I sincerely want to thank the King County courts for putting me in the position that I'm in. For an entire year I had a protection order on my stepdaughter's mom because she tried to run me over with her vehicle. No police ever came to help us write a report and that was just the beginning. The police missed so many of her times. She broke her protection order against me that the sergeant had to call and apologize to me. She has a firearm license that was supposed to be turned in every single month for a year and all they did was continue the case for an entire year and then she never had to give up her license. Absolutely nothing and I mean nothing happened to this girl. She runs out constantly saying she's going to kill me calling me every sort of name in the book I've had to hide from her. She stepped up to my face and tried to hurt me multiples of times and then laughed while she was trying to run me over with her vehicle. The courts did nothing except for send me emails that she was in non-compliance. Before the termination of the protection order continuously emailed and called the courts for help on how to renew the order and was ignored and forwarded and sent to everybody else but getting help. So now, the protection order has expired, she still has her firearm license because nobody ever took any action on her. Her. Honestly they let her get away with whatever she wanted the entire year.. since they did nothing the entire year she felt she could do whatever she wanted, and that's exactly what she did. I had police on the phone. Tell me There were no grounds for her breaking her order what? She had come up to me and tried to hurt me in my face and it's supposed to be a thousand ft away from me at all times. She even tried to run me over with my 3-year-old stepdaughter in the car. Now I have to fear for my life on a daily basis because the courts never took her license or took any action. I have never been so disappointed and scared in my life but disappointed because this should never have happened and now this is my reality, scared for my life. read more

Five stars for Judge Oishi (?). He was fantastic. He performed a wedding service that was personal, funny, and enjoyable. He made it seem like you were being married by a friend. The courthouse was relatively clean. The deputies were ok, they were not rude but weren't overly helpful. There was a fantastic civilian security guard there that went out of his way to provide a chair at the security desk for an elderly visitor. read more

Most of the people who work at the courthouse are super helpful and amazing. This review is not about them. This review is about Family Court, and a particular judge- Monica Cary. She was an attorney involved in my divorce, representing my ex-husband. She broke several federal laws in the process of getting a "win" for my ex husband. She trashed my name, and wrote a letter to our parenting evaluator accusing me of all sorts of heinous things, including being a "drug addict". She wrote these things as if she knew me. She did NOT. We had never talked or met. In addition, she went for my medical records in an attempt to fish for information they might be able to use against me. I fought it and filed a motion to quash their subpoena of my medical records, but the family Judge at KC Court House DENIED my motion to quash (Judge Susan Craighead). There was NO probable cause to seize my private medical records, but King County courts allowed this incredibly unjust action to occur. To add insult to injury, the Parenting Evaluator (paid for by my ex) wrote about all of their heinous accusations in the Parenting Evaluation. Having been a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, I had no funds to hire representation and defend myself properly. Do the commissioners care? No. In fact, they get upset with you if you cannot afford representation and have to go in "pro se". Beware. Corruption abounds. read more

King County Courthouse - Courthouses Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I disagree with the verdict on my case from 2017 and I'm still very upset about it. Male client knowingly obstructed a business policy which injured a medical professional and cost the small business more than thousands of dollars; the incompetent judge awarded only $300 dollars in losses. It's was around $200 to file the claim. Not holding the male make client client accountable for his reckless behavior. Waste of company time and therapists time. What is the point in having business policies in place when the government won't take them seriously? If this had happened during Disgusting judge, the legal system is a joke! read more

UGH jury duty. Once you get the dreaded mail summons, you can only defer up to 2 rounds (up to 2 years) before you have no other option, but to show up. The main security entrance is on 3rd Ave with TSA-like procedures; although there's another on 4th Ave. The beginning is a herding of all people (probably 200+) into a large juror assembly waiting room with rows of chairs. There's also a small side kitchen area, back area of communal tables and a small side room with outlets. NOTE: Bring some snacks and definitely any form of entertainment to bypass the never ending wait. Everyone marinates from 8AM until a case comes up ready to screen for potential jurors. I was within the first 50 people to be assigned to a judge/trial and was sent to lunch early 11:00-1:15PM (normally 12-1:30). Came back and there was still no word until 2:30PM when they announced a case resolution without needing a juror screening for us 50. Luckily no other cases came up for the rest of the giant pool and everyone got dismissed at 2:30PM, when they said the latest they'd keep everyone was 4:30PM. As others have stated, the staff is very patient and aware nobody wants to be there, but try their best for everyone. Instructions and directions were clear from start to finish. Overall it was waste of a day and you can only imagine the annoyance in regards to lost time, money, work, etc. At least they'll compensate us a whopping $10 and also the calculated distance cost of transportation from your home, but it's basically your own tax dollars anyways. read more

