Felony Records in Washington document serious criminal cases handled by the Superior Court. They may include the defendant’s name, case number, filing date, charges, court orders, and outcomes such as convictions, dismissals, or plea agreements. Online court portals allow users to search felony cases by name, case number, filing date, or court jurisdiction to locate available docket entries and sentencing information.
Felony records may be accessed through the court portal or clerk’s office, although sealed or restricted files may be unavailable. Public case details can include bail information, charging agencies, hearing dates, and current case status. Certified copies may be requested for official documentation of convictions, sentencing, or probation conditions. Access depends on court procedures, privacy protections, and applicable restrictions.
How to Search Felony Records
You can start a felony records search in Pierce County, Washington through the official online case lookup system operated by the Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court. The system lets you search for felony indictments, felony charging documents, felony court filings, and felony sentencing records. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official court records resources. You may enter a defendant name, a case number, a filing date, or a specific court to narrow your search. The portal covers all Superior Court felony cases filed within Pierce County.
Official Search Portal https://www.piercecountywa.gov/2710/Court-Records (LINX Superior Court Cases)
Steps to Search
- Open the Pierce County Superior Court case search portal through the official URL listed above.
- Select the search type you want to use: name, case number, filing date, or court.
- Type the defendant last name and first name, or paste the full case number into the search box.
- Choose a date range or court division to limit your search if you have limited details.
- Review the results list and click the case link to view full felony case history.
- Download or print the docket, or contact the clerk for certified copies of felony records.
Search by Defendant Name
You can search felony records using the full legal name of the defendant when a case number is unknown. The portal matches the name against all felony case filings in the Superior Court system. You should enter the last name first, followed by the first name, to get accurate results. If the defendant has a common name, add a middle name or date of birth to narrow the list.
Search by Case Number
Searching by case number gives you the fastest and most precise felony record lookup. Each felony case in Pierce County Superior Court carries a unique case number that starts with the year of filing. You can find this number on charging documents, court summons, or prior court orders. Typing the case number directly into the portal pulls up the full docket, including felony motions, felony hearing records, and felony judgment records.
Search by Filing Date
Filing date searches help when you want to see all felony cases filed within a certain time period. You can enter a start date and end date to limit the search to a specific window. This method works well for legal research, journalism, or tracking recent felony case filings. The results show each case number, defendant name, and the felony charges listed at the time of filing.
Search by Court
Felony cases in Pierce County are handled in the Superior Court, which has several divisions. You can filter your search by court to view cases filed in a specific division. This method is helpful if you already know which judge or court division oversaw the case. Court-based searches also help you find felony court filings tied to a single docket.
Information Needed for a Search
You need at least one piece of identifying detail to begin your felony record search. Common search inputs include the full defendant name, the felony case number, the filing date range, or the assigned court. The more details you have, the faster your lookup will be. Accurate spelling of the defendant name is important because even small errors can return no results.
Felony Case Records
Felony case records cover every document the court produced during a felony case. These records include charging papers, court filings, motions, hearing minutes, court orders, and final judgments. Together they form the full felony case history. You can view these documents by searching the case number or defendant name through the official portal.
| Document Type | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Indictment | Prosecuting Attorney | Lists felony charges filed against the defendant |
| Motion | Defense or Prosecution | Asks the court to rule on a specific legal issue |
| Hearing Record | Court Clerk | Records what happened during a felony hearing |
| Court Order | Judge | Official ruling on a motion or case action |
| Judgment | Court Clerk | Final decision after a felony trial or plea |
Indictments and Charging Documents
An indictment is the document that starts a felony case in Superior Court. It is filed by the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney after a grand jury review or after a prosecutor files the information directly. The indictment lists each felony charge, the statute violated, and a short statement of facts. You can find felony indictment records under the case docket on the official portal.
Court Filings
Court filings cover all documents submitted by either side during a felony case. They include motions, briefs, exhibits, and supporting paperwork. Each filing gets a date stamp and a docket entry. These felony court filings give you a clear view of the legal arguments made during the case.
Motions and Responses
Motions are written requests asking the judge to take a specific action in a felony case. Common motions include motions to dismiss, motions to suppress evidence, or motions to modify bail. Each motion is paired with a written response from the opposing side. Felony motion records are part of the public docket and can be read through the portal.
Hearing Records
Hearing records capture the events that take place during felony hearings. These include arraignments, pretrial hearings, motion hearings, plea hearings, and sentencing hearings. The record lists the judge, attorneys present, and the outcome of each hearing. Felony hearing records help you track the case from start to finish.
