Responsibilities

District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction established by State statute. District Court resolves and adjudicates infractions, criminal traffic and criminal non-traffic violations. Preliminary hearings on felony matters are also heard in District Court. It also processes small claims, civil actions, name changes and anti-harassment orders. The District Court judge is elected to a four-year term. Court staff perform administrative and clerical functions including case scheduling, records management, receipting of monies received, and entering case information into the District Court Information System.

By contract with the City of Port Townsend, the District Court also serves as the Municipal Court for the City of Port Townsend. The District Court's objective is the efficient and legal processing of all cases appropriately coming before the Court, and the collection and distribution of fine, fee, forfeiture, assessment, bond and restitution moneys paid into the Court.

Goal of the Court

The goal of the Court is to provide timely justice for all. This includes fair and impartial hearings, protection of all rights, and adequate access to anyone with business before the Court. Our legal system is based on the principle that an independent, fair and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the laws that govern us. The role of the judiciary is central to American concepts of justice and the rule of law. Judges must respect and honor the judicial office as a public trust and strive to enhance and maintain confidence in our legal system.