This is regarding jury duty. I understand that everyone is suppose to take their turn but it is ridiculous that people can not use loss of wages to say "no". If you work an hourly job and you will not be paid because most employers don't pay you for doing jury duty you can't afford to do jury duty and make rent in a city like seattle with high rents. You can try to get out of it but they don't seem to care much so it's not right. Next issue is that they insist on using email but they don't use text and phone calls also so if your email goes to junk email you miss your jury duty. They give you several days where you will be emailed and then you will know if you have to go in. Why don't they post it on the juror summons website? We missed one and then had to get reassigned to another because we missed the one email that went to junk email. If they are serious about this they need a better system. read more

Awesome. Five stars for all the services I have received here: 1. The DUI that was part of the endgame that led to the soberiffic lifestyle I currently lead. Nope, I did not defer prosecution like the rest of y'all. I went my ass to court! The arresting officer didn't have me take any sobriety tests whatsoever! YAY! So what if she found pot and an open container in the car - that doesn't prove I was fucked up, right? Right? Jury says yes. Yes it does. :| 2 days in the poky really wasn't that high a price to pay given that I had been driving blind drunk for YEARS. I'm totally sure I killed someones cat. I had to of. If you lost your cat on Capitol Hill between the years of 1991 and 2001, I sincerely apologize. 2. The marriage certificate thing that you fill out before your wedding (which is what actually makes you married, so your wedding anniversary is meaningless. Unless you just up and got hitched at the courthouse. I could go on about marriage as an institution now, but people don't generally like what I have to say, so I'll shut my gape. IT'S ALL BULLSHIT. Oopsy.) 3. The parenting class I had to take to undo the marriage thing. Apparently King County thinks that my sitting in a lecture hall with a bunch of other people of varying socioeconomic status and IQ scores will somehow safeguard all of our children from the pain of divorce. As if those who are shitty parents will somehow be magically turned around after watching a short video wherein Karl Malone, formerly of the Utah Jazz (that's right - The Mailman) offers his heartfelt reflections as a child of a "broken home". For $40. $40 and any worries you have about your ability to shepherd your children through the choppy waters of divorce will be allayed. What a relief right? It's totally worth taking the day off from work. Totally. and finally - 4. The divorce. For all the paperwork and schedules for this and quit deeds for that and waiting for 90 days to be SURE, it was quick and easy: Lawyer/AA Sponsor/Friend: Is your name DLight.? ME: You know it is. Judge: You have to answer yes for the record dear. ME: Yes. LAASF: Do you want to dissolve your marriage from Mr. Asshat? ME: Yes. LAASF:Are you sure? ME: You know I am. Judge: Ms.Light....... ME: Yes. LAASF:: Are you pregnant? ME: WHAT? LAASF:: Are you pregnant? ME: What if I was? Judge: Are you pregnant? ME: Hell no, but what if I was? What the fuck? Do you ask men if they're pregnant? WHAT? Judge (to clerk): Enter no for that last one... And so on to - Judge: Yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah by the power vested in me by the State of Washington and King County I hereby grant you this lovely dissolution of marriage. ME: *freedom grin* \m/______\m/ read more

