerk's office (in person) — usually on the day of the request if the case is found in the electronic system
- Mail requests — 5 to 15 business days
- WSP Criminal History — name-based check takes approximately 10 business days; fingerprint-based may take longer
Fees are set according to RCW 36.18.016 (court clerk fees) and Washington State Patrol rules. Before sending a request, confirm the current amount directly with the clerk's office or on the WSP website, as rates may change.