Snohomish County Court Records

What Is Snohomish County Court Records

Court records in Snohomish County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, court records are defined as "any document, information, exhibit, or other thing that is maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding."

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Business licenses and permits
• County administrative records

The following courts in Snohomish County maintain official court records:

• Snohomish County Superior Court
• Snohomish County District Court
• Municipal Courts (Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, etc.)
• Snohomish County Juvenile Court

These records document proceedings in various legal matters including:

• Civil cases (lawsuits, small claims, evictions)
• Criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors)
• Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support)
• Probate proceedings (wills, estates)
• Traffic infractions
• Domestic violence protection orders

The Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of Superior Court records, while each respective court maintains records for cases within their jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Snohomish County

Court records in Snohomish County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Washington State's commitment to open courts and government transparency. The Washington State Constitution, Article I, § 10 establishes that "justice in all cases shall be administered openly," creating a presumption of public access to court proceedings and records.

Additionally, court records access is governed by Washington Court General Rule 31, which states that "court records are presumptively open to public access unless restricted by court rule, statute, or order."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and indexes
• Hearing and trial schedules
• Court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile court records (with exceptions under RCW § 13.50.050)
• Sealed or expunged records
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records containing sensitive personal information
• Cases involving minors as victims of sexual crimes
• Records sealed by court order

It is important to note that federal court records for cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (which includes Snohomish County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county resources.

The Snohomish County District Court provides records pursuant to Washington State Court Rules General Rule 31 (Access to Court Records) and General Rule 31.1 (Access to Administrative Records).

How To Find Court Records in Snohomish County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Snohomish County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval to accommodate various needs and preferences.

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
3. Present valid photo identification
4. Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)
5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

Online Access:

1. Navigate to the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search portal
2. Create a user account if required
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
4. Review search results and select desired case
5. Access available documents (note that not all documents are available online)

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the Public Records Request Form
2. Include specific case information and document details
3. Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
4. Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office
5. Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Email Requests:

1. Prepare a written request with specific case information
2. Include contact information for response
3. Send to the designated email address for the appropriate court
4. Respond to any follow-up questions from records staff
5. Arrange payment for any applicable fees

For Superior Court records, contact:

Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, MS 605
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3466
Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk

For District Court records, contact:

Snohomish County District Court
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, MS 508
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3331
Snohomish County District Court

How To Look Up Court Records in Snohomish County Online?

Snohomish County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient remote access to various court documents and case information.

Washington State Courts Case Search:

1. Visit the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search website
2. Select "Search by Name" or "Search by Case Number"
3. For name searches, enter last name, first name (middle optional)
4. For case number searches, enter the complete case number
5. Select Snohomish County from the jurisdiction dropdown
6. Review search results showing basic case information
7. Note that document images are not available through this system

Snohomish County Superior Court Portal:

1. Access the Odyssey Portal for Superior Court records
2. Register for an account if you don't have one
3. Select "Smart Search" for comprehensive results
4. Enter party name or case number
5. Filter results by case type if needed
6. View case summary information, party details, and docket entries
7. Purchase and download available document images for a fee

Snohomish County District Court Records:

1. Navigate to the District Court Records Portal
2. Select "Search District Court Records"
3. Enter search criteria (name, case number, citation number)
4. Review case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions
5. Note that document downloads may not be available for all cases

Snohomish County Clerk's Office Records:

1. Visit the Snohomish County Clerk's Records Search
2. Select the appropriate record type
3. Enter search parameters
4. Review index information
5. Request copies of specific documents if needed

When searching online, users should note that:

• Not all court documents are available electronically
• Some records may be restricted or sealed
• Older cases may have limited online information
• Document images often require payment to view or download
• Complex searches may require assistance from court staff

How To Search Snohomish County Court Records for Free?

Washington State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in RCW § 42.56.120, which states that "no fee shall be charged for the inspection of public records." This provision ensures that individuals may view court records without payment, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Snohomish County provides several free options for searching court records:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
• Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
• No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
• Self-service computer terminals are available at:

Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, 1st Floor
Everett, WA 98201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
425-388-3466

Free Online Search Options:

1. Washington Courts Search - Provides basic case information without charge
2. Snohomish County Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court dates
3. Snohomish County Jail Roster - Free inmate information related to criminal cases

Public Library Access:

• Several public libraries in Snohomish County offer free internet access
• Library staff can assist with navigating to court record websites
• No fees are charged for using library computers

While searching records is free, users should be aware of the following potential costs:

• Printed copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document
• Electronic document downloads: Fees vary by document type
• Research assistance: $30.00 per hour (if staff research is requested)

Per Washington Court Rule GR 31.1, "a court or judicial agency may not charge a fee for inspection of public records but may charge a fee for providing copies of public records."