No frills and gimmicks kind of person. When it comes to me, the simpler I can make something, the better. That includes marriage. Back story: Around my 7th year anniversary, about 5 years ago, my guy proposed to me, even though he knew I was scared of getting married (long story) and I was surprised by my reaction--I was elated (and ugly-cried in public. Gah.) So the years kept trucking by. In fact, his dad got remarried last year here by Judge E. Kato AND our dear friends were married by her in Mar this year as well--following legalization of gay marriage :D No time like the present, I mailed in a marriage application with my $64, and waited to receive the paper that said I had 60 days to get married, or else the certificate would expire. You have 60 daaaaaaaaays. So last Tuesday, we saw Judge Kato again and she was just as wonderful as the first time we met her. Let me just say that she has a GREAT story about her marrying couples, and that I can GUARANTEE that there is nobody else cheaper than her for the nuptials fee. Did you know that judges individually decide how much they charge? Whowouldathunk?? (Check other judges, but I'm serious, you'll be blown away!!) Before the ceremony, we spoke with her at length in her chambers. I felt extremely comfortable how the ceremony was going to go! She did two nice readings, and her words and sincerity made my heart leap--and almost pass out. (I think I was nervous.) 15 minutes later and buckets of tears by me later; we were married. And I didn't fall over once. Another unusual factor is that she allows capacity guests for her courtroom, while I understand that can be regulated by other judges. We chose to have our closest family and friends only. Thank you, Judge Kato! We recommend getting married by her; you will love her! read more

This review is for County Superior Court jury duty. This is the place you come to if called for the King County Superior Court jury duty. The pool room is located on the first floor just before you enter the tunnel to the King County Administration Building. The jury pool room is dull and crowded. It is nowhere near as comfortable and modern as the City of Seattle Municipal Court's jury pool room. At least they have wifi, so be sure to bring books, magazines, your computer or anything else that can keep you occupied. The staff that manage the jury pool room are really nice and helpful in answering your questions. They know that many people do not want to be there, but they manage to be positive and personable, unlike the employees at the DOL... Security Screening - You can enter the building at 615 3rd Avenue; however, the line backs up quite a bit to get through security. A trick is to enter on 5th Avenue between James and Jefferson (the King County Administration Building) where you enter the building on the 4th floor, then take the lifts down to 1, go through security and then walk through the tunnel over to the county courthouse. read more

Not the happiest place in the world. Understandably so since the reason you may need to be here is not under the best circumstances. I never had an issue with the security or the staff. The "meh" review is mainly due to the interactions with the folks that tend to surround and frequent this place. If you don't drive and park nearby, I'd recommend hanging out in the building until your Uber or Lyft show up. Could be the day I came. But then again, who loves courthouses? read more

I've entered this courthouse more in the 8 years I've lived here than I did the Los Angeles courthouse, where I lived for about 27. Here's a brief rundown: Registered my car in WA. Jury duty. Marriage certificate. Jury duty. Wife's jury duty; picked her up/dropped her off. Jury duty. Filed paper work for divorce. More paper work for divorce. Divorce. My biggest complaint? I had to take my %&*@# belt off every time I went in this place. You'd think I'd have learned to just not wear a belt. I mean, this is a courthouse. They're used to seeing crack, right? read more

Such a great modern looking courthouse! But, I am not sure how to rate it since I came here due to penalty! About a month or so ago, I got my first speeding ticket ever! Yes, I am taking my responsibility to attend the court hearing and hoping my ticket would get waived and off my records. And, yes, I waived my first ticket ever and off the record (if I don't get another in 12 months). However, I paid $124 waive fee. I guess it's cheaper than the increment in my auto insurance. In words, if I didn't speed up, I wouldn't have had to come here. My bad! Regardless of what happened to me, I actually thought this new built courthouse was really nice. A brand new building, very modern interior, and very nice/friendly staff. Their service was really fast. I arrived way too early (40 mins earlier than my appointment). I was about to talk to a judge with in 15 mins after my arrival. Even though, I got penalty, the judge was very nice to me. I like this place, but I don't want to come back here ever! :-) read more

Worthless court. (Room E-327) After getting a court date, they apparently sent a "Reset date" mail that we never got. So we missed the hearing. My wife called the court and they told her that we could write the clerk and ask for another hearing date. So we did send one (Certified grant you) and never heard a response. So we're out several hundred dollars. Dont' bother calling them or sending them anything. They only exist to take taxpayer money. Shame on them read more

