Thurston County Superior Court: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to legal matters, it’s essential to have access to a reliable and efficient court system. In Thurston County, Washington, the superior court plays a crucial role in handling civil and criminal cases. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Thurston County Superior Court, from its history to its functions and services.

History of Thurston County Superior Court

Thurston County Superior Court was established in 1852, just four years after Washington became a state. The first superior court judge was John M. Murphy, who served from 1852 to 1855. Since then, the court has had 26 different judges, each contributing to the development of the court system in Thurston County.

Jurisdiction and Functions

Thurston County Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction. It has the power to hear and decide on a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters. The court also has exclusive jurisdiction over some types of cases, such as divorce, adoption, and probate.

The superior court has two main divisions: the criminal division and the civil division. The criminal division handles criminal cases, including felonies and misdemeanors, while the civil division deals with civil cases, such as lawsuits, contract disputes, and property disputes.

Services Offered

Thurston County Superior Court offers a range of services to its clients, including:

Courtroom Proceedings

The court holds regular courtroom proceedings where cases are heard and decided upon. These proceedings are open to the public, except in cases where the judge orders otherwise. Court proceedings can be attended in person or viewed online through the court’s website.

Jury Services

The court provides jury services to eligible citizens who are called upon to serve as jurors. Jurors play a vital role in the court system, as they help to ensure that trials are fair and impartial.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Thurston County Superior Court offers alternative dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration, to help parties resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom. These services are voluntary and confidential, and they can be an effective way to reach a resolution without going to trial.

Records Management

The court maintains records of all cases heard in its jurisdiction. These records are available to the public and can be accessed through the court’s website or in person at the courthouse.

Thurston County Superior Court Judges

Thurston County Superior Court currently has four judges:

Judge Chris Lanese

Judge Lanese was appointed to the superior court in 2019. Before his appointment, he served as a district court judge for Thurston County.

Judge Indu Thomas

Judge Thomas was appointed to the superior court in 2021. Before her appointment, she served as a deputy prosecutor for Thurston County.

Judge Erik Price

Judge Price was appointed to the superior court in 2015. Before his appointment, he served as a superior court commissioner for Thurston County.

Judge Carol Murphy

Judge Murphy was appointed to the superior court in 2013. Before her appointment, she served as a district court judge for Thurston County.

Thurston County Superior Court Case Search

The Thurston County Superior Court provides an online case search tool that allows users to access information about cases that have been filed in the court. The search tool can be accessed on the court’s website and can be used to find information about civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases. Users can search by case number, party name, or case type. The tool provides information about the case status, case type, parties involved, and case events.

Thurston County Superior Court Zoom

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thurston County Superior Court has implemented Zoom hearings to conduct court proceedings remotely. Zoom is a video conferencing tool that allows participants to join meetings from their computers or mobile devices. The court uses Zoom to conduct hearings, conferences, and other court-related activities. Participants can join Zoom hearings by clicking on a link provided by the court or by dialing in by phone.

Thurston County Superior Court Clerk

The Thurston County Superior Court Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining court records, collecting and disbursing fines and fees, and providing customer service to court users. The clerk’s office is located in the courthouse and is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The clerk’s office provides a variety of services, including case search, record requests, and payment processing.

Thurston County District Court

The Thurston County District Court is a separate court from the Thurston County Superior Court. The district court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, and civil cases with a jurisdictional limit of $100,000. The district court has two judges and is located in the same courthouse as the superior court.

Thurston County Court Records Name Search

The Thurston County Superior Court provides an online name search tool that allows users to search for court records by name. The tool can be accessed on the court’s website and can be used to find information about civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases. Users can search by name, case number, or case type. The tool provides information about the case status, case type, parties involved, and case events.

Thurston County Superior Court Calendar

The Thurston County Superior Court provides an online calendar that shows the schedule of court hearings and proceedings. The calendar can be accessed on the court’s website and can be used to find information about upcoming hearings, court dates, and other court-related events. Users can search by date, judge, or case type.

Thurston County Court Docket

The Thurston County Superior Court provides an online docket that shows the list of cases that are scheduled to be heard in the court. The docket can be accessed on the court’s website and can be used to find information about case numbers, parties involved, and hearing dates. Users can search by date, judge, or case type.

Conclusion

Thurston County Superior Court is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in ensuring justice for the citizens of Thurston County. With its long history, diverse jurisdiction, and range of services, the court continues to serve the community with professionalism and efficiency.

FAQs

1. What is the address of Thurston County Superior Court?

The courthouse is located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

2. How can I contact Thurston County Superior Court?

You can contact the court by phone at (360) 786-5430 or by email at [email protected].

3. What are the court’s hours of operation?

The court is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

4. How do I access court records?

You can access court records online through the court’s website, or you can request them in person at the courthouse.

5. What types of cases does Thurston County Superior Court handle?

The court handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters. It also has exclusive jurisdiction over some types of cases, such as divorce, adoption, and probate.