About the Court
The Whatcom County District Court consists of two Judges, elected
for four years, one appointed Commissioner, and professional and
paraprofessional staff. The Court hears criminal, civil, infraction
and miscellaneous cases.
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:
- DUI
- Assault (Including Domestic Violence)
- Driving While License Suspended
- Theft and Miscellaneous Property Crimes
Civil cases including both:
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 claimsactions with money claims in the maximum amount of $5,000. The small claims court may ONLY grant a judgment for monetary damages. The court may not order the other party to return property or do any action except the payment of money.
Infractions including traffic and code violations.
Miscellaneous proceedings including:
- Anti-harassment Petitions
- Domestic Violence Petitions
- Name Change Petitions
- Vehicle Impound Hearings
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