Search Franklin Court Records

FranklinCountyWaCourt.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports.
All searches conducted on FranklinCountyWaCourt.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

Franklin County, Washington State Court Records

Franklin County court records are legal documents prepared, filed, and maintained by Franklin County courts in Washington. They record court proceedings, including all papers, motions, evidence, orders, rulings, appeals, testimony, and judgments. For example, in criminal proceedings, court records may include more specific documents such as search and arrest warrants, charge sheets, applications for bail, motion papers, orders, evidence, witness statements, verdicts, rulings, and sentences.

Franklin County court records are filed and maintained by the County court clerk. Therefore, the Franklin County court clerk is the primary custodian of court records, and the court clerk's office maintains all court records prepared and filed in all courts within the Franklin judicial division. These court records may be accessed through the county courthouse or other search mediums available to members of the public. In Franklin County, access to court records helps members of the public find information on other related records such as arrest and incarceration information (court records on criminal matters), divorce records, probate records (wills and administration of estate), property records, and a host of other information.

Are Franklin County Court Records Public?

Yes. Franklin County court records are public records. In line with the Washington Public Records Act, court records prepared, owned, maintained, or used by state or local courts are public records and must be made available to all members of the public (RCW 42.56.010).

The Public Records Act also mandates agencies to have facilities available for individuals to inspect, request, and obtain copies of court records. In compliance with the act, Franklin County Courts have procedures, designated times, and personnel available to ensure that residents can enjoy reasonable access to court records.

Franklin County courts may validly refuse access when a request seeks a record or records exempt from public disclosure (RCW 42.56.210). Under the Washington PRA, as well as other statutes in force in the state of Washington, certain records are exempt from public disclosure to prevent unnecessary invasion of privacy, protect sensitive and confidential information, and, in some cases, prevent interference with law enforcement investigations (RCW 42.56.050). These include:

  • Vital records and all supporting documentation (birth and death certificates)
  • Personal information on clients and patients of public health inst
  • The identity of witnesses or victims to a crime where disclosure would endanger the person's life, safety, or property.
  • The name or identification information of a victim or witness who requests nondisclosure at the time a complaint is filed against an offender.
  • Information describing an alleged or proven child victim of sexual assault under the age of 18.
  • Where examination of court records would not be in the interest of the public.

What Information is Available in Franklin County Court Records?

The following information is available in Franklin County court records. These are details that are available to members of the public:

  • The names of the parties and complaint
  • The names of the attorneys or legal counsel representing each party
  • The name of the presiding judge or magistrate
  • Case number
  • Nature of the case/charge
  • Scheduled court dates
  • Pleadings
  • Warrants
  • The amount in dispute (for monetary claims)
  • Motions before the court
  • Orders
  • Rulings
  • Judgment

Franklin County Court Records Search

Individuals in search of Franklin County court records can find them either online, by visiting the county courthouse, or by sending mail requests. Each county court has its own procedure and timeline for processing court records requests. While the Franklin County court clerk must provide reasonable access to court records, they can refuse requests that are not submitted through the proper channels or that do not comply with the required form or procedure.

Online Access

Interested persons can find Franklin Court records online. This is the easiest and most convenient method to inspect court records. All one needs is a mobile phone, a personal computer, and internet access.

In Franklin County, members of the public can submit online requests for court records through any of the following resources:

In-Person Access

County residents or visitors who want to visit the Franklin County Superior Court in person to inspect or request copies of court records may visit the clerk's office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday. Requesters must have information about the record that is sufficient to identify the specific record sought. If such record is exempt from public disclosure, the court clerk's office will refuse access to requesters who do not possess a court order.