At some point in everyone's life, they may end up in a courthouse. I've been in quite a few of them and I enjoy my visits to this one. I like that it's located in downtown Seattle and right next to a park. Be aware that you will likely experience a wide range and variety of people at that location. I enjoy it but not everyone does. I've always been impressed with the staff at this location. I find them to be very patient, polite, and are focused on doing their jobs. Inside the courthouse, there is an older feel with dark wood and marble. The elevator bay is circular with cars lined around it. It's one of my favorite things in the building. My only complaint is that the cars can be slow. Although stairs are available, I notice that some people find it unnerving. It's kind of funny that you have to enter a stairwell to get to one of the women's bathrooms. I also like some of the art on the walls like in the hallway next to the jury room. If you don't spend a lot of time there, you should plan your trip accordingly. After navigating fantastic Seattle traffic and even more impressive parking situations, you may find yourself running late. You and every other juror, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney in the place. Pay attention to your court time and be mindful that others likely have the same time on their piece of paper. The search goes relatively quickly but honestly, more people mean more time. Aside from the 3rd Avenue entrance, there is a 4th Avenue entrance, and a tunnel from the King County Administration Building. By far, 3rd Avenue is the busiest. If you're there and have specific needs around food or beverage, you should bring it in yourself. There are places where you can get bites to eat but it can be expensive. Inside the little store at the 3rd Avenue entrance, they do make fairly reasonably priced breakfast sandwiches and such. As far as packaged goods, way to expensive for me. A good courthouse - if I have to go to one, this is the one I would chose. I like a big courthouse; some of the other King County ones feel small (like the one in my hometown). read more

Oh now... that's pretty funny. I'm the Duchess of the King County Courthouse. LOL. I went regularly for awhile when I was doing jury duty (check out my post on my jury duty experience on my blog for full on details: http://www.arryinseattle.com/2/post/2011/03/i-heart-jury-duty.html). It was clean and friendly enough. Very well situated in the heart of downtown - w good lunch choices close by. I really liked my jury duty experience. Jury duty spaces, the courtroom, jury box were not bad either. What else... it's pretty cool. read more

In some ways, when I got the jury duty notification over a month ago, I felt like an adult - this was the first time I was receiving this honor and privilege (and it is a privilege, as the judge who spoke to us first thing Wednesday morning about our civic duty reminded us many times.) In other ways, I thought about how I am starting a new job on Monday and the timing pretty much could not have been worse. This was probably the most mind-numbing 2 days of work in my life. If you go here and don't think it's that bad, you probably need to consider a job change. I did bring a book I needed to read to help prepare for Monday, but there's only so much reading about database theory one can take in a short period, and you can't leave the juror room except for lunch and two fifteen minute breaks and there isn't much space to walk around when the room is full as people's feet block the aisles. It wasn't even particularly interesting to people watch. I felt like I was in a modern Beckett play, and wonder how different "No Exit" would have been if Sartre had ever done jury duty. The first day, there were a few cases and some honored individuals got seated - I wasn't one of them. The second day, there were no new cases. Everyone just sat there trying to fend off insanity. So why 3 stars? First, they have free wi-fi, so if you have a laptop in good working order and can sit near one of the AC outlets, you can be productive assuming you don't get seated. Second, the actual KCSC staff, minus the judge mentioned above, all acknowledged that almost none of us really wanted to be there and were upbeat about it and tried to make it as actively painless as possible so we could concentrate on the dull pain of boredom. They let about 75 people go home for the first day, and the staff member announcing it indicated that it was like winning the lottery and not a revocation of the privilege, and people actually cheered and clapped when the supervisor told us we were dismissed both days. I cannot deny that I joined in the effort. read more

This place is consistent with the cozy and cuddly nature of Seattle itself. It is an old but well maintained building with friendly people inside. In jury duty today, the judge was almost whimsical about the defendant being on trial for carjacking someone with a gun. Seattle makes me feel like I've crash landed my space ship on the planet of the prozac people sometimes. read more

