Thurston County Court Records
What Is Thurston County Court Records
Court records in Thurston County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Tax records
In Thurston County, court records are maintained by several courts within the county's judicial system:
- Thurston County Superior Court (felonies, civil cases over $100,000, family law)
- Thurston County District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $100,000)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations)
- Thurston County Juvenile Court (juvenile offenses)
- Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court (family law matters involving children)
- Thurston County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
According to Washington Court General Rule 31, court records include documentation from civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The rule defines court records as "any document, information, exhibit, or other thing that is maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding."
Are Court Records Public In Thurston County
Court records in Thurston County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Washington State Constitution Article I, § 10, which states "Justice in all cases shall be administered openly, and without unnecessary delay." Additionally, the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and General Court Rule 31 establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection.
The following court records are typically available to the public:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be sealed or redacted under specific circumstances as outlined in GR 15 and GR 22. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile records (with limitations per RCW 13.50.050)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family law matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Information protected by state or federal law
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (which includes Thurston County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county resources.
How To Find Court Records in Thurston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Thurston County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for search assistance
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25-$0.50 per page currently)
- Allow time for staff to retrieve records from archives if older than 3 years
Thurston County Clerk's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5430
Thurston County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the court clerk's office
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Specify documents needed and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for copy fees and return postage
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Washington Courts Records Portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select Thurston County from jurisdiction options
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Pay any applicable online access fees
- Download available documents or note information for in-person retrieval
For certified copies of court records, requestors must submit applications in person or by mail to the Thurston County Clerk's Office with appropriate identification and payment of certification fees (currently $5 per document plus copy fees).
How To Look Up Court Records in Thurston County Online?
Thurston County offers several online portals for accessing court records, with varying levels of information availability depending on the court and case type:
Washington Courts Case Search Portal:
- Visit the Washington Courts Search Page
- Select "Search Case Records"
- Choose Thurston County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review results showing case numbers, parties, filing dates, and case types
- Note that full document downloads may not be available for all cases
Thurston County Superior Court Records:
- Access the Odyssey Portal
- Register for an account if accessing non-public information
- Select "Smart Search" for name-based searches
- Filter results by case type, filing date, or status
- View case summaries, party information, and hearing schedules
- Note that document images may require in-person requests
Thurston County District Court Records:
- Navigate to the District Court Records Search
- Select "Case Information" from the menu
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case status, charges, and scheduled hearings
- Access limited document types including judgments and orders
Municipal Court Records: Each municipal court within Thurston County maintains separate online access systems:
Users should note that pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, certain information may be redacted from online records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.
How To Search Thurston 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 members of the public may view court records without payment, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free access options in Thurston County include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Thurston County Courthouse during business hours
- Use public access terminals at the clerk's office at no charge
- Review case files, dockets, and court calendars without fees
- Take notes from records without incurring costs
Thurston County Superior Court
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5560
Thurston County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Online Resources:
- Washington Courts JIS-Link Public Access (basic case information)
- Thurston County Court Calendars (hearing schedules)
- Washington Courts Appellate Case Search (appeals from Thurston County)
While basic case information is available without charge, users should be aware that:
- Document downloads may incur fees ($0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Extended search capabilities may require subscription services
- Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
- Research assistance from court staff may be limited due to resources
The Washington Courts Administrative Office provides additional guidance on free access to court records throughout the state.
What's Included in a Thurston County Court Record?
Thurston County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, court records typically include:
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information, complaint, citation)
- Probable cause statements and affidavits
- Arraignment and plea documentation
- Bail and pretrial release orders
- Discovery materials (with limitations)
- Motion filings and responses
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Verdict forms and judgment documents
- Sentencing information
- Probation/community supervision terms
- Restitution orders and payment records
Civil Case Records:
- Initial complaints and petitions
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Answers and counterclaims
- Exhibits and evidence submissions
- Deposition transcripts (if filed)
- Expert witness reports
- Motion filings and responses
- Court orders and judicial opinions
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Judgment documents
- Appeal notices and briefs
Family Law Records:
- Petitions for dissolution or legal separation
- Parenting plans and child support worksheets
- Financial declarations (may be partially redacted)
- Temporary orders and restraining orders
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Custody evaluations
- Final divorce decrees
- Child support orders
- Modification petitions and responses
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Personal representative reports
- Distribution plans
- Final accountings
- Estate closing documents
Court Administrative Records:
- Case indices and docket sheets
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Judge assignment records
- Court reporter logs
- Jury information (with personal data redacted)
- Court financial records related to case fees
Each document within a court file is assigned a unique identifier and file date, creating a chronological record of case proceedings. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed pursuant to court rules and statutes.
How Long Does Thurston County Keep Court Records?
Thurston County maintains court records according to the Washington State Records Retention Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for various document types. These retention periods are mandated by state law under RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records.