Mail and Phone Requests

An alternate means of obtaining Franklin County Court records is by submitting a written request to the Franklin Court Clerk's Office. Complete the Superior Court Clerk Records Request Form and mail it alongside a cashier's check or money order (for a $2.50 postage fee and $2.00 handling fee) to the Franklin County Clerk's Office. Processing takes 7 working days, and it can take longer during peak periods. Mail requests for Franklin County superior court records must be addressed to:

Franklin County Clerk's Office

Superior Court Records Request

1016 North 4th Avenue B306

Pasco, WA 99301

For district and municipal court records, send an email or a phone request to the contact information below:

District Court Records

Email: districtcourt@franklincountywa.gov

Phone: (509) 545-3593

Pasco Municipal Court Records

Email: courtclerk@pasco-wa.gov

Phone: (509) 545-3491

Fees for Court Records in Franklin County

In line with the current court costs and fees for the Washington Courts, requests for copies of court records from Franklin County Courts shall follow the fee schedule below:

  • $2.50 postage fees and $2.00 handling fees
  • $0.50 per page for uncertified copies of court records
  • $5.00 for the first page per document of certified copies
  • $1.00 for additional pages of certified copies
  • $3.00 per seal plus certified copy fee for authenticated/exemplied certfificate
  • $30.00 search fees per request (plus copy fees)
  • $30.00 expedited record services
  • $25.00 audio copies of court proceedings

Franklin County Courthouse Locations

The Franklin County Courthouse houses all three courts serving the County. The courthouse building houses the following divisions:

The Franklin County Superior Court: The superior court handles both civil and criminal matters. The county's criminal jurisdiction is limited to felony offenses, but it has unlimited civil jurisdiction. It handles civil disputes such as torts, family law matters, probate and guardianship matters, property rights disputes, as well as appeals from lower courts.

The Franklin County District Court: The county district court handles offenses classified as misdemeanors (negligent driving, disorderly conduct) and gross misdemeanors (Driving under the influence, assault in the 4th degree, 3rd degree theft). It has jurisdiction over small claims in civil matters up to $ 5,000 for businesses and $10,000 for individuals, and other general civil cases where the amount in question is up to $100,000.

Pasco Municipal Court: The Pasco County court has jurisdiction over traffic violations and ordinances within the city's jurisdiction.

Franklin County Superior Court (Clerk's Office)

1016 North 4th Avenue,

Room B306

Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3525

Franklin County District Court

1016 North 4th Avenue

Room B218,

Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3593

Pasco Municipal Court

1016 North 4th Avenue

Room B218,

Pasco, WA 99301

Phone: (509) 545-3491

Criminal Records Access in Franklin County

In Washington, residents can request certified criminal history information by mail by submitting the completed Request for Conviction Criminal History Form and paying the applicable fees ($32.00 processing fee or $58.00 if the request is submitted along with a set of fingerprints, and an additional $15.00 if the application includes a request for a notarized letter). All requests can be mailed to:

Washington State Patrol, Identification and Background Check Section

PO Box 42633

Olympia, WA 98504-2633

The State Patrol also provides a platform for running background checks online. Additionally, residents may obtain local criminal record information through county court records in person at the Franklin Superior Court clerk's office or online through the Washington Courts online case search tool.

Franklin County Probate Records

The Franklin County Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters. These include validation of wills, administration of the estate, asset inventory, proper distribution of the deceased's estate to beneficiaries, conservatorships, guardianships, and paying debts and taxes.

Records of probate proceedings are in custody of the superior court clerk. To access these records, visit the county clerk's office or look through available online court search tools. Probate records usually become public records when the will is filed in court for probate.

Franklin County Family Court Records

The Franklin County Superior Court oversees and adjudicates all family law-related cases. Interested people can access family court case records through the County Superior Court Clerk's Office. However, because some family court records involve children, some information may be redacted to protect the identity of minors.

Certified copies of Franklin County family records may be obtained by submitting a Request for copies of Superior Court files to the county clerk or mailing a copy of the Superior Court Clerk Records Request Form to the Franklin County Court Clerk's office with a money order or cashier's check addressed to the court clerk for all associated fees (postage, handling, copying, and certification fees).

Federal Court Records in Franklin County

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington manages federal court records for Franklin County. All federal matters are strictly under the jurisdiction of this court. Federal civil matters and criminal offenses are outside the scope and jurisdiction of the Franklin Superior County Courts.

Federal court records for Franklin County are accessible through thePACER website. These records are on matters under limited jurisdiction, such as federal criminal offenses, citizenship, claims or lawsuits against the U.S government, interpretation of federal law, etc.

Franklin County Court