This review has more to do with my experience renewing my Concealed Pistol License (CPL) with the King County Sheriff than it does with most of the court proceedings that take place here. Yes, as a law abiding citizen of Washington State and resident of the city of Seattle it is your RIGHT to carry firearm for self defense. I'll be honest, I absolutely hate that I technically live in Seattle city limits and I hate going into downtown. The filthy tent cities, the smell of pee, the traffic, lack of parking, and the hills make it awful. My current CPL is about to expire and unfortunately the only place a resident of Seattle can renew their license is downtown. Now you don't have to do it with the sheriff. You could go to the police station on fifth (and cherry I believe?) but they aren't very friendly there. So I make my trip downtown and barely find parking. I had to hoof it a few blocks but got there in about 5 minutes. So here's something worth noting! It's a courthouse, right? Well they have metal detectors as soon as you walk in. Not a problem but if you're like me and carry a gun and knife on you then obviously you can't just waltz through. So as a law abiding citizen with the right to self defense what do you do? Simple really. State law requires that law enforcement at the court house provide you with a locker. All I had to do was notify the guy at the X-ray machine that I needed locker for my pistol. He notified deputy who then had me walk through a side door and wait for someone to escort me. He asked where my gun was and politely told me not to try and reach for it to show him. What happened next was great. When I told the deputy that I was there to renew my CPL he said "Thank you for practicing your rights". In super liberal Seattle I never thought I'd hear those words! Ok so the other deputy comes up, takes me to a secure area in the back and opens up a locker. He asks what make and model I'm carrying and has me sign a form saying that I'm leaving my property in their custody. I also threw my knife in there for safe keeping. The process for renewal was extremely fast. Like I was surprised how fast. I filled out a renewal form (3 minutes maybe) and walked up to the window. A nice old guy came up and immediately took my form. I gave him my drivers license and current CPL for him to make a copy of. He then verified with me that my information was correct and had me address an envelope to myself which will be used to send the renewed license to. I was pointed in the direction of the cashier window and was helped by a very nice lady. As of the time of this review the renewal fee is $32.50. I paid in cash to make the process quicker. Credit/debit cards are not accepted so be prepared to bring cash, check, or a money order. The lady told me to show my receipt to the man at the first window I went to and that was it. I returned to the desk with the deputy and he called another deputy to escort me to retrieve my firearm. The guy was really nice and very professional. Got my gun, my knife and was showed the way out with a smile. Super simple. I would definitely recommend the court house to anyone wanting to renew their CPL. I appreciate that my property was in a safe place and that the process was quick and efficient. The deputies were polite, friendly, and professional. Sure downtown still blows but it's a small price to pay to exercise a constitutional right. read more

I feel funny for writing a review on the courthouse when I had to report for Jury Duty for the first time. But I have to say, the main lobby is absolutely beautiful! White marble and very neat, old elevators. Makes you feel like you stepped into a time machine. Now I had to go through the security scanners and I was expecting to be herded though like cattle at the airport BUT I was pleasantly surprised when the guards and staff treated my like a human being. LOL. The staff their will explain to you everything you need to do and they were really nice and friendly again and tried to make the experience...well....suck less I guess you could say. Overall I thought it was an interesting experience even though I wasn't selected for a trial and I was ok with that :D read more

I had the unfortunate experience of having to sue someone after they stole my wedding dress dreams. (check out my review of Neodandi/House of De Osu). So, off to small claims court I went. From the small claims court clerk to the mediation services & Judge, it was as pleasant as it could have possibly been. My tax $$ hard at work. read more

Relatively painless considering its a government building. Plan on having to waiting a line in the am to get through metal detector - don't run late. Staff were nice (but we are a polite batch to start) and easy to find our way. Great experience in Courtroom W-325! We lucked out and found street parking-another reason to leave plenty of time to get to courthouse on time. Or take the light rail and exit at pioneer square station. The jaywalk or don't right through the front doors. If taking kids with you hold their hands tightly and watch for panhandlers et al out on 3rd. And while you can never know someone's full story use the variety of people to reinforce the importance of staying in school, crack is whack and society should support more social services access. Also, be kind, smiles are free and saying no thank you is fine. (Off soap box now) read more

Obviously, Jury Duty isn't something everybody looks forward to. But come on people, some of the complaints on here are ridiculous- it's a court house, not a 5 star spa day. As far as the jury room goes: it's clean, well lit, they have plenty of comfortable chairs, and tables for you to sit at. Clean bathrooms in the back of the room, vending machines, coffee machine, and microwave. From experience, if you want coffee maybe just bring your own. And bring your own snacks, do yourself a favor. Staff: the staff has been absolutely exceptional. Every person I've come in contact with has been overly pleasant, informative, and knowledgeable. The employees working the metal detectors and check in have been far more nice than any TSA person- the staff here has truly been the highlight. Overall: it's your civic duty. Don't complain just because you don't want to be here, instead be glad we live in a country that even gives us this option. Bring your own snacks, book, and laptop (with headphones) to watch Netflix. You'll survive, it's just jury duty. read more

So far so good...they haven't thrown me in jail (knock on wood). They have a drinking fountain here!

