Search Lakewood Court Records
Lakewood court docket records are maintained by the Lakewood Municipal Court, which handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, parking violations, and photo enforcement cases for Lakewood as well as the cities of Steilacoom and DuPont. The court is located at 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 and can be reached at (253) 512-2258. Video hearings are streamed live on YouTube, making it easy to follow cases without visiting in person. For larger matters like felonies and family law, Pierce County Superior Court handles those filings.
Lakewood Overview
Lakewood Municipal Court Overview
The Lakewood Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. It hears cases for three cities: Lakewood, Steilacoom, and DuPont. That shared jurisdiction means if you received a citation in any of those three cities, your case may appear on the Lakewood Municipal Court docket. The presiding judge is Tim Lewis, appointed in November 2024.
Court counter hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Friday hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon only. Phone hours are slightly different: Monday through Thursday 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., Friday until noon. Keep in mind that Friday afternoon 3:00 p.m. hearings are administrative only and no court staff are present for public business at that time.
Small claims, civil cases, and name changes are not handled here. Those go to Pierce County District Court. Felony criminal cases, divorce, child support, and probate belong at Pierce County Superior Court.
Lakewood Court Docket and Hearing Schedule
Most Lakewood Municipal Court hearings are held in person. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late for your hearing, it will not proceed. The court does offer some remote hearing options. Monday traffic calendars can be attended either in person or via Zoom, though if officers have been subpoenaed, they must appear in person. In-custody hearings and a limited set of criminal hearings are also available via Zoom once a month.
The Lakewood Municipal Court homepage provides current hearing schedules, Zoom links, and information on how to pay fines or request a hearing.
Video hearings from the Lakewood Municipal Court are streamed live on the YouTube channel "Lakewood WA Muni Court." This lets the public watch proceedings without being physically present. For Zoom attendance, use Meeting ID 627 145 1418 and Password 162810. You will be placed in a waiting room. The court admits only scheduled individuals. Keep your camera off and microphone muted until your case is called.
Note: The Lakewood Municipal Court does not send texts or messages demanding payment for unpaid tickets, tolls, or jury service. If you receive such a message, it is a scam.
Requesting Lakewood Court Records
The court maintains two types of records. Court case records relate to in-court proceedings and include case files, dockets, and calendars. These are governed by Court Rule GR 31. Administrative court records relate to court management and supervision and are governed by GR 31.1. You need to know which type you want before submitting your request, because the forms and procedures are different.
To request court case records, use the court's records request portal. You can also use the Court Case Records Request Form. Submit it in person, by mail, fax, or by emailing citycourt@cityoflakewood.us. Include one of three pieces of identifying information: the defendant's name and date of birth, the defendant's name and driver's license number, or the case or citation number. Requests processed in order received. Allow 5 to 10 business days.
Copy fees apply. Physical copies cost $0.50 per page. Electronic recording copies cost $20 each. Fees are due at pickup, or within 30 days if copies are mailed, faxed, or emailed. If you do not claim or review your records within 30 days, you will need to reapply and pay again. Records provided for non-commercial purposes only; the request form includes a declaration to that effect.
The Lakewood court records page lists both case and administrative record request options, along with downloadable forms and fee information.
Attorney Filings and Electronic Orders
Attorneys filing with Lakewood Municipal Court should submit documents by email to citycourt@cityoflakewood.us as a PDF, or by fax at 253-512-2267. Allow four working days for processing. Criminal matters require a signed agreed order for continuance filed no less than four working days before the hearing. Infraction continuances for mitigation or contested hearings must be filed seven days in advance.
The court uses the OCourt (Open Court) system, which generates electronic court orders. Attorneys can create an OCourt account to access and manage orders digitally. The City Prosecutor can be reached at 253-589-2489. Discovery requests should go to legal2@cityoflakewood.us. Police reports are obtained separately through South Sound 911, not directly from the court.
Appeals from Lakewood Municipal Court and all felony matters are handled at Pierce County Superior Court. If your case is being appealed, the Superior Court is the next level. Use the LINX online system to search Pierce County Superior Court case records by name or case number.
Pierce County Court Docket Records
Pierce County handles felony cases, family law, appeals from Lakewood Municipal Court, and civil matters beyond municipal jurisdiction. The LINX portal provides free online access to Pierce County Superior Court case summaries.
Nearby Cities
Other Pierce County cities near Lakewood have their own court systems and docket access options.