Clallam County Court Records

What Is Clallam County Court Records

Court records in Clallam County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 31, court records include case files, dockets, indices, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, verdicts, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information. These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments.

The Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of court records for the county's judicial system. This office is responsible for filing, maintaining, and providing access to records from various courts within the county jurisdiction, including:

• Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
• Family Court
• Juvenile Court
• District Court (limited jurisdiction)
• Municipal Courts (Port Angeles, Sequim, Forks)
• Probate Court

Court records maintained by these entities include documentation from civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic infractions, and small claims disputes. Under RCW 36.23.030, the county clerk is statutorily designated as the official keeper of judicial records and is responsible for their preservation, organization, and accessibility.

Are Court Records Public In Clallam County

Court records in Clallam County are presumptively open to public inspection under both the Washington State Constitution and statutory law. Article I, Section 10 of the Washington State Constitution establishes that "justice in all cases shall be administered openly," creating a constitutional foundation for public access to court proceedings and records.

The Washington Public Records Act (PRA), codified in RCW Chapter 42.56, further reinforces this principle by mandating that public records, including court administrative records, be accessible to citizens. However, court case records are governed separately by court rules rather than the PRA, specifically by General Rule 31 of the Washington Court Rules.

Under current law, the following court records are generally available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and indices
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Verdicts and sentencing information

It is important to note that certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to § GR 15 of the Washington Court Rules, which establishes procedures for restricting access to sensitive information. Categories of restricted records may include:

• Juvenile records (subject to specific statutory provisions)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
• Records sealed by judicial order

The Washington Courts Administrative Office provides comprehensive guidance on record access policies, including specific procedures for requesting records that may be subject to restriction.

How To Find Court Records in Clallam County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Clallam County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documentation. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval:

1. Online Access: The Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office provides electronic access to certain court records through their online portal. Users may search by case number, party name, or filing date.

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours to request physical inspection of court files:

Clallam County Clerk's Office
223 East 4th Street, Suite 4
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2250
Clallam County Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

3. Written Requests: The public may submit formal public records requests by mail or email. Written requests should include:

   • Requestor's contact information
   • Case number (if known)
   • Names of parties involved
   • Approximate date of case filing
   • Specific documents sought

4. Certified Copies: For official purposes, certified copies of court documents may be obtained from the clerk's office for a fee as established by RCW 36.18.016. These copies bear the official court seal and clerk's signature, making them suitable for legal proceedings.

For specialized records, such as those from District or Municipal Courts, requestors should contact the specific court of origin directly.

How To Look Up Court Records in Clallam County Online?

Clallam County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources vary in scope and functionality:

1. Clallam County Case or Name Search: The county maintains a dedicated search portal for Superior Court cases. Users may search by:

   • Case number
   • Party name (last name, first name)
   • Attorney name
   • Filing date range

2. Washington State Courts Name and Case Search: The statewide court records portal provides access to cases from multiple jurisdictions, including Clallam County. This system is updated daily at 3:00 AM and includes:

   • Superior Court cases
   • District Court cases
   • Municipal Court cases (participating jurisdictions)
   • Appellate Court cases

3. Odyssey Portal: For newer cases filed in courts using the Odyssey case management system, users may access records through the state's Odyssey Portal. This system provides:

   • Case information
   • Party details
   • Docket entries
   • Scheduled hearings

4. Washington Digital Archives: Historical court records may be available through the Washington State Digital Archives, which preserves electronic records from both state and local government agencies.

When using online search tools, users should note that:

• Some documents may require in-person inspection due to confidentiality restrictions
• Older records may not be fully digitized
• Search functionality may be limited by the information provided
• Electronic access fees may apply for certain document types

How To Search Clallam County Court Records for Free?

Washington state law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge only the actual costs of reproduction, not for inspection time.

Free access options for Clallam County court records include:

1. In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Clallam County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to view non-confidential court files at no cost. Public access terminals are available for searching case indices.

2. Basic Online Searches: The Clallam County case search function provides free access to basic case information, including:

   • Case numbers
   • Party names
   • Case types
   • Filing dates
   • Case status

3. Washington Courts Public Case Search: The statewide court records portal offers free searches for basic case information across multiple jurisdictions.

4. Court Calendars: Daily court schedules are available for free viewing on the county's website, allowing the public to monitor upcoming hearings.

5. Find My Court Date: The Washington Courts date search tool enables individuals to locate their scheduled court appearances at no cost.

While basic record searches are free, fees may apply for:

• Printed copies ($0.15-$0.50 per page, depending on format)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
• Electronic document delivery (varies by volume)
• Research assistance for complex or historical searches

Fee waivers may be available for individuals demonstrating financial hardship, pursuant to court policy.

What's Included in a Clallam County Court Record?

Clallam County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

For Civil Cases:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers and counterclaims
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Court orders and rulings
• Final judgment
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (information or indictment)
• Probable cause statements
• Arraignment records
• Bail and pretrial release documentation
• Motions and responses
• Evidence logs
• Witness lists
• Plea agreements
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing orders
• Probation reports (may be restricted)
• Appeal notices

For Family Law Matters:

• Petitions for dissolution, custody, or support
• Parenting plans
• Financial declarations (may be restricted)
• Child support worksheets
• Temporary orders
• Guardian ad litem reports (may be restricted)
• Final decrees and orders
• Modification petitions

For Probate Proceedings:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Inventories and appraisements
• Creditor claims
• Accountings
• Distribution orders
• Estate closing documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case, serving as an index to the complete file.

