District Court

Benton County WA District Court provides court services for a wide range of matters, including traffic infractions, civil cases, small claims, criminal matters, and other limited-jurisdiction proceedings. This article explains how the court operates, the types of cases it handles, how to access hearings and records, where to submit payments and documents, and how to use available court services.

District Court Services

Benton County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. The court shares jurisdiction with Superior Court for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor actions involving violations of state and county statutes, as well as county and municipal ordinances.

The court handles several types of legal matters, including traffic cases, non-traffic infractions, parking infractions, anti-harassment matters, and small claims cases. Small claims cases may involve claims up to $5,000 for businesses or up to $10,000 for individuals. District Court also shares jurisdiction with Superior Court for certain civil actions involving amounts up to $100,000.

The official Benton County District Court website provides access to court information, forms, procedures, payments, records requests, and other services.

Court Locations And Hours

Benton County District Court operates offices in Kennewick and Prosser. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In-person payments are accepted at both locations Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

The Kennewick office is located at the Benton County Justice Center and serves as the main District Court office. The Prosser office is located at the Prosser Courthouse, which is the county seat location.

Office Services

District Court offices assist with court-related transactions, including payments, records requests, filings, and general case information. When contacting the court, having case details available can help staff locate the correct information.

For questions about a specific hearing, users should check their court notice or contact the court because hearing schedules may vary depending on the municipality or agency involved.

Case Types And Proceedings

District Court handles several categories of cases. Each case type may have different forms, procedures, and response requirements.

Traffic and non-traffic infractions
Parking infractions
Small claims actions
Civil matters within District Court jurisdiction
Criminal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases
Anti-harassment matters

The court provides separate resources for civil matters, criminal cases, forms, procedures, and other court services. Using the correct section helps prevent delays caused by submitting documents through the wrong process.

Traffic Tickets And Infractions

People who receive a ticket or infraction from Benton County District Court have 30 days from the date the ticket was issued to respond.

District Court provides four response options for infractions:

Pay the ticket penalty.
Request mitigation to ask for a reduction in the fine amount.
Request a deferral to keep the infraction off a driving record.
Contest the infraction and request that the court determine whether it was committed.

Benton County District Court does not hold in-person mitigation hearings. Mitigation requests are handled by mail or email. A judge reviews the information submitted and the court sends a response.

Deferral requests are also handled by mail or email. The full cost of the infraction will be imposed, and deferrals are not available for individuals with a commercial driver license.

Contested hearings may be held in court or handled through mail or email procedures. Individuals requesting a contested hearing should complete the required information on their infraction notice or submit the appropriate contest form.

The court provides ticket and infraction instructions through its ticket and infraction information page.

Payments And Court Fees

Benton County District Court accepts payments for court fines, costs, fees, and other approved charges. Online criminal and traffic court fine payments may be made using Visa or Mastercard through the court’s online payment system.

Payments may also be made by mail or in person using money order, cashier check, cash, or personal check. Payment arrangements for infractions require a written request or an office visit.

When making payments, users should include the correct case number to ensure the payment is applied to the appropriate case.

Payment Plans

Individuals who want to request a payment plan may complete the payment form or contact the court. The form requires information such as name, date of birth, case number, email address, mailing address, and the reason for the request.

Additional payment information is available through the court’s District Court payment information page.

Court Records Access

District Court records include documents and information created or prepared by the court in connection with judicial proceedings. Examples include pleadings, indexes, calendars, dockets, orders, judgments, and minute entries.

People searching for case information and court documents may use re:SearchWA. If documents cannot be located through that system, individuals may submit a records request to District Court.

Records requests require information such as the case type, case number, name, date of birth, and a description of the records requested. Requests for copies should identify the specific documents needed.

Record Retention Rules

District Court retains records according to established schedules. Closed criminal, civil, and infraction cases are retained for three years. Domestic violence and driving while intoxicated-related cases are retained for ten years. Open civil cases with judgments are retained for ten years.

