FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 202
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Gaddis, Superior Court Administrator
chris.gaddis@piercecountywa.gov
(253) 798-3963
Misty Robison, District Court Administrator
misty.robison@piercecountywa.gov
(253) 798-7753
Michelle Petrich, Tacoma Municipal Court Administrator
mpetrich@cityoftacoma.org
(253) 591-2019
Pierce County and Municipal Courts to Implement Changes
in Support of Coordinated Community Response to COVID-19
TACOMA, Wash. – After consultation with Pierce County District Court, Tacoma Municipal Court and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County Superior Court will implement the following changes to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the community.
Beginning March 16, 2020, the number of jurors who are called will be reduced, and two jury orientation rooms will be provided to increase social distancing between jurors. In addition, jurors who meet any of the following criteria are excused from jury service:
- