Jefferson County
Jefferson County was founded in 1852 and named after Thomas Jefferson. The county seat is in Port Townsend. It covers about 1,803.7 square miles of land, making it the 18th largest county in Washington by total area. More than 32,977 people live in Jefferson County.
The judicial system in Jefferson County comprises two Superior Courts and a District Court. The Jefferson County Superior Courts have general jurisdiction over most criminal and civil cases. They oversee cases, including felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, probate of wills, domestic relations, and adoptions. The courts also hear appeals from lower courts. The District Court in Jefferson County has limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases. It handles cases involving misdemeanors, infractions, name changes, small claims, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
In Jefferson County, court records are official documents about legal proceedings heard within the county's limits. They include docket entries, filings, court orders, statements, evidence, and motions. Types of Jefferson County court records include:
- Family Court Records
- Criminal Court Records
- Juvenile Court Records
- Probate Court Records
- Traffic Court Records
- Civil Court Records
Jefferson County court records are open to the public under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 42.56. However, certain court records are classified as confidential. These include mental health records, juvenile records, adoption records, and other sensitive personal information, which are restricted from public disclosure. The Clerk of Courts keeps and maintains court records in the county. Requesters may search for District Court records by filling out a request form, which may be submitted to the District Court Office. Record seekers may also search for Jefferson County Superior Court records online through the Washington Secretary of State portal. Interested individuals may visit the respective courthouses in person to obtain or view court records at:
Jefferson County Superior Court
1820 Jefferson Street
Room 210
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Jefferson County District Court
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