After the retention period has passed, cases are destroyed according to court retention requirements.

Some records are not available for public access, including police reports, mental illness commitment records, alcohol and drug treatment commitment records, and records sealed by judicial order.

More information about requesting documents is available through the District Court records request page.

Electronic Filing Services

Benton County District Court allows electronic filing through eFileWA. Attorneys practicing in Benton County District Court are required to electronically file pleadings and documents under Local Rule BGR 30.

All parties involved in a case may use e-filing. Before submitting documents electronically, users must register for the system.

eFileWA allows court documents to be filed online and provides access to file-stamped copies of documents. The system is available for filing and access to e-filed documents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The court’s District Court e-filing information provides filing details and registration instructions.

Forms And Court Documents

Benton County District Court provides forms for different case types. Forms are organized into criminal, civil, infraction, and court-appointed attorney categories.

Available Form Categories

Criminal forms, including plea forms, trial forms, and record-related forms.

Civil forms, including name change petitions, protection order forms, fee waiver forms, and service documents.

Infraction forms, including mitigation by mail, contested by mail, and fine review forms.

Court-appointed attorney application forms.

Individuals should use the forms designed specifically for Benton County District Court because procedures and required documents may vary by court.

The court’s District Court forms page provides access to available documents.

Interpreter And Accessibility Services

Benton County District Court provides interpreter services for individuals who need language assistance or who are hearing impaired. Requests should be made as far in advance as practical for a hearing and at least one week before a scheduled hearing date.

Interpreter requests for trials lasting one-half day or longer must be submitted at least two weeks before the scheduled trial dates.

The court may provide in-person interpretation when available. In some situations, remote or telephone interpretation may be used for hearings.

Disability Accommodations

The court provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who need assistance participating in court proceedings or activities.

Accommodation requests should generally be submitted at least 48 hours before a hearing or jury duty date. Requests are reviewed individually based on the circumstances and the type of accommodation requested.

District Court Probation

The District Court Probation Department monitors conditions of sentences ordered by District Court judges. Individuals placed on probation must follow the requirements listed in their Judgment and Sentence.

People with probation appointments must report on the scheduled date provided by the court or probation officer. If an appointment cannot be attended, the individual must contact the office to reschedule.

Restitution payments may be made through approved payment methods, including payment at the cashier’s window, cashier’s check or money order, or online payment options. Payments should include the case number.

Probation information and services are available through the District Court Probation page.

District Court Offices

Benton County District Court — 7122 W Okanogan Place, Ste. A110, Kennewick, WA 99336 — 509.735.8476

Benton County District Court — 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350 — 509.786.5480

District Court FAQs

How can I check my upcoming court hearing information?

People with a pending case can review available hearing information through the court’s hearing services. The Benton County District Court hearings page provides access to court hearing information, including public viewing options and participant access. Hearing details may vary by case, so reviewing official court notices is important when preparing for a scheduled appearance.

What should I do if I need to respond to a traffic infraction?

If you receive a ticket or infraction, you must respond within the required time period. The court provides several response options, including paying the penalty, requesting mitigation, requesting a deferral, or contesting the infraction. Mitigation and deferral requests are handled by mail or email, while contested matters may be handled through court proceedings or approved written procedures. More details are available through the ticket and infraction information page.

How do I access Benton County District Court records?

Case information and court documents can be searched through re:SearchWA. If the needed documents are not available through that system, users can submit a records request with information such as the case type, case number, and requested documents. The court explains available options and requirements on the District Court records request page.

Can I file court documents online?

Yes. Benton County District Court allows electronic filing through eFileWA. Parties may use the system after registration, and attorneys practicing in the court are required to electronically file pleadings and documents under local court rules. The e-filing information page explains registration and filing options.

Where can I find court forms for my case?

The court provides forms organized by case type, including civil forms, criminal forms, infraction forms, and court-appointed attorney forms. Using the correct Benton County District Court form helps ensure that documents include the required information before submission. Available documents can be found through the District Court forms page.