Court Orders
A court order is a written ruling signed by a judge. Orders can address motions, set bail, protect victims, or modify sentence terms. Felony court orders remain part of the public case file unless sealed by the court. You can read most court orders directly through the Superior Court portal.
Judgment and Sentencing Records
The judgment and sentencing record is the final document in a felony case. It lists the charges, the verdict, and the sentence the court imposed. Felony sentencing records show whether the defendant received incarceration, community supervision, fines, or restitution. These records confirm the legal end of the case.
Felony Case Outcomes
Felony cases can end in several outcomes, depending on the facts, the evidence, and the legal process. Each outcome is recorded in the case docket under the case disposition field. The most common outcomes are convictions, acquittals, dismissals, plea-based outcomes, deferred dispositions, and probation outcomes. Reviewing the outcome helps you understand what the court decided.
Convictions
A conviction happens when a defendant is found guilty after a trial or pleads guilty to a felony charge. The court then issues a felony conviction record showing the offense and sentence. Felony convictions carry the heaviest legal consequences and may affect voting rights, housing, and employment. The conviction stays on the public docket unless it is later sealed or vacated.
Acquittals
An acquittal happens when a jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty of a felony charge. The court enters a verdict of not guilty and closes it. Felony acquittal records are public and show that the state failed to prove the charge. Acquittals cannot be appealed by the prosecution.
Dismissals
A dismissal ends a felony case before a verdict. The court may dismiss a case for lack of evidence, procedural problems, or prosecutorial choice. Felony dismissal records show the case was closed without a conviction. Dismissals can be requested by either side or ordered by the judge.
Plea-Based Outcomes
Many felony cases end through a plea agreement. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to a charge in exchange for a reduced penalty. Felony plea records show the terms of the deal and the sentence imposed. Plea-based outcomes resolve most felony cases without going to trial.
Deferred Dispositions
A deferred disposition is a type of plea agreement that delays sentencing. The defendant follows court-ordered conditions for a set time. If the defendant meets all conditions, the case may be dismissed. Felony deferred disposition records show the conditions, supervision period, and final result.
Probation Outcomes
Probation lets a defendant serve part of a sentence under supervision in the community. Felony probation records show the term length, conditions, and supervision officer. Probation can be modified, revoked, or completed. Successful completion is noted in the felony case disposition field.
Felony Sentencing Information
Felony sentencing in Pierce County follows the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines. The court may impose incarceration, community supervision, fines, restitution, or other conditions. Each part of the sentence is listed in the felony sentencing record. The sentencing record is the final entry on the case docket.
| Sentence Type | Typical Length | Supervising Body |
|---|---|---|
| Incarceration | 12 months to life | Department of Corrections |
| Community Supervision | 12 to 36 months | Department of Corrections |
| Fines and Court Costs | Varies by statute | Pierce County Court Clerk |
| Restitution | Based on victim loss | Pierce County Court Clerk |
| Other Conditions | Case-specific | Probation Officer |
Incarceration Sentences
An incarceration sentence requires the defendant to serve time in a state prison or local jail. Felony incarceration records show the length of the sentence, credit for time served, and the facility. The Department of Corrections manages felony incarceration in Washington State. The court may also impose a minimum term before release eligibility.
Community Supervision
Community supervision, also called probation, lets the defendant live in the community under set rules. A probation officer monitors compliance with the law, treatment programs, and reporting. Felony community supervision records show the start date, end date, and any violations. Successful completion closes the supervision.
Fines and Court Costs
The court can order fines and court costs as part of a felony sentence. These financial penalties are listed in the felony sentencing record. Payment is managed through the Pierce County Court Clerk. Failure to pay can lead to additional court action or a payment plan review.
Restitution Orders
Restitution is the amount the defendant must pay the victim for losses tied to the felony. The court sets the amount based on documented victim losses. Felony restitution orders are public and tracked through the clerk’s office. Payments can continue after probation ends until the restitution is paid in full.
Other Sentencing Conditions
The court can add other sentencing conditions based on the felony case. Common conditions are treatment programs, no-contact orders, and travel limits. Felony sentencing conditions are part of the public docket. Breaking any condition can lead to a violation hearing and new charges.
Felony Records Access
You can access Pierce County felony records through three main channels: the public online portal, the clerk’s office in person, and by written request. Most felony case information is public under Washington State law. Some records may be restricted, sealed, or limited due to juvenile status or court order. Knowing the access rules helps you find the right records.