Superior Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Permanent for Class A felonies; 10 years after case closure for other felonies
- Civil case files: 6-10 years after case closure depending on case type
- Domestic relations cases: 25 years after case closure
- Probate cases: 10 years after case closure
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Adoption records: Permanent
- Mental illness proceedings: 20 years after case closure
- Juvenile offender records: Until subject's 23rd birthday or longer for serious offenses
- Court indexes: Permanent
District Court Records Retention:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 3-10 years after case closure depending on offense
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 6 years after case closure
- Small claims: 6 years after case closure
- Domestic violence protection orders: 10 years after expiration
- Court dockets and indexes: 10 years
Municipal Court Records Retention:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 3-10 years after case closure
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after case closure
- Parking violations: 3 years after resolution
- Court dockets: 10 years
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved procedures. Records of significant historical value may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule.
Certain case types, particularly those involving real property, judgments affecting title to real property, or cases of significant historical or legal precedent, may be retained permanently even when not specifically required by the retention schedule.
Types of Courts In Thurston County
Thurston County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels:
Thurston County Superior Court
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5560
Thurston County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thurston County District Court
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 3
Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 786-5450
Thurston County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court
2801 32nd Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
(360) 709-3000
Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Olympia Municipal Court
900 Plum Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 753-8312
Olympia Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lacey Municipal Court
420 College Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503
(360) 491-3212
Lacey Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tumwater Municipal Court
555 Israel Road SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 754-4160
Tumwater Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Yelm Municipal Court
106 2nd Street SE
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-8881
Yelm Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Washington State, including Thurston County, follows this structure:
- Municipal/District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Superior Courts (general jurisdiction)
- Washington Court of Appeals (appellate jurisdiction)
- Washington Supreme Court (final appellate authority)
Appeals from Thurston County Superior Court are heard by Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals, located in Tacoma. Further appeals may proceed to the Washington Supreme Court in Olympia.
What Types of Cases Do Thurston County Courts Hear?
Thurston County's various courts adjudicate specific case types according to their jurisdictional authority:
Thurston County Superior Court:
- Felony criminal cases (all classes)
- Civil matters with claims exceeding $100,000
- Real property disputes
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Juvenile offenses and dependencies
- Administrative agency appeals
- Tax disputes with the state
- Civil protection orders
- Eminent domain proceedings
Thurston County District Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 364 days in jail)
- Gross misdemeanors
- DUI and other traffic offenses
- Civil matters with claims up to $100,000
- Small claims cases (up to $10,000)
- Anti-harassment orders
- Traffic and non-traffic infractions
- Name change petitions
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Civil protection orders
Municipal Courts (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm):
- Violations of city ordinances
- Misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic infractions within city boundaries
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement matters
- Limited civil matters as authorized by city charter
Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court:
- Juvenile offender cases
- Juvenile dependencies
- Truancy petitions
- At-risk youth petitions
- Child in need of services (CHINS) petitions
- Juvenile drug court
- Family treatment court
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Washington State Constitution and further defined in the Revised Code of Washington, particularly Title 3 RCW (Courts of Record) and Title 35 RCW (Cities and Towns) for municipal courts.
Specialized dockets within these courts include:
- Drug Court (Superior Court)
- Mental Health Court (Superior Court)
- Veterans Court (District Court)
- DUI Court (District Court)
- Therapeutic Courts (various jurisdictions)
How To Find a Court Docket In Thurston County
Court dockets in Thurston County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Washington Courts Search Portal
- Select "Search Case Records"
- Choose Thurston County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and hearing information
Superior Court Docket Search:
- Access the Thurston County Superior Court website
- Select "Court Records" from the navigation menu
- Choose "Case Search" option
- Enter case number or party name
- Review chronological listing of case events and filings
District Court Docket Search:
- Navigate to the Thurston County District Court website
- Select "Court Records" from the menu
- Enter case number or defendant name
- View docket showing hearing dates, continuances, and disposition information
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request docket information by case number or party name
- Use public access terminals to view electronic docket entries
- Request printed docket reports (fees may apply)
Court Calendar Information:
- Access the Thurston County Courts Calendar page
- Select desired court and date
- View cases scheduled for hearings, trials, or other proceedings
- Note that calendars typically show upcoming events rather than complete case histories
For specialized docket information such as probate calendars or ex parte proceedings, contact the specific court department directly. Docket information is updated daily but may experience slight delays between court action and system updates.
Which Courts in Thurston County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Washington State, courts not of record are judicial bodies that do not maintain verbatim records of their proceedings and from which appeals result in trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of the record. According to RCW 3.30.015, courts of limited jurisdiction are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on statutory designation.
In Thurston County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Municipal Courts:
- Olympia Municipal Court
- Lacey Municipal Court
- Tumwater Municipal Court
- Yelm Municipal Court
These municipal courts do not typically maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party. Appeals from these courts are heard de novo in Thurston County Superior Court, meaning the case is tried anew rather than reviewed based on the record from the lower court.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for several reasons:
- Procedural formality (courts of record follow stricter procedural rules)
- Appeal process (de novo vs. record review)
- Precedential value of decisions
- Record-keeping requirements
It should be noted that while these courts do not maintain verbatim records automatically, they do maintain case files, dockets, and judgment records. Additionally, parties may request that proceedings be recorded at their own expense in some circumstances.
Thurston County District Court, by contrast, is a court of record pursuant to RCW 3.30.010, which designates all district courts operating under the provisions of Chapters 3.30 through 3.74 RCW as courts of record.