Notice of Proposed Amendments to District Court Local Rules
Effective Tuesday, February 1st, remote appearances and access to each day’s calendars for District Court hearings will be as easy as the click of a button!
Whatcom County District Court is committed to protecting the safety and security of our community while performing our Constitutional duties.
The Whatcom County Health Department has declared a Whatcom County health emergency to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. The Department has recommended that people at higher risk of severe illness stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there would be close contact with others. The Whatcom County Health Department recommendations can be viewed at the following link: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3369/Current-Recommendations-For-Whatcom-Coun
Jurors: If you meet any of the following criteria, you may contact the District Court Jury Coordinator at (360)778-5435 to defer your service to a later date. If you’d like to be considered for exemption, please complete your questionnaire with a written request and submit it for review.
The Whatcom County District Court consists of 2 Judges, elected for 4 years, 1 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:
Civil cases including both general civil actions and small claims actions. General civil actions with damage claims in the maximum amount of $100,000. The court does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property. Small claims actions with money claims in the maximum amount of $10,000. 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: