Moses Lake Criminal Court Records Search
Criminal court records for Moses Lake are held at both the city and county level. The Moses Lake Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and misdemeanor cases within city limits. Felony charges go to the Grant County Superior Court, which uses the Odyssey case management system. County-level misdemeanors are processed through the Grant County District Court. Most records are public and searchable for free through the Washington Courts statewide portal at dw.courts.wa.gov or through the Odyssey Portal. This page covers how each court works and how to get the records you need.
Moses Lake Quick Facts
Moses Lake Municipal Court
The Moses Lake Municipal Court handles criminal cases that fall under city jurisdiction. This includes misdemeanor violations of Moses Lake city ordinances, traffic infractions, and city-level DUI matters. Cases filed by Moses Lake Police under city ordinance violations are processed here. The court maintains its own docket and case files, separate from the county courts.
Records requests for Municipal Court cases go through the city. The City of Moses Lake website has court contact details, office hours, and instructions for submitting a public records request. Under RCW 42.56, Washington's Public Records Act, most court records are public and must be disclosed on request unless a specific exemption applies. Staff can confirm whether a case exists and walk you through the request process.
Moses Lake is the largest city in Grant County and a major population center in central Washington. The Municipal Court handles a significant volume of city-level cases. If the charge was issued by Moses Lake Police under city code, this court is where the file lives. For state law violations and felony charges, look to the county courts instead.
| Court | Moses Lake Municipal Court |
|---|---|
| Website | moseslakewa.gov |
| Jurisdiction | City ordinance violations, traffic infractions, misdemeanors within Moses Lake city limits |
| Records Access | In person or through written public records request via the city |
Grant County Superior Court
The Grant County Superior Court handles all felony criminal cases in the county, including those involving Moses Lake residents or crimes committed in Moses Lake. This court covers class A, B, and C felonies under Washington state law. It also handles appeals from lower courts and major civil cases. Case records include charging documents, motions, plea agreements, orders, and sentencing records.
Grant County uses the Odyssey case management system. You can search records online through the Odyssey Portal, which is free and open to the public without any login. Search by name or case number to see docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. This is the most detailed free tool for Grant County felony records.
Certified copies of court documents require a formal written request and a per-page fee. Submit requests to the court clerk in person or by mail. The Grant County courthouse is the main location for in-person access. Public terminals at the courthouse are also available for free case lookups. Check current office hours and contact information through county government resources before making the trip.
| Court | Grant County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Felony cases, appeals from lower courts, major civil matters in Grant County |
| Case Search | Odyssey Portal |
| Statewide Search | dw.courts.wa.gov |
Grant County District Court
The Grant County District Court handles misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases at the county level. Some criminal charges involving Moses Lake residents go to District Court rather than Municipal Court, particularly when a Grant County Sheriff deputy made the arrest or when the charge involves a state law violation. District Court also handles civil disputes and small claims cases below a set dollar limit.
Records from Grant County District Court are public and searchable through the statewide case search at dw.courts.wa.gov. If you are unsure which court handled a specific case, the statewide portal will identify it for you. Search by name, and the results will show the court name and case details. No account is needed to use the search tool.
How to Find Moses Lake Criminal Court Records
Start with the free search at dw.courts.wa.gov. This covers Superior and District Court cases from all Washington counties. Enter a name or case number. Results show the court, case type, charges, and status. For Grant County felony and misdemeanor cases, this is a reliable starting point.
The Odyssey Portal adds full docket detail for Grant County cases. It shows every court filing, hearing result, and case action. No sign-in is needed. It is free. Use this tool when you need a complete history of a case, not just a status check.
For Moses Lake Municipal Court cases, contact the city directly through moseslakewa.gov. City-level cases may not appear in the statewide portals. Have the name and approximate year of the case ready when you call. City staff can confirm whether a case exists and explain how to request copies of documents.
Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act under RCW 10.97 sets limits on how criminal history can be disclosed in certain situations. Juvenile records are sealed under RCW 13.50 and will not appear in any public search portal.
Moses Lake Court Online Resources
The City of Moses Lake website is the main resource for Municipal Court contact information, case inquiry, and public records request instructions for city-level criminal matters.
The Moses Lake Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and maintains case records accessible through the city clerk's office during regular business hours.
Grant County Superior and District Court records for Moses Lake are searchable through the free Washington Courts statewide case search portal.
The Washington Courts case search covers felony and misdemeanor records from courts across Washington, including Grant County cases linked to Moses Lake.
Washington State Patrol Criminal History
The Washington State Patrol Criminal Records Division holds a statewide database of criminal history records compiled from all law enforcement agencies in Washington. This includes Moses Lake Police and the Grant County Sheriff. A WSP check is useful when you need to look across multiple courts and jurisdictions rather than searching one case at a time.
Online WATCH name checks cost $11. They are quick but can return false positives if the name is not unique. Fingerprint-based checks are more accurate and are required for many legal and licensing purposes. These must be submitted by mail and cost more. The WSP website has current instructions and fee information.
The Washington State Bar Association can refer you to a licensed attorney if you need legal help with court records or related matters. The Washington Courts website has self-help tools, court forms, and guides for people working through the court system without a lawyer.
Public Records Access in Moses Lake
Washington's Public Records Act under RCW 42.56 gives the public broad access to court records and government documents. Most criminal court records in Moses Lake and Grant County are available to anyone who asks. The law favors open access and agencies must respond to records requests within five business days, though they may need more time to gather complex documents.
Exemptions exist. Active criminal investigation records may be withheld to protect the investigation. Victim information in certain crime types is protected. Medical and mental health records in a court file may be redacted. These limits come from RCW 10.97 and other specific statutes that override the general disclosure rule. Agencies must cite the specific exemption if they deny a request.
Juvenile records are sealed under RCW 13.50. They do not appear in public searches and cannot be obtained through a routine public records request. If you have a legitimate legal need to access a sealed record, you must file a court petition and provide a legal basis. The court decides whether to grant or deny that request.
Certified copies of court documents are available from the clerk's office at the court where the case was filed. There is a per-page fee. Plain copies cost less. Most courts accept requests in person and by mail. Call ahead to confirm current processing times before submitting a request. Some courts also accept emailed requests with payment by check or money order.
Criminal Court Records in Moses Lake - Grant County
Moses Lake is in Grant County, and all felony cases and county-level misdemeanors go through the Grant County courts. The Grant County page has full details on courthouse locations, court contacts, and how to access county criminal records.
Nearby Cities
Moses Lake is a major city in central Washington. Other qualifying cities in the region can be found through the statewide cities directory.