Court Records

Court records are vital public documents that contain information about legal proceedings within a jurisdiction. For residents and legal professionals in Benton County, Washington, accessing court records is a necessary task for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re looking for details on a specific case, checking public records for due diligence, or conducting research, understanding how to access Benton County court records is crucial. This article will provide comprehensive, in-depth guidance on accessing these records, including the types of records available, the departments responsible, the process to request documents, and the applicable fees.

What Are Court Records?

Court records refer to all documents and information generated or filed in relation to legal proceedings within a court system. These records include various forms of case documents, including pleadings, orders, judgments, dockets, exhibits, and more. Benton County, WA, maintains a wide range of court records, primarily housed within two major court systems: District Court and Superior Court.

Court case records in Benton County cover a broad spectrum of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family law cases. For public access to these records, the county has implemented structured processes to ensure transparency while protecting sensitive information that may be sealed or restricted by law.

Types of Benton County WA Court Records

Understanding the different types of court records is essential when requesting documents. The primary categories of court records in Benton County include:

District Court Records: These include cases such as minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and small civil disputes. Some specific examples include:
Criminal charges (misdemeanors and infractions)
Civil disputes
Domestic violence cases
Traffic violations

Superior Court Records: These records generally pertain to more significant criminal cases, civil suits, and family law matters, including:
Felony criminal cases
Divorce, child custody, and other family law cases
Large-scale civil lawsuits
Probate and guardianship matters

How to Access Benton County Court Records

Benton County provides several methods for obtaining court records, including in-person requests, online services, and mail-in forms. Below is a step-by-step guide to navigating these processes.

Public Records Portal

Benton County has created a public records portal that allows individuals to search and request court records online. This portal provides access to public records in a convenient, digital format and is often the fastest method for obtaining the records you need. For records related to District Court or Superior Court cases, use the Benton County Public Records Portal.

District Court Records Requests

If you are seeking records from the Benton County District Court, the first step is to determine the case type—whether it’s criminal, civil, or traffic. The District Court’s website provides the necessary information and forms for submitting a records request. District Court records can also be accessed by visiting the court in person at the following locations:

Kennewick Office:
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-8476

Prosser Office:
Address: 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: 509-786-5480

For specific inquiries, you can contact the District Court by email at district.court@co.benton.wa.us.

Superior Court Records Requests

For more serious cases, including felonies, civil suits, and family law matters, Benton County's Superior Court handles these proceedings. To request records from the Superior Court, follow the same steps outlined for District Court, either through the Benton County Public Records Portal or by contacting the Superior Court Clerk directly. You can reach the Superior Court Clerk’s office at:

Kennewick Office:
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A130, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-736-3071

Email: specialsets@co.benton.wa.us

Retention Period for Court Records

Benton County maintains specific retention schedules for different types of court records. Understanding these schedules is crucial for individuals who wish to obtain historical records.

District Court Records:
Criminal, civil, and infraction cases are retained for 3 years after the case is closed.
Domestic violence and driving while intoxicated cases are retained for 10 years.
Open civil cases with judgments are retained for 10 years.

Superior Court Records:
These records are typically kept permanently, especially for matters involving significant legal outcomes such as felony convictions, civil suits, or family law rulings.

Once the retention period has passed, the records are usually destroyed, making timely requests critical for accessing specific documents.

Fees Associated with Court Record Requests

There are fees associated with obtaining court records in Benton County, which cover the time spent researching, preparing, and copying the documents. The following fees apply:

Research Fee: $20.00 per hour
Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page
Non-Certified Copies: $0.50 per page for hard copies, $0.25 per page for emailed copies
Court Recordings (CD/Thumb Drive): $10.00, in addition to the research fee

Payments for record search fees can be made in person at the respective court offices or through NCOURT, with additional fees applying when using this service.

Restrictions on Accessing Court Records

Certain records are restricted or sealed for various reasons, such as privacy concerns or legal mandates. Benton County court records that cannot be accessed by the general public include:

Police Reports: These are typically exempt from public disclosure.

Mental Health Commitment Records: Information regarding mental illness treatment or commitments is not made available to the public.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Commitment Records: Similarly, records regarding treatment for substance abuse are restricted.

Sealed Court Records: Any court records sealed by judicial order, which may involve sensitive personal or legal matters, are not accessible to the public.

Contact Information for Benton County Court Records

Below is a list of relevant departments, addresses, and phone numbers for accessing Benton County court records:

Benton County District Court

Address (Kennewick Office): 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-8476
Email: district.court@co.benton.wa.us

Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court

Address (Kennewick Office): 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A130, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-736-3071
Email: specialsets@co.benton.wa.us

Benton County Clerk’s Office (Superior Court)

Address (Kennewick Office): 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A210, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-8388
Email: clerk@co.benton.wa.us

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (District Court Division)

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A230, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-3591
Email: prosecutor@co.benton.wa.us

By utilizing the proper channels, understanding the types of records you need, and knowing the associated fees and restrictions, you can efficiently access the court records you need in Benton County, WA.

Benton County Court Records FAQs

How Can I Request Benton County Court Records?

To request court records in Benton County, you can utilize the Benton County Public Records Portal. This portal provides a streamlined way to request various court records electronically. Alternatively, you can complete a Public Records Request Form and submit it to the appropriate Benton County Public Records Officer. For Superior Court documents, you may directly contact the Clerk’s Office via email at clerk@co.benton.wa.us.

What Types of Court Records Are Available to the Public?

In Benton County, public access to court records includes a wide range of case types. District Court records may involve civil disputes, minor criminal cases, and traffic violations. For more serious cases, such as felony crimes or family law matters, Superior Court records are available. These records often include pleadings, judgments, dockets, and orders issued by the court during legal proceedings.

Are There Fees for Accessing Benton County Court Records?

Yes, Benton County charges fees for accessing court records, which cover research, copying, and preparation of documents. A research fee of $20 per hour applies. Certified copies are available at $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are priced at $0.50 per page for hard copies and $0.25 per page for emailed documents. If you require court recordings, there is an additional fee of $10 for each CD or thumb drive, plus the research fee.

Are There Any Restrictions on Court Records?

Certain records are not accessible to the public in Benton County due to legal or privacy restrictions. Police reports, mental health commitment records, and alcohol and drug treatment commitment records are not available. Additionally, any court records sealed by judicial order cannot be accessed by the public. It's important to note that these restrictions help protect sensitive personal and legal information.

How Long Are Benton County Court Records Retained?

Benton County has specific retention periods for various types of court records. District Court records are generally kept for 3 years for closed criminal, civil, and traffic cases, while records related to domestic violence or driving while intoxicated cases are retained for 10 years. Superior Court records, including those related to significant cases such as felony convictions or family law decisions, are usually kept permanently. After the retention period ends, records may be destroyed.