General information

There are four levels of court in Washington: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction including district and municipal courts. District courts are county courts and serve defined territories, both incorporated and unincorporated, within the counties. Municipal courts are those created by cities and towns. RCW Section 39.34.180 outlines the criminal justice responsibilities of counties, cities, and towns.

Washington state, county, small claims, and municipal courts

Washington State Courts

The Washington Courts website has links to information about the court system, links to statewide court forms that can be downloaded and printed, a directory of courts in the state, Washington State Court Rules, and a searchable database of slip opinions from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals that were filed after February 22, 2013. The Administrative Office of the Courts has created A Guide to Washington State Courts that provides a helpful overview of the court system.

Clark County Superior Court

Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It is the trial court for all felonies and civil suits as established in RCW Chapter 2.08. Superior Court also has jurisdiction in adoption, domestic relations, probate, competency, and juvenile matters. In addition it hears appeals from District Court decisions.

The County Clerk's Office oversees the Superior Court's official records. They maintain all papers and exhibits filed in cases before the court, the filing of cases for the superior court, and provide clerks who assist in court operations. See the Roadmap to the Clark County Clerk’s Office for more information about the County Clerk's Office.

Clark County District Court

District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction as established in RCW Chapter 3.66. District Court handles cases such as traffic infractions and other infractions, misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, civil cases for less than $100,000, small claims, and name changes.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims is part of District Court. It offers a cheaper, faster, and simpler process for smaller cases where you are suing only for money. Lawyers are allowed only if the court gives permission. Claims are limited to $10,000 if a person files the case, and $5,000 for all other situations. See the Small Claims page for more information.

Clark County Therapeutic Specialty Courts

Clark County offers eight Therapeutic Specialty Court programs between both Superior and District Courts. Therapeutic courts have specialized dockets (schedules of hearings) that incorporate treatment services and judicial supervision in lieu of traditional sentencing. The courts hold offenders accountable while also addressing underlying issues — such as addiction, mental health and trauma — that contribute to ongoing criminal behaviors. Therapeutic courts include drug courts, mental health courts, veterans courts, DUI courts, family treatment courts and more.

Vancouver Community Court

Vancouver’s Community Court seeks to reduce and address quality-of-life offenses using a collaborative, problem-solving approach to crime. Community Court promotes participant accountability while helping them avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system by connecting participants to needed services or treatment.

Battle Ground Municipal Court

Violations of municipal or city ordinances are heard in municipal courts. Like district courts, municipal courts only have jurisdiction over gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and infractions. Municipal courts do not accept civil or small claims cases.

Camas-Washougal Municipal Court

Violations of municipal or city ordinances are heard in municipal courts. Like district courts, municipal courts only have jurisdiction over gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and infractions. Municipal courts do not accept civil or small claims cases.

Federal courts serving western Washington

United States District Court - Western District of Washington

The U. S. District Court for the Western District of Washington serves as the federal trial court for the portion of the State of Washington west of the Cascade Mountain range and from the Oregon border to the Canadian border. The eastern part of the state is served by the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Cases from the Western District of Washington are appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

United States Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Washington

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington is a federal court serving the area west of the Cascade Mountains from Oregon to the Canadian border. The district has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma.