Franklin County Court Records Lookup

Franklin County Courts, WA *

Courts in Franklin County serve county residents, and Pasco is the county seat. The local court system deals with several areas of the law and various cases, such as felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases, cases involving juveniles, traffic offenses, family law, and domestic relations. Each court and division deals with specific cases. Therefore, determining the right court is the first step when attempting to view records, file a suit, or appear in court. Court records can be retrieved from county and state court resources depending on the type of case.

How to Access Franklin County Court Records

Online Access

The Washington Courts Case Search is the main gateway for court record searches in Franklin County, covering Superior, District, and Municipal courts across Washington state. For Superior Court records, the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal offers comprehensive case details, as well as full dockets. Superior court records are maintained by the Franklin County Clerk's office, and staff can assist with direct records requests. Have the party name, case number, or file date ready to make searching more efficient.

Alternative Online Options

Washington court portals can be confusing when someone is unsure of which court presided over the original matter, or only has fragmented information to work with. CourtCaseFinder provides a user-friendly compromise by gathering various public records directly from courthouses in Washington and nationwide onto one search platform. It covers court cases, arrest records, divorce records, and other types of public filings, making the database an extremely efficient resource when a search stretches across multiple jurisdictions.

In-Person Requests

If a document is unavailable online or a certified copy is needed, the Franklin County Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Pasco can assist. Staff can assist in finding physical case files, archived documents, and certified copies. Having some identifying information like the party names, case numbers, or the filing date will make it easier for staff to perform a complete search.

Archived Records

Older court records dating from before the digital era may not be available online. The Clerk of Superior Court's Office is the appropriate starting point for these records. Additional Franklin County records no longer kept at the courthouse are archived with the Washington State Archives.

Overview of the Franklin County Court System

Franklin County courts fall under the jurisdiction of the Washington Supreme Court and are part of the Washington State court system. The structure runs from the Supreme Court at the top, through the Washington Court of Appeals, down to the Superior Court and District Court at the county level.

It is a notable feature of the structure in Franklin County that it shares the Superior Court with its neighboring Benton County. The Benton-Franklin Superior Court covers both Benton and Franklin Counties, with Franklin County cases heard in the courthouse at Pasco. Franklin County also has its own District Court, Juvenile Court, and the Pasco Municipal Court, all located within or near the Franklin County Courthouse campus.

Types of Courts in Franklin County, Washington

Superior Court

The Benton-Franklin Superior Court is Franklin County's trial court of general jurisdiction. This court hears felony criminal cases, major civil suits, family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoptions, probate cases, and civil commitment cases. It also acts as an appellate court for District and Municipal court matters. Matters regarding Franklin County are presided over at the Pasco courthouse, where the Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for all records, jury administration, and passport applications.

Jurisdiction includes:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil cases over $75,000 (shared jurisdiction for cases between $10,000 and $75,000)
• Divorce, custody, adoption, and family law matters
• Probate, guardianships, and estate matters
• Juvenile offender and dependency cases
• Appeals from District and Municipal courts

Primary Location: Franklin County Courthouse, Pasco

District Court

The Franklin County District Court primarily handles everyday legal issues encountered by the majority of the population, including misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic offenses, civil actions and small claims, and civil protection orders. It also holds preliminary hearings for felony cases to be transferred to superior court and covers municipal court functions for the city of Connell. For traffic citations, payment can be made online using the court's payment portal.

Jurisdiction includes:

• Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic infractions and violations
• Civil cases up to $75,000 (shared jurisdiction for claims between $10,000 and $75,000)
• Small claims cases up to $10,000
• Civil protection orders, preliminary felony hearings, and municipal matters for Connell

Primary Location: Franklin County Courthouse, Pasco

Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court for Franklin County addresses all juvenile issues, including delinquency, status offenses, dependency, and truancy cases. The court system collaborates with social service providers and the community to link at-risk youth and families to appropriate support. A juvenile record of an adjudicated delinquent or status offender can be sealed or deemed confidential.