What's Included in a Snohomish County Court Record?

Court records in Snohomish County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions
• Summons
• Case information cover sheets
• Service of process documentation
• Initial appearances
• Arraignment records (criminal cases)

Pleadings and Motions:

• Answers and responses
• Counterclaims and cross-claims
• Motions filed by parties
• Briefs and memoranda
• Affidavits and declarations
• Exhibits and attachments

Court Orders and Decisions:

• Temporary orders
• Preliminary injunctions
• Summary judgment orders
• Findings of fact and conclusions of law
• Final judgments and decrees
• Post-judgment orders

Hearing and Trial Records:

• Court calendars and schedules
• Minute entries
• Witness lists
• Exhibit logs
• Transcripts (when prepared)
• Jury instructions (if applicable)
• Verdicts

Financial Information:

• Filing fee payments
• Cost bills
• Judgments for costs and fees
• Satisfaction of judgment documents
• Garnishment records
• Financial declarations (in family law cases)

Case-Specific Documents:

• Criminal cases: Charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders
• Family law: Parenting plans, child support worksheets, dissolution decrees
• Probate: Wills, inventories, accountings, distribution orders
• Civil: Settlement agreements, damage awards, injunctions

Administrative Records:

• Case assignment information
• Judge recusal or reassignment notices
• Interpreter requests
• ADA accommodation records
• Certificate of completion for required programs

According to Washington Court Rule GR 31(c), the term "court record" includes, but is not limited to: "any document, information, exhibit, or other thing that is maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding."

How Long Does Snohomish County Keep Court Records?

Snohomish County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Washington State Records Committee and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and outcome as prescribed in the Washington State Courts Records Retention Schedule.

Superior Court Records Retention:

• Felony cases (Class A): Permanent retention
• Felony cases (Class B): 20 years after case completion
• Felony cases (Class C): 10 years after case completion
• Civil cases: 6-10 years after case completion
• Domestic relations: 25 years after case completion
• Probate cases: 10 years after case closure
• Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination
• Juvenile offender cases: Until subject's 23rd birthday or 10 years, whichever is longer
• Mental illness cases: 20 years after case completion

District Court Records Retention:

• Criminal misdemeanors: 10 years after case completion
• Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case completion
• DUI cases: 10 years after case completion
• Traffic infractions: 3 years after case completion
• Small claims: 6 years after judgment
• Civil cases: 6 years after case completion
• Domestic violence protection orders: 90 years after filing

Municipal Court Records Retention:

• Criminal misdemeanors: 3-10 years after case completion
• Traffic infractions: 3 years after case completion
• Parking violations: 3 years after case completion

These retention periods are mandated by Washington General Rule 15, which states: "The clerk of the superior court, clerk of the court of appeals, and clerk of the supreme court may destroy records and papers as authorized in this rule." After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed, transferred to the Washington State Archives, or preserved in another format such as microfilm or digital images.

Certain records of historical significance may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order follow special handling procedures and are not subject to standard retention schedules.

Types of Courts In Snohomish County

Snohomish County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority. The county's courts operate within Washington State's unified court system.

Snohomish County Superior Court
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3421
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Snohomish County Superior Court

Superior Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $100,000, family law, probate, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts.

Snohomish County District Court
Cascade Division
415 E Burke Avenue
Arlington, WA 98223
425-388-3331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Everett Division
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, MS 508
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Evergreen Division
14414 179th Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272
425-388-3331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

South Division
20520 68th Avenue W
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-388-3331
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Snohomish County District Court

District Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases under $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, traffic infractions, and protection orders.

Municipal Courts:

Everett Municipal Court
3028 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
425-257-8270
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Everett Municipal Court

Lynnwood Municipal Court
19321 44th Avenue W
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-670-5100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lynnwood Municipal Court

Marysville Municipal Court
1015 State Avenue
Marysville, WA 98270
360-363-8050
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Marysville Municipal Court

Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions occurring within city limits.

Snohomish County Juvenile Court
2801 10th Street
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-7800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Snohomish County Juvenile Court

Juvenile Court handles cases involving minors, including juvenile offenses, dependencies, and truancy matters.

The court hierarchy in Washington State proceeds from:

1. Municipal/District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
2. Superior Courts (general jurisdiction)
3. Washington Court of Appeals
4. Washington Supreme Court

Cases may be appealed from lower courts to higher courts according to established procedures and timelines.

