Courthouse

The Benton County WA Courthouse is a pivotal institution in the justice system of Benton County, Washington. It serves as the heart of legal proceedings for the residents of Benton County and its surrounding areas. This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the Benton County Courthouse, detailing its various branches, services, and operational functions. We will explore its history, structure, and the key departments that make up its functioning, alongside how the public can access the services provided.

Benton County Courthouse: An Overview

The Benton County Courthouse is located within the Benton County Justice Center, situated at 7122 W. Okanogan Place in Kennewick, Washington. This building houses several key legal functions, including the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court, Benton County District Court, and Benton County Juvenile Court, among others. The courthouse is dedicated to upholding justice through a variety of legal proceedings that affect the local community, including civil, criminal, family law, and juvenile cases.

For those involved in legal matters, it is important to understand the full scope of services and departments that are housed within the Benton County Courthouse, as well as how to access them. Whether you need to attend a court hearing, file legal documents, or request court records, knowing where to go and what to expect is crucial for an efficient legal process.

Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court

The Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court plays a central role in the judicial system of Benton County, serving both Benton and Franklin counties. This court is responsible for handling a wide array of cases, including criminal matters, civil disputes, family law cases, and probate issues. The judges of this court include:

Judge Joseph M. Burrowes
Judge Diana N. Ruff
Judge David L. Petersen
Judge Norma Rodriguez
Judge Jacqueline Shea-Brown
Judge Jacqueline I. Stam
Judge Bronson J. Brown

In addition to the judges, the court operates with the help of several court commissioners, including Darin R. Campbell, Arthur D. Klym, Brandon P. Holt, Andrew M. Howell, and Megan A. Whitmire. They assist in managing cases and ensuring that hearings are conducted efficiently.

Important Services Offered by Superior Court

Adult Drug Court: A specialized court designed to support individuals in overcoming addiction while navigating through the justice system.

Juvenile Justice Services: This service addresses cases related to juveniles and their legal outcomes.

Family Law and Divorce Cases: Handling disputes between family members, including custody battles, divorce proceedings, and more.

Probate and Estate Matters: The Superior Court also deals with the distribution of estates and resolution of legal issues following someone's death.

Court hearings are held on weekdays, with specific scheduling information available through the Benton County Courthouse official website.

Benton County District Court: Key Functions and Services

Benton County District Court handles cases related to misdemeanor offenses, traffic infractions, small claims, and certain civil matters. It is a court of limited jurisdiction, meaning it typically deals with cases that fall within a defined set of legal parameters. The District Court operates under the guidance of several judges, including:

Jennifer M. Azure
James F. Bell
Dan F. Kathren
Terry M. Tanner
John S. Ziobro

In addition to the judges, the District Court has a Probation Services department, which helps oversee individuals on probation for minor offenses, offering support to help them reintegrate into society.

District Court Services

Civil Cases: Handling disputes between individuals or organizations involving amounts of up to $100,000.

Criminal Cases: Managing cases related to misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses.

Traffic and Non-Traffic Infractions: The court also deals with minor infractions such as speeding tickets or parking violations.

Small Claims: A simpler process for resolving disputes involving small amounts of money, with a limit of $5,000 for businesses or $10,000 for individuals.

For more information about District Court proceedings, schedules, or e-filing, visit the Benton County District Court official website.

Benton County Juvenile Court: Addressing Juvenile Offenses and Welfare

The Benton County Juvenile Court is dedicated to handling cases involving minors, including those accused of criminal offenses or in need of protection due to abuse or neglect. The Juvenile Court also provides services for those involved in truancy or at-risk behavior, aiming to correct these issues before they escalate further.

Juvenile Court Services and Features

Juvenile Criminal Offenses: Handling cases where minors have been accused of breaking the law.

Dependency Cases: These are cases where children are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse, and the court seeks to determine whether they should be returned to their parents or placed under the care of others.

At-Risk Behavior and Truancy: The court works with local schools and social services to address minors who are at risk of delinquency or who are frequently absent from school.

Detention and Community Supervision: Juveniles may be placed in detention or monitored through community supervision as part of their rehabilitation.

The Juvenile Court is located at 5606 W Canal Dr, Suite 106, Kennewick, WA 99336. For more details about Juvenile Justice services, visit the Benton County Juvenile Justice official page.

Benton County Court Administration: Maintaining Court Efficiency

At the heart of the Benton County Courthouse operations is the Court Administration department, which is tasked with overseeing the efficient functioning of the courts. The court administration ensures that legal procedures are followed, records are maintained, and all court-related services run smoothly.

Key Court Administration Services

Case Scheduling: The administration manages court calendars, ensuring that hearings are scheduled in a timely manner.

Record Keeping: The court's records are meticulously maintained, and the public can request access to court documents through official channels.

Public Assistance: The Court Administration helps the public understand court procedures, including how to file cases, request records, or find court schedules.

The Court Administrator for Benton County is Tiffany Runge, and her office is located within the Benton County Justice Center at 7122 W Okanogan Place, Suite A130, Kennewick, WA 99336. For more information, visit the Benton County Court Administration page.

List of Departments in Benton County Courthouse

Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court
Phone: (509) 736-3071
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A130, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County Clerk's Office
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A210, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County District Court
Phone: (509) 735-8476
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County Juvenile Court
Phone: (509) 783-2151
Address: 5606 W. Canal Drive, Suite 106, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County Justice Center
Phone: (509) 736-3071
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County District Court Probation
Phone: (509) 735-8476
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Phone: (509) 735-3591
Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A230, Kennewick, WA 99336

This list provides the contact information for key departments within the Benton County Courthouse, ensuring that individuals seeking legal assistance or information can easily find the appropriate office to address their needs.

Benton County Courthouse FAQs

What Types of Cases Are Handled at the Benton County Superior Court?

The Benton County Superior Court deals with a variety of case types, including criminal, civil, family law, probate, and juvenile cases. Criminal cases range from felony offenses to serious misdemeanors, while civil cases often involve disputes over larger sums of money or property. The court also handles family law cases, including divorce, child custody, and child support matters. Probate matters, including the distribution of estates, are addressed here as well. You can access more details and specific case processing information on their official page.

How Can I Request Court Records from Benton County Courts?

Public access to court records is available through Benton County's official channels. You can submit a request for court documents, including case files and hearing transcripts, through the Benton County Public Records Request system. It's important to note that certain records may be confidential, and some files may require a fee for processing. For guidance on submitting requests, visit their Public Records Request page.

What Are the Procedures for Appearing Remotely in Court?

Benton County allows remote appearances for hearings in certain cases, primarily through WebEx video conferencing. Participants are required to use their full names, and litigants must include their case numbers in the WebEx meeting title. If a participant needs to appear by phone, prior approval from the court is necessary. This system ensures transparency while maintaining security and decorum in hearings. Full details on remote appearance rules and exceptions can be found in the Superior Court's WebEx guidelines.

How Do I Find Out About Upcoming Court Dates and Schedules?

The Benton County Courts provide an online calendar that lists upcoming court hearings, including schedules for both Superior and District Courts. This calendar is regularly updated, so individuals can plan ahead for their scheduled hearings. To check the court schedules, you can visit the official Benton County Court Calendar.