Court records of Lewis County, Washington, are available through several channels. LewisCourt.us allows searching for publicly accessible information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official online resources of state courts, the county clerk's office, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings.
Lewis Court System & Jurisdictions
Lewis County has two main courts: Superior Court and District Court. Each handles different categories of cases, and understanding their jurisdiction will help determine where to search for the necessary court record.
Lewis County Superior Court
Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal cases involving felonies
- Civil lawsuits over $100,000
- Family law: divorce, child custody, alimony
- Probate and estate cases (the legal process of distributing a deceased person's property)
- Guardianship and conservatorship cases
- Appeals from District Court
The Superior Court clerk's office records, archives, and maintains all documents filed with this court. Detailed information can be found on the Lewis County Court Records page.
Lewis County District Court
Lewis County District Court is located in the Law & Justice Center and handles:
- Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits up to $100,000
- Small claims cases — up to $10,000
- Traffic violations and fines
- Protection orders
There is no separate specialized family court or probate court in the county — these cases are handled by the Superior Court.
Lewis Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date and time of a case hearing, use the Find My Court Date tool on the Washington state courts website. The system allows searching by last name or case number and shows scheduled hearings in courts throughout the state, including both Lewis County courts.
Data is updated daily at 3:00 AM. To search, you need to:
- Go to the Person Search page
- Enter the last name or case number
- Select the desired court from the list of results
Search results are for reference only — the official record is considered to be the document obtained directly from the court. To confirm the hearing date, you can also call the appropriate court's clerk's office.
Information about individuals in custody awaiting trial can be checked through the Lewis County Jail inmate roster.
How to Get a Copy of a Lewis Court Document
The Superior Court clerk's office maintains all documents filed with this court — from criminal cases to family and civil matters. Copies can be obtained in several ways.
Online
Basic information about Superior Court cases can be found through the Washington state courts search system. However, full documents must be ordered directly from the clerk's office.
In Person or by Mail
To obtain a certified or uncertified copy of a document, contact the clerk's office:
When contacting, provide:
- The full name of the party in the case
- The case number (if known)
- The type of document needed
- Whether a certified copy is required
Certified copies have the official court seal and are usually required for submission to other government agencies. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal review.
Regarding District Court
District Court records are maintained by the District Court itself. Contact the office directly at the address provided above or call to clarify the procedure.
Access Restrictions
According to Washington law, the clerk's office, as part of the judicial branch, is not subject to the Public Records Act (PRA). However, most court records remain publicly accessible. Some cases — particularly those involving juveniles, adoptions, and certain family matters — may be closed or have restricted access.
Lewis Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies of court documents in Washington state are regulated by state law. Below are typical fees applied by the clerk's office:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document |
| Database search upon request | An additional fee may be charged depending on the volume |
| Apostille or additional certification | Check with the clerk's office |
Fees are set according to RCW 36.18 (section on county clerk fees). Specific amounts may change — it is recommended to verify current information directly with the clerk's office.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to Lewis County Clerk. The possibility of credit card payment should be confirmed in advance.
For requests related to sheriff or law enforcement records, a separate procedure applies through the Lewis County Sheriff's records request division. Contact the responsible person via email at publicrecords@lewiscountywa.gov or by phone at (360) 740-2674.