The security here is stricter than even the War Room on hip-hop night, and the girls aren't as cute either. The drink specials are decent but it closes really early. On the plus side, hooking up has never been easier. read more

King County Courthouse - Outside - Courthouses Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Jury Duty Entrance 3rd Street could take sometime especially early ~8:00am Alt-route: Go to 500 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 King County Administration Building Take the elevator, press T (for tunnel) - less waiting. Folks were all polite and very willing to help. First day there is a video intro and then a judge will talk to the jurors as a follow up to make it more personal. They made it clear in regard of the importance of the juror's role and why you get called for jury duty. In general the place is pretty busy with a lot of people and so the number of court cases that are there. Based on my first time experience entering in a court-room it could be intimidating. A large number of jurors is selected at first. The judge will follow a series of steps to make sure that everyone present understands the case. Each judge has their own style. As the selection starts a good number of questions are asked. This is the moment to speak your truth and share what are your thoughts and feelings about the case. Some of the questions sound random from the attorneys but they have their reason to ask them, Bottom line is that they (judge and lawyers) are trying to find the best fit of jurors who are going to be impartial and open minded - able to listen and not be impacted by their own personal experience. If you feel strongly in regard of the case presented and that you will not be fair in your judgement, reasoning or assessment - let them know. In this way likely you will be excused and moved on to the next pool of jurors for a different case. Numbers assigned to the jurors are randomly generated and the clerk could start assigning them from a higher number also. So there is no step that repeats itself. There is a lunch break of 90 minutes and we were let go at ~3:00pm There will be waiting so just plan to bring a book or magazine, laptop or kindle, they have public wi-fi. The lighting was not the best but I saw worst in other government buildings. I would suggest to approach this "call of duty" as a social experience, to learn more about how the legislative branch works beside TV shows or similar types of programs. Good luck! read more

I just got back from a two day stint at jury duty, and I feel compelled to write about the experience. I was very impressed by the entire staff of the courthouse, who handled every stage of the process with the utmost professionalism. The airport style security check-in process was the model of efficiency. All of the security staff were working together as a crackerjack team and were very pleasant. A large number of people were funnelled through the checkpoint in a very efficient manner. I went through the checkpoint at least four times during the two day process. Each time was painless. The jury assembly room was hilarious, and also staffed with awesome professionals. It was a real trip to be in such a silly room - it was like watching hundreds of people wake up while sitting in a train station for a train that's never going to come. Everyone was just so cranky and weirded out, sitting in this giant area trying to boot up their morning and mentally process being in this weird place instead of work. But then the cool staff members kept rotating up to a podium, speaking in dulcet tones and telling you exactly what was going on. It was like being guided through the process by Maya Angelou and all these grey haired, newscaster-looking guys. An inspirational video is played to give you some information. It has a lot of shots of the constitution in it and makes you feel all patriotic. Over the first few hours everyone was much more awake and alert, and some of them (including me) were placed on jury panels, given a number and assigned to a judge. I was instructed to take my numbered card and ride the elevator to the 7th floor to meet the bailiff. The elevators are old, small, tiny and confusing, which is about the only bad thing I can say about the whole experience. The entire jury panel experience was awesome and very interesting. The bailiff, judge and counsellers were cool and impressive people. Here's a good tidbit of info: There are 50 of you, each with a numbered card. The higher your number the lower your chance of making the jury. #s 1-13 are immediately seated in the jury box, and #s 14-50 are seated on benches. They will cull various groups of people, but in the end, the lowest numbers are always moved into the jury box. I was #49 of 50 and did not get onto the jury for this very reason (although I would have liked to be on it). It was kind of funny to see how impatient people were. This is a slow process, and if you're able to relax and almost get meditative about it, you can see how awesomely the whole thing flows. I mean, people these days are just so unable to simply wait and be still. Some of the things people were saying to try and get out of doing it were really funny. But often they were just sent back to the jury pool to maybe get selected again. Anyway, my point is, don't get freaked out about jury duty. Just go in there and do it, it's a trip. They got good breakfast sandwiches in there, too - and you can get your coffee in there if you need to. Thanks, King County Courthouse staff! read more