What Types of Cases Do Snohomish County Courts Hear?

Snohomish County's various courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, severity, and location. Each court level is authorized to hear specific categories of cases as established by Washington state law.

Superior Court Cases:

• Felony criminal prosecutions (all classes)
• Civil lawsuits exceeding $100,000
• Real property disputes
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support)
• Probate and estate administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Mental health commitments
• Juvenile offender proceedings
• Juvenile dependencies
• Appeals from lower courts
• Administrative agency appeals
• Tax disputes with the county

District Court Cases:

• Criminal misdemeanors (punishable by up to 364 days in jail)
• Gross misdemeanors (punishable by up to 364 days in jail)
• Civil actions up to $100,000
• Small claims up to $10,000
• Traffic infractions
• Domestic violence protection orders
• Anti-harassment orders
• Name changes
• Vehicle impounds
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Search and arrest warrants

Municipal Court Cases:

• Violations of city ordinances
• Criminal misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Gross misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic infractions within city boundaries
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement violations
• Animal control violations
• Public nuisance cases
• City tax and license violations

Juvenile Court Cases:

• Juvenile offenses (criminal matters involving minors)
• Status offenses (truancy, runaway, at-risk youth)
• Child dependency proceedings
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption proceedings involving dependent children
• Juvenile diversion programs
• Truancy petitions
• Child in need of services petitions

Case assignment is governed by RCW § 3.66.020 for District Courts, RCW § 2.08.010 for Superior Courts, and RCW § 3.50.020 for Municipal Courts. These statutes define the subject matter jurisdiction of each court level within the state's unified court system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Snohomish County

Court dockets in Snohomish County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and events in a case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods.

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Washington State Courts Case Search portal
2. Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
3. Select Snohomish County from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Review the docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information
5. Note that some docket entries may be restricted or require additional access

Superior Court Docket Access:

1. Access the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's Office website
2. Navigate to "Access Court Records Online"
3. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. Review chronological case history
5. For more detailed information, visit the clerk's office in person

District Court Docket Access:

1. Visit the Snohomish County District Court website
2. Select "Court Records Request"
3. Search using available criteria
4. Review basic docket information
5. For complete dockets, submit a records request form

In-Person Docket Requests:

1. Visit the appropriate court clerk's office
2. Complete a docket request form
3. Provide case number or party names
4. Pay any applicable fees
5. Review docket information at public access terminals

Court Calendar Information:

1. Access the Snohomish County Court Calendar
2. Select the appropriate court division
3. Choose the desired date
4. Review scheduled hearings and proceedings
5. Note that calendars typically show only upcoming events, not complete case histories

For specialized docket information such as criminal arraignments, jury trials, or family law proceedings, contact:

Snohomish County Superior Court Administration
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, MS 502
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3421
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (preferred)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate filing date
• Case type
• Valid identification

Which Courts in Snohomish County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Washington State's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by RCW § 2.08.030 as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, has the power to fine or imprison for contempt, and keeps a seal. Courts not of record typically handle less serious matters, maintain simplified procedures, and do not create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings.

Courts Not of Record in Snohomish County:

Small Claims Court Small Claims Court operates as a division of Snohomish County District Court and is not a court of record. Proceedings are informal, attorneys are generally not permitted to represent parties, and detailed transcripts are not maintained. Cases are limited to claims of $10,000 or less.

Traffic Infractions Hearings When handling civil traffic infractions, District Courts function as courts not of record for these specific proceedings. While the court itself is a court of record for criminal matters, traffic infraction hearings follow simplified procedures without court reporters or verbatim records.

Juvenile Diversion Proceedings Certain juvenile matters handled through diversion programs operate outside the formal court of record process. These proceedings focus on rehabilitation rather than creating a permanent court record.

According to RCW § 3.66.010, "The district court is a court of record and shall be styled as the district court of the county in which it is located." However, this designation applies only to the court's criminal and formal civil proceedings, not to all functions performed by the court.

Courts of record in Snohomish County include:

• Snohomish County Superior Court
• Snohomish County District Court (for criminal and formal civil proceedings)
• Municipal Courts (for criminal matters)

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

• Appeal procedures (appeals from courts not of record typically involve trials de novo)
• Availability of court reporters
• Formality of proceedings
• Record-keeping requirements
• Precedential value of decisions

Lookup Court Records in Snohomish County

Access Court Records

Public Records Request

Superior Court Clerk

Court Records Request

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search