District Court
King County District Court provides court services for civil cases, criminal cases, traffic citations, small claims, records requests, jury service, and other legal matters handled through the District Court system. This article explains how the court operates, how to access official systems, where to find case information, how to respond to common filings, and what information residents need before contacting a courthouse.
Overview of District Court Services
King County District Court handles a wide range of court matters involving individuals, businesses, and government agencies. The court provides access to case information, hearings, filings, forms, and public services through its official online systems and courthouse locations.
The main King County District Court website provides access to court services, including civil filings, criminal cases, e-Filing, case access, calendars, protection orders, small claims, traffic citations, records requests, jury service, and court resources.
District Court services are separate from King County Superior Court services. Users should confirm they are working with the correct court before filing documents, searching records, or contacting an office.
District Court Case Types
Civil Court Filings
Civil cases involve legal disputes that are handled through District Court procedures. The court provides information about civil filings, motions, appeals, and related documents through its civil case services.
For civil motions, parties may need to request hearing dates through the court clerk process and provide information such as the case number, type of hearing requested, and requested hearing date and time. Civil filing information, forms, and procedures are available through the court’s civil filings resources.
Civil appeals from District Court decisions are handled through King County Superior Court under the applicable appellate procedures. District Court provides instructions for filing notices of appeal, preparing records, and submitting required documents.
Criminal Case Information
District Court criminal cases involve criminal charges filed within the court’s jurisdiction. The court provides information about criminal charges, court appearances, public defender screening, bail and bond payments, warrants, and appeals.
A person charged with a crime must pay attention to appearance requirements and court notices. Missing a required criminal court appearance may result in a warrant being issued. The court advises individuals to notify the court if their mailing address changes so they can receive important notices.
The court’s criminal cases information page explains common procedures and provides access to related forms and resources.
Traffic Citations
Traffic infractions are handled differently from criminal cases. A traffic ticket is a non-criminal offense, but the person receiving the citation must respond within the required timeframe.
If a ticket was issued in person by a law enforcement officer, the response must be made within 30 days from the date it was issued. If the ticket was mailed, the response deadline is 33 days from the mailing date.
Responses may include:
Paying the ticket
Setting up a payment plan
Requesting a mitigation hearing
Requesting a contested hearing
Requesting relief from a judgment or order when allowed
Traffic citation responses can be submitted through the court’s online systems, by mail, or at a District Court location. The court provides detailed instructions through its citation and ticket response page.
Online Case Access Portal
Searching Court Records
King County District Court provides online access to court information through its e-Filing and Case Access Portal. Users can search for cases by case number, last name with optional first name, or company name.
To access case records through the portal, users must have an appropriate account. Available access includes Washington attorney users, government users, and registered public users who have received a District Court token for cases they are involved in.
Public users can create free portal accounts to access available court information. The court also provides case access assistance through its customer service team.
Electronic Filing Requirements
The District Court e-Filing system allows users to electronically submit documents when electronic filing is available. Attorneys are required to electronically file documents for applicable case types unless an exception applies.
Users must create an e-Filing account before submitting documents. Anonymous access is not permitted for e-Filing or case access.
The District Court e-Filing Portal provides account registration, filing access, document viewing tools, and technical support information.
Users should review filing instructions before submitting documents because incorrect case information, missing documents, or payment issues may delay processing.
Court Dates and Calendars
Residents can search for future District Court hearing dates online through the court calendar system. The calendar search allows users to locate court dates by case information.
Users can search for a court date by:
Case number
Last name, with first name optional
Some cases may not appear in the online portal. If a person believes they have a scheduled hearing but cannot locate it, they should contact the District Court courthouse where the case will be heard.
The District Court calendar system provides current information about court dates, future calendars, and related scheduling information.
Small Claims Court Process
King County District Court handles small claims cases involving recovery of money owed. Small claims cases are limited to monetary claims and follow specific filing procedures.