Apparently there's no one answering the phones. I've called at 10:20 am & I get a recording to call between business hrs. which open at 8:30 am. Exactly why we need a change in our "lousy" court systems!!!! read more

If you're looking for a boring beige room with inoffensive furniture (think an airport terminal with no flights!), and amenities that include a non-working coffee maker: then look no further!! King County Jury Waiting room has it all!! Use the free wifi to watch HBOGo shows while you wait endlessly for announcements in hopes that you don't get picked for Jury duty. Listen to hazily racist Superior Court Judges invoke 9/11 as as reason to serve: Because terrorism!! What's really special about this room is the bright fluorescent lighting which is on the highest wattage possible, making it virtually impossible to close your eyes and nap as you wait for literally nothing to happen. Have I mentioned that you could be waiting all day, with no escape except for the odd bathroom break? That the Court is located in *the finest* area of downtown? (I parked my bike and used two locks. Hoping it's still there when I am done with today) Here's THE BEST part. Your jury summons lasts TWO DAYS!!! Now are you excited?!? Would it help if I told you that probably 95% of all the people summoned to this room are Caucasian? That it really seems like the justice system might be skewed against people of color and YOU get to participate and be a part of that?!? It Is literally your PRIVILEGE. So get excited!! And get ready for dullsville! read more

Why a 5 for the courthouse? I have 5 reasons 5. I have never been in trouble here 4. The staff are nice 3. Judge Spector is awesome 2. The old time feel of it 1. I GOT MARRIED HERE Yes the Mr and I eloped here on 08/08/08, the Opening Day of the Summer Olympics, a lucky number in Chinese culture. (I am part). So looking for a judge to do our vows, was pretty simple, and straightforward. What I liked about Judge Spector was she had a list of vows we could choose from, and her clerk really took care of us and the whole process. Trust me, it wasn't that complicated. The reason why I opted to get married here was because I dreamt of having a nice courthouse wedding like they do in the movies, that dream was quickly brought to REALity when I stepped through the metal detectors, and had my one last feel up (pat down) before saying goodbye to my singlehood. Hehe! My bouquet went through the x-ray too. Never know, if I decided to stick a knife in there. Safety first people. Anyways, we met the clerk at our appt time, she had us go through the paper work. Then Judge Spector walked out, made light convo with us, and then proceeded with our ceremony! YIKES! I stumbled through my vows (this is a big step doncha know!) Said our "I dos", and sealed it with a kiss. Had our pictures, signed our certificate. It will be a day I never forget, especially with Judge Spector telling us that is is such great joy, and happiness, because all she has in her courtroom usually are bad people and criminals. Glad we can make it all more better for you, your honor! The courthouse itself is old, but marble and wood finishes make it feel retro. Big plus, we didn't need our friends and family to cheer us on walking out, we had the lovely Pioneer Square crack heads, and transients cheer us on! That was pretty awesome! A day I will never ever forget! read more

Went here with a family member to small claims court yesterday. I have to admit, it's a pretty cool place! From walking into the bldg. with multiple police at the door, we felt safe! From not knowing where to go, many helpful workers everywhere. From sitting in the courtroom waiting to be called, finding out you HAVE to go through mediation first that day and being told most claims are settled through mediation, from being guided very well and questions answered completely from the staff there, from listening to the sweet cute judge that was funny and fun and nice, it really was an OK day and an eye opener! Getting to the court house was a different story, traffic was heck, one way streets and no turns allowed was challenging, walking to the court house 3 blocks away stepping over homeless and watching where you walk from puke and pee and people screaming on corners for no reason, THAT was different, but.......made it home safe! :) Good job King County Court House! read more