How Long Does Clallam County Keep Court Records?

Clallam County adheres to the Washington State Records Retention Schedule for court documents, as established by the Washington State Archives. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

Key retention periods under current regulations include:

Criminal Cases:

• Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
• Felony cases dismissed/acquitted: 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor cases: 3-10 years after case closure, depending on offense type
• Infractions: 3 years after case closure

Civil Cases:

• General civil litigation: 6-10 years after case closure
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 25 years after case closure
• Adoption records: Permanent retention
• Probate cases: 10 years after estate closing
• Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
• Small claims: 6 years after judgment

Juvenile Records:

• Juvenile offender records: Until subject's 23rd birthday or longer for serious offenses
• Dependency cases: 6 years after child reaches age 18

Administrative Records:

• Court indices and registers of actions: Permanent retention
• Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period expires
• Court recordings and transcripts: 6 years after creation

Pursuant to RCW 36.23.065, the clerk may convert paper records to electronic format for preservation purposes. Additionally, records with historical significance may be transferred to the Washington State Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction after their retention period expires.

Types of Courts In Clallam County

Clallam County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority:

Clallam County Superior Court
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2361
Clallam County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Clallam County District Court I (Port Angeles)
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2463
Clallam County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Clallam County District Court II (Forks)
502 East Division Street
Forks, WA 98331
(360) 374-6383
Clallam County District Court II
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Port Angeles Municipal Court
321 East 5th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-4930
Port Angeles Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Sequim Municipal Court
152 West Cedar Street
Sequim, WA 98382
(360) 683-4139
Sequim Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Forks Municipal Court
500 East Division Street
Forks, WA 98331
(360) 374-2262
Forks Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Washington State proceeds from limited jurisdiction courts (Municipal and District) to general jurisdiction courts (Superior), with appeals advancing to the Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Washington Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Clallam County Courts Hear?

Clallam County's various courts adjudicate different types of cases according to their statutory jurisdiction:

Superior Court handles:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters exceeding $100,000
• Real property disputes
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
• Probate and estate matters
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Mental health commitments
• Juvenile offenses and dependencies
• Appeals from lower courts
• Tax disputes

District Courts adjudicate:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (maximum penalty of 1 year imprisonment)
• Gross misdemeanors
• Civil cases with claims up to $100,000
• Small claims (up to $10,000)
• Traffic infractions
• Domestic violence protection orders
• Anti-harassment orders
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Name changes

Municipal Courts preside over:

• City ordinance violations
• Misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic infractions within city boundaries
• Parking violations
• City code enforcement matters

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by the Revised Code of Washington for District Courts and RCW 2.08.010 for Superior Courts. Municipal court authority is defined by RCW 3.50.020.

How To Find a Court Docket In Clallam County

Court dockets, which provide chronological listings of proceedings and filings in a case, are accessible through multiple channels in Clallam County:

1. Online Docket Search: The Clallam County case search system allows users to view docket information by entering:

   • Case number
   • Party name
   • Attorney name
   • Date range

2. Statewide Court Calendar: The Washington Courts calendar search provides upcoming hearing information for cases across jurisdictions.

3. In-Person Docket Review: Public terminals at the Clallam County Clerk's Office provide access to comprehensive docket information for all non-confidential cases.

4. Daily Court Calendars: Each court publishes daily schedules of hearings, which are available at courthouse information desks and often on court websites.

5. Written Request: For historical dockets or complex searches, individuals may submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk specifying the case information needed.

When searching for docket information, users should be prepared to provide:

• As much identifying information as possible
• Approximate timeframes for case activity
• Correct spelling of party names
• Case type (if known)

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Party names and attorney information
• Chronological list of documents filed
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Judgment information
• Case status

Which Courts in Clallam County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Washington State, "courts of record" are defined by RCW 2.08.030 and RCW 3.30.015 as courts whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the ability to issue writs and whose decisions may be appealed to higher courts on the basis of the record established.

Within Clallam County, the following are not courts of record:

1. Small Claims Department of the District Court: Proceedings in small claims court (claims up to $10,000) are conducted informally without comprehensive record-keeping. Appeals from small claims judgments are conducted as trials de novo (new trials) in Superior Court rather than reviews of an established record.

2. Traffic Infractions Hearings: When handling civil infractions, the courts typically maintain only summary records rather than verbatim transcripts.

Courts of record in Clallam County include:

• Superior Court
• District Courts (for criminal and civil matters)
• Municipal Courts (for criminal matters)

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

• Appeal procedures
• Record-keeping requirements
• Formality of proceedings
• Availability of transcripts
• Precedential value of decisions

Appeals from courts not of record typically involve new trials in Superior Court rather than reviews of the lower court proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Clallam County

Case or Name Search

County Clerk of Superior Court

Request Public Records

Requesting Superior Court Records

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search

Find My Court Date

Washington State Courts

Washington State Digital Archives

Washington State Appellate Courts Filing Portal