Welcome to Spokane County District Court
Serving Spokane County and the cities of Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake.
Note to Attorneys and Law Enforcement:
Spokane County District Court holds an Ex Parte docket Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 pm with Judge John Cooney in courtroom 2 on the second floor of the Public Safety Building.
Mission Statement
The mission of Spokane County District Court is to serve our citizens through the prompt, courteous, and fair dispensation of justice by adjudicating cases in a timely manner using effective, efficient case management techniques, adhering to standards, monitoring enforcement of judgments and being responsible stewards of public funds.
The Spokane County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. Between 80 to 90,000 cases are filed annually with Spokane County District Court.
Spokane County District Court processes the following case types:
Traffic and Non-Traffic Infractions
A violation of law not punishable by imprisonment. Speeding, fail to yield, no insurance, expired vehicle license, defective equipment, and parking in a disabled parking zone are examples of infractions.
Criminal and Criminal-Traffic Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors
Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Some examples of criminal cases heard by the court are:
- Driving under the Influence (DUI).
- Domestic Violence Assault.
- Driving While License Suspended
Civil Cases Including
- General civil actions with damage claims in the maximum amount of $75,000. The court does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property
- Small claims actions with monetary claims in the maximum amount of $5,000. The small claims court may ONLY grant judgment for monetary damages. The court may not order the other party to return property or do any action except the payment of money.
Mental Health Therapeutic Court Proceedings
The Mental Health Therapeutic Court (MHTC) represents an effort to increase effective cooperation between two systems that have traditionally not worked closely together - the mental health treatment system and the criminal justice system.
Miscellaneous Proceedings
- Anti-Harassment Petitions
- Domestic Violence Petitions
- Name Change Petitions
- Vehicle Impound Hearings for vehicles impounded within the County of Spokane
Child Care may be provided by Spokane County during court appearances.