Tacoma Courthouses
Last updated: December 16, 2013
Tacoma is a lively port city on the edge of Puget Sound with almost 200,000 residents. About 31 miles from Seattle, it serves as the center of business activity for the South Sound region. The Port of Tacoma is a center of international trade on the Pacific Coast and Washington State’s largest port.
It should probably come as no surprise then that the “City of Destiny” has a number of courthouses in the Pierce County area serving businesses and residents alike. If are on your way to court in Tacoma, check out Findlaw’s state and federal courthouse guide. If you have a criminal, civil, probate or family law matter, it’s probably in the Superior or District Court.
State Courts
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Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II
950 Broadway Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Tel: (253) 593-2970Parking: Parking is very limited, although there are several pay lots. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Note: The state appellate court is divided into three divisions. Division II hears appeals from Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston and Wahkiakum. If you are requesting an appeal, call the courthouse directly or seek legal assistance. Also, if you are in the area check out Mad Hat, A Tea Company for a selection of your favorite organic teas, botanicals and herbal remedies
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Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
Tel: (253) 798-7455 (Superior Court)Parking: Parking is limited. There is a public garage located on Yakima Avenue between 10th and 9th streets and on the street in areas marked 1 hour or more.
You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Divisions: Superior and District Courts
Note: Here is a useful guide to the Tacoma courts. This court is located in the heart of downtown. There are many options for lunch or a snack. Also, if you interesting in history, schedule a tour of the courthouse. If you need to reach the District Court, here's the number: (253) 798-7487.
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Pierce County Juvenile Court
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
Tel: (253) 798-7900Parking: Parking is limited. There is a public garage located on Yakima Avenue between 10th and 9th streets and on the street in areas marked 1 hour or more.
You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Division: Adoption, Juvenile
Note: The Juvenile Court handles youth who violate criminal laws or who are in need of protection and/or advocacy as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Juvenile Department provides probation, court, detention and adoption services.
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Involuntary Commitment Court - Western State Hospital
9601 Steilacoom Boulevard SW
Tacoma, WA 98498
Tel: (253) 756-2951Parking: Parking is very limited, although there are several pay lots. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Division: Mental Health
Note: This court handles all cases involving persons involuntarily detained under the provisions of RCW 71.05. This statute allows the state to detain an individual involuntarily if the state can prove the individual (1) suffers from a mental disorder; and (2) the individual is either a danger to themselves, others or property.
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Tacoma Municipal Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
Tel: (253) 591-5357Parking: Parking is very limited, although there are several pay lots. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Division: Parking, Traffic, Criminal, Municipal Code Violations
Note: You can pay for many tickets and traffic violations online without having to visit the courthouse.
Federal Courts
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U.S District Court for the Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel: (206) 370-8400Parking: Parking is limited. Here’s a list of pay lots in the area. Consider taking public transportation.
Note: This Court handles all federal and bankruptcy cases. Contact the court to learn how to file bankruptcy. If you have a criminal matter you may contact the Federal Prosecutor or the Federal Public Defender.