Individuals filing a small claims case should confirm that the claim meets court requirements before submitting paperwork. A natural person may file a claim up to $10,000, while claims filed by other entities may be limited to $5,000.
Small claims cases can be filed:
In person at a District Court location
Online through the e-Filing Portal
By mail
The filing fee for a small claims case is $50. Additional service costs may apply when providing notice to the defendant.
Small claims parties are expected to participate in mediation before trial. If the case is not resolved through mediation, the court schedules an in-person trial.
More information is available through the court’s small claims services page.
Requesting Court Records
Available Record Types
District Court records include case files, case summary reports, calendars, and other records connected to court proceedings. Records can be requested through online access, in-person courthouse visits, or email requests.
For online access, users can log into the District Court e-Filing and Case Access Portal and search through the Case Search tab.
In-person requests can be made at any King County District Court courthouse location during regular business hours. The court also accepts completed court records request forms by email.
The District Court records requests page explains available request methods and access requirements.
Jury Service Requirements
King County District Court jury service allows eligible residents to participate in court proceedings as jurors. Residents who receive a summons must respond through the Juror Portal within five days of receiving the summons postcard.
The Juror Portal allows individuals to:
Update contact information
Confirm eligibility and availability
Request a deferral to a later jury term
Request to be excused for hardship when appropriate
Jurors must meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of the area from which they were summoned.
Court Interpreters and Accessibility
King County District Court provides interpreter services for parties who need language assistance during hearings. The court provides interpreters at no cost to any party for their hearing.
Individuals needing an interpreter should contact the District Court location where their hearing will occur as early as possible.
Common Court Mistakes
Using the Wrong Case System
District Court and other court systems maintain separate records and services. Users should confirm the court handling their matter before searching records or submitting documents.
Missing Response Deadlines
Court notices, citations, and hearing dates may have specific deadlines. Failing to respond or appear can result in additional court action, penalties, or other consequences depending on the type of case.
Submitting Incomplete Information
When filing documents or requesting records, users should provide accurate case numbers, names, and required forms. Missing information may delay processing.
District Court Contact Offices
King County District Court
516 Third Ave, Room E-340
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-205-9200
King County District Court Jury Services
516 Third Ave, Room W-1034
Seattle, WA 98104-2385
Phone: 206-477-1730
East Division - Redmond Courthouse
8601 160th Ave. N.E.
Redmond, WA 98052
South Division - Burien Courthouse
601 SW 149th St
Burien, WA 98166
District Court FAQs
How can I find my King County District Court hearing date?
You can search for a future court date online through the official District Court calendar system. Court date searches are available 24/7 through the e-Filing and Case Access Portal. Users can search by case number or by last name with first name optional. If a scheduled hearing does not appear in the online system, the court recommends checking with the District Court location where the case will be heard.
How do I access King County District Court case records?
District Court case records can be viewed through the official e-Filing and Case Access Portal. Available records may include case files, case summary reports, calendars, and other documents related to court proceedings. To use online case access, users must have an eligible account, such as a Washington attorney user account, government user account, or a registered public user account with access rights for a case. More details are available through the court’s records requests page.
What should I do if I receive a traffic citation from King County District Court?
A traffic infraction requires a response within the deadline listed by the court. Depending on the situation, options may include paying the ticket, requesting a payment plan, asking for a mitigation hearing, or requesting a contested hearing. Responses can be submitted using the court’s online services or other approved methods. The official citation response instructions explain available options and required steps.
How do I file documents electronically with King County District Court?
Electronic filing requires an e-Filing account through the court’s portal. Anonymous access is not allowed for e-Filing or case access. Users should review filing requirements before submitting documents to avoid delays caused by missing information, incorrect case details, or incomplete filings. The official King County District Court e-Filing Portal provides account registration and filing access.
What services are available for people who need language assistance?
King County District Court provides interpreter services at no cost for parties who need language assistance during a hearing. Requests should be made as early as possible through the court location handling the hearing so arrangements can be completed before the scheduled appearance.