Public Case Information
Public case information covers felony charges, hearing dates, court orders, judgments, and sentences. You can read this information through the official online portal at no cost. Additional county documentation and official archives are indexed under family court records. The clerk’s office also provides access to printed docket sheets. Public felony case information supports transparency in the justice system.
Online Court Records
Online court records give you 24-hour access to felony case dockets. You can search felony cases by name, case number, filing date, or court division. The portal returns felony court filings, felony hearing records, and felony judgment records. You can print or save the docket for personal records.
Clerk’s Office Records
The clerk’s office holds the official paper file for every felony case. You can visit the clerk’s office during business hours to view the file in person. The clerk can also pull older felony case files from archived storage. Certified copies are available for a fee.
Restricted Information
Some felony information is not available to the public. This includes sealed records, juvenile felony records, and information protected by court order. Restricted information stays in the court file but is not shown on the public portal. You need a court order to view restricted felony records.
Sealed Records
A court can seal a felony record under Washington State law. Sealed felony records do not appear in public searches. The sealing happens through a separate court action and is granted only for specific reasons. You must request a court order to unseal a record.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Juvenile felony records are restricted under Washington State law. Most juvenile records stay confidential and do not appear in public searches. Access to juvenile records is limited to the juvenile, parents, attorneys, and court officials. Special rules apply to sealed juvenile records after the juvenile turns 18.
Obtaining Felony Records
You can obtain felony records from Pierce County in three ways: by online request, by clerk’s office request, or in person. Each method gives you access to the full felony case docket. Certified copies of felony records carry an official court seal and may be needed for legal or employment use. Knowing the right method saves time.
Online Requests
You can place a felony record request directly through the online portal. The portal lets you search and view dockets for free. You can print the records you need right away. For certified copies, you still need to contact the clerk’s office.
Clerk Office Requests
You can submit a felony record request to the clerk’s office by mail, email, or fax. The clerk will pull the case file and send back the records you ask for. Make sure to include the full case number or defendant name. The clerk will also list any fees due for the request.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the clerk’s office during business hours to request felony records in person. The clerk will help you search the docket and pull the right case file. In-person requests are helpful when you need certified copies the same day. Bring a photo ID for any certified request.
Certified Copies
Certified copies of felony records carry the official court seal. You can use certified copies for legal filings, background checks, and government forms. Each certified copy has a set fee based on Washington State court rules. The clerk can issue certified copies at the counter or by mail.
Identification Requirements
You need a valid photo ID to request certified felony records. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. The ID must match the name on the request. Without proper ID, the clerk cannot release certified felony records.
Copy Fees and Processing Times
Standard felony record copies have a set per-page fee under Washington State law. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. Processing times depend on the request method and case age. Online records are available right away, and in-person requests are filled the same day in most cases. Mail requests take longer based on postal time.
Accuracy and Availability
Felony records in Pierce County are kept up to date by the clerk’s office. You should confirm the accuracy of any felony record before using it for legal or personal reasons. Errors can include wrong defendant name, wrong case number, or outdated information. Always cross-check details with the official portal.
Confirming the Correct Defendant
Always confirm the defendant name matches your search target. A simple spelling error can return a different person with a similar name. Check the date of birth and address to be sure. The portal shows identifying details that help confirm the right match.
Matching the Case Number
Double-check that the case number on the record matches your source. Case numbers use a year-based format that is unique to each felony filing. Typing the wrong digit will return a different case or no record at all. Keep the full case number for future reference.
Verifying the Court
Felony records for Pierce County cases are filed in Superior Court, not District Court. If you find a record in District Court, it is not the felony record you need. Always confirm the court listed on the record is the Pierce County Superior Court. This step helps you avoid mixing misdemeanor and felony records.
Recently Filed Cases
Newly filed felony cases may not appear on the portal right away. The clerk needs to scan and upload each document before it shows in search results. Recent felony cases may take several business days to appear. You can call the clerk’s office to confirm a new felony filing.
Delayed Record Updates
Some felony record updates may take longer than expected. Court orders, judgments, and sentencing documents can take time to upload. Delayed record updates can affect your search results. If a recent event is missing, contact the clerk’s office for the most current docket.
Missing Documents
Some felony case documents do not appear in the public portal. Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain court orders stay restricted. Missing documents can also happen for older felony cases stored in archives. You can ask the clerk to pull archived files for older felony records.
Records Held by Another Court
Some felony records are held by other Washington State courts or federal courts. Out-of-county felony cases are not on the Pierce County portal. Federal felony cases are filed in United States District Court. You need to contact the right court to view those felony records.