I reported here for jury duty earlier this week and did not get selected for a case, which was fine with me. The staff here are very friendly and efficient. The jury duty orientation is helpful and a judge talks to you about it and expresses his appreciation, which is a nice touch. The staff have a very organized system so that you can get your paperwork, pen, and badge holder all in one place then proceed to a seat in this large juror waiting room. The staff are good about keeping you apprised of the steps in the process and fair about giving breaks and letting you leave early if your group is no longer needed. The juror room has private restrooms, a kitchenette, plenty of cushioned seats, and areas with tables and plugs, including a separate room with tables, and free Wi-Fi. I was only there for the two-day minimum. The first day involved a lot of waiting, but I brought along a couple of gadgets so I had ample opportunity to catch up on my reading and was able to leave in the early afternoon. The second day was more interesting as I was selected for a panel and got to participate in a lengthy but fascinating voir dire process and again was excused early before the rush hour traffic. In terms of things to see and do, the location is fantastic. Per my previous review about downtown Seattle, you may want to avoid walking alone in some areas as it feels unsafe, especially along 3rd St. The staff tell you that you can take a short-cut through the tunnel that connects the King County Administration building and the courthouse. This was very helpful info as the tunnel takes you right to the juror waiting room. Overall, this was a positive and interesting experience and I didn't mind it. The courthouse is nice, clean, and historic and staff there are great! read more

Open on Columbus Day... or err... Indigenous Peoples' Day. No line at the records department, and though none of the staff were particularly friendly, they got the job done in a reasonable amount of time. I've had far worse experiences at gov't offices so three stars it is. Note, enter from the west side of the building on 3rd Ave for the records dept. Don't confuse it with the Admin building a block east. read more

I was called for jury duty. Of course I am not WANTING to do this, but it's my civic duty. I took the bus downtown from Shoreline, that was easy and pretty direct to the courthouse. Then we were greeted with a very happy face. The gal that checked us in and updated us on all that was going on was very nice. She stated quite a few times how much the courts appreciate people taking time out to help them out. She also had a good sense of humor! I didn't get chosen, but the experience wasn't bad. read more

I live in Boston, MA, but I am thrilled with this court's website. They have everything online and it is so easy to find the information you need. I'm a paralegal and I totally, totally appreciate the excellence of their service. You do a criminal background check online? (okay, there are two different ways, one of them is free, and one of them is useful - go for the latter). I wish the courts in Massachusetts were living in the future too. Go Washington! read more

If you want a divorce, King County Courthouse can help you wash that girl right out of your hair.

Only one I've been to. Its nice, everyone is friendly but not much to do if your waiting.. Need something to eat theres a little spot on first floor. Nice to see some old stuff in the walls of the building and the lights are big and cool. read more

Really nice and did a great job. It is one of the best government worker experience in my life. From the security when you enter to the folks you turn in your forms over to, no complaints, no attitude. Could really teach the TSA a thing or two. read more

Review on King County court jury duty. Up front they don't give you much information that is really useful until you get there, so I'm going to fill in some details. I took the bus. They give you a bus ticket with your summons and then will give you three more when you arrive for your required 2 days (return ticket as well as to and from on the second day). If you drive, it us expensive to park and they only pay mileage not your parking. The bus is relative easy, so I suggest that. Someone previously mentioned going through the King County Administration building, entering on 5th and taking the elevator to the basement, then going through security through the tunnel and you are right next to the Jury Room. That is the best way but I also went through the 3rd street entrance. Security was not backed up at 7:30 am. I can't attest for later. The jury room is WiFi equipped with a special, although small, computer room with lots if plug-ins. There are some plug-ins in the larger room with a few small tables in the back. Since you are going to be waiting a ton, bring something to entertain yourself. There are vending machines (usual snacks and drinks) the coffee machine was broken but there is the 1st Floor Cafe with breakfast and lunch items. If you bring your own food for lunch, there is a small kitchen as well. They give you plenty of time for lunch, usually 1 1/2 hours, so going out to a eatery is also an option. The seats in the large jury room are quite comfortable, which was not the case several years ago, and was not the case in the courtroom. read more

Just finished jury duty. The staff were great and made an inconvenient civic duty go as smoothly as possible. One hint when it is your turn... Don't depend on their WI FI, it was terrible. read more

if your a normal civilain and you have to come here your propbly in trouble and that sucks. or maybe your just getting married in that case, congralations. read more