Jurisdiction includes:

• Juvenile delinquency and status offense cases
• Dependency and child welfare matters
• Truancy and at-risk youth cases

Primary Location: Franklin County Courthouse, Pasco

Municipal Court

The Pasco Municipal Court is responsible for ordinance violations, traffic violations, and misdemeanor violations that occur within the City of Pasco. This is a court residents should contact when issued a ticket or ordinance violation within the City of Pasco.

Jurisdiction includes:

• City ordinance violations
• Traffic infractions and moving violations within Pasco
• Misdemeanor cases within city limits

Primary Location: Franklin County Courthouse Complex, Pasco

How to File a Case in Franklin County

To file a civil suit in Franklin County, the filer needs to know which court has jurisdiction over the case and accurately follow all of the steps associated with filing. Accuracy in filling out forms and meeting all requirements can help avoid delays. Note that the prosecutor's office files criminal cases, so the steps below apply to the filing of civil cases only.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

Civil claims of more than $75,000 are heard in Superior Court, and smaller claims and small claims cases are heard in District Court. Superior Court is the venue for all family law actions such as divorce, custody, and adoption. Small claims of $10,000 or less are intended for residents without attorneys. When unclear which court has jurisdiction, the best course of action is to contact the clerks' offices.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Court forms and plain language filing instructions are available on the Washington Courts forms page and the Washington LawHelp website. Most cases filed in the Superior Court start with a summons and a complaint, while the District Court small claims forms are simpler for self-representing filers. Filling out all required parts before filing will avoid delays in the process of filing. The Clerk's office staff cannot offer legal advice but can help with finding the correct forms.

Step 3: File the Case

The completed forms are filed with the clerk's office of the proper court. Attorneys and some self-represented litigants can electronically file eligible cases through the Washington Courts e-filing portal. The Clerk's Office at the Pasco courthouse manages Superior Court filings for Franklin County and ensures submitted documents are properly entered into the court record.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

The cost of filing depends on the type of case and the court handling the matter. Residents who are unable to afford the required fees can apply for a fee waiver, called an Order of Indigency in Washington. Information about eligibility and the application process is available on the Washington Courts self-help page or directly from the clerk's office. Applicants should address fee requirements early to avoid delays in processing the case.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

After filing, the opposing party must be formally notified of the filing of the action. A process server, county sheriff, or certified mail can be used to effect service in Washington. A record of when and how service was done is important, and proof of service must be filed with the court before the case can be heard.

Step 6: Monitor the Case

The Washington Courts Case Search and the Odyssey Portal can be used to track Franklin County Superior Court cases. District and Municipal Court cases are also searchable through the Case Search tool. Residents can contact the clerk's offices to find out about future hearings or the status of their cases as well.

Franklin County Courthouse Directory

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Franklin County has well-established, free legal and advocacy resources available for a variety of civil needs. Northwest Justice Project (NJP) has an office in Pasco and is the predominant legal aid provider in the county, offering free civil legal assistance in family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and domestic violence to low-income individuals and families. Additionally, they offer resources for immigrant victims of crime. Seniors aged 60 and older, irrespective of income, can receive free civil legal advice through NJP's dedicated senior intake line. Veterans and military personnel can seek free civil legal assistance with issues on housing, family law, benefits, and debt by contacting the Washington State Attorney General's Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance (OMVLA).

Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties (DVSBF) provides emergency shelter, advocacy, and confidential support to survivors of domestic violence, no matter their immigration status or income. Victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and all other crimes can contact the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC) for Benton and Franklin counties, which provides round-the-clock free and confidential crisis assistance. The Washington Courts Self-Help website and Washington LawHelp provide easy-to-understand legal guides, court forms, and referrals to free legal services statewide. For procedural questions and to locate appropriate forms, contact the local court clerks. Clerk's office staff are not able to provide legal assistance and advice.

FAQs

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