Search Problems
You may run into problems when searching for felony records in Pierce County. Common problems include no record found, wrong defendant name, wrong court, or restricted record. Knowing the cause of each problem helps you fix the search quickly. The clerk’s office can also help you troubleshoot felony record searches.
No Record Found
A no record found result means the search did not match any felony case in the system. This can happen with a misspelled name or wrong case number. Try again with the full legal name and date of birth if you have it. You can also search by filing date range to widen the search.
Incorrect Defendant Name
An incorrect defendant name is the most common cause of search problems. Make sure the name matches the official charging documents. Names with hyphens, accents, or special spacing can cause issues. Try the last name only to see a broader list of possible matches.
Incorrect Case Number
An incorrect case number will return no record or the wrong record. Check the case number format and digits against your source. If you do not have the case number, search by defendant name instead. The clerk’s office can also confirm the right case number for a felony case.
Wrong Court or County
A wrong court or county is a common issue for cases filed in a different jurisdiction. Felony cases outside Pierce County will not appear on the Pierce County portal. Use the Washington State Courts portal to search other counties. Federal felony cases need a separate federal court search.
Missing Case Documents
Missing case documents can happen for older felony cases or sealed cases. Archived felony files are pulled by request from the clerk’s office. Sealed felony documents do not appear in the public portal. The clerk can confirm whether a felony file is sealed.
Restricted Record
A restricted record is not visible to the public. They include juvenile felony records and court-sealed felony cases. You must get a court order to view restricted felony records. The clerk can confirm whether a felony record is restricted.
Delayed Case Information
Delayed case information can affect recent felony filings. Documents may take time to appear on the portal after filing. Court orders and judgments can also take extra time to upload. You can call the clerk’s office for the most current felony case status.
Contact Information
You can reach the Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court for felony records requests using the contact details below. The clerk’s office handles all felony case filings, certified copies, and record searches. Public records requests are accepted by phone, email, mail, or in person. Office visits are open during regular business hours at the listed address.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court |
| Phone | 253-798-7455 |
| CLKpublicrecords@piercecountywa.gov | |
| Address | 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Official URL | https://www.piercecountywa.gov/2710/Court-Records |
| Search URL | LINX Superior Court Cases |
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding felony records in Pierce County, Washington helps you confirm a charge, see a case outcome, or gather details for a background check. The Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court runs an online portal that lets anyone search felony records, case numbers, and court filings. You can view results for free, request copies, or learn why a record might not appear.
How can I find felony records online?
Visit the Legal Information Network Exchange (LINX) site at the Pierce County Superior Court web page. Enter the person’s full name, case number, or filing date in the search box. The system returns felony indictments, charging documents, and sentencing information for cases filed after 1980. Results appear within seconds, and you can click each case to read docket events, hearing dates, and disposition. No fee is required for basic viewing, but copying documents costs per page.
What information does a felony record lookup provide?
A felony record shows the defendant’s name, case number, filing date, and the specific charge(s) listed in the criminal code. It also lists the court where the case was heard, any plea entered, the final judgment, and the length of any prison or probation term. Additional details may include bail amount, restitution orders, and attorney information. This snapshot helps you understand the full history of the felony from filing to sentencing.
How do I search for a specific felony case number?
Start at the LINX case search page and choose “Case Number” as the search field. Type the full case number exactly as it appears on any court document usually a series of letters and digits. The portal pulls up the exact case file, showing all filings, motions, and the final court order. If the case number is entered incorrectly, the system will return no matches, so double‑check each character.
Where can I view felony court records for a given defendant name?
Enter the defendant’s last name and first name in the LINX search box. You can narrow results by selecting “Felony” under case type and setting a filing‑date range to limit older entries. The list will display each matching case with a link to its docket. Clicking a docket opens the court’s filing history, including the charging document, hearing notices, and sentencing order. This method works for any person who appears in a public felony case.
Why might a felony record be missing or show as “not found”?
A record may be missing if the case was sealed, vacated, or dismissed before a conviction. Sealed juvenile files and vacated adult felonies are removed from public indexes. Records older than 1980 may not be digitized, and some files remain on microfilm that requires a separate request. Finally, a typo in the name or case number can prevent the system from locating the file.
How can I request a certified copy of a felony conviction?
Call the Pierce County Clerk’s office at 253‑798‑7455 or email CLKpublicrecords@piercecountywa.gov. Provide the case number, defendant’s name, and the specific document you need. The clerk will charge $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Certified copies are mailed or picked up in person at the clerk’s office, Room 110, 930 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma, WA 98402. Ask about rush processing if you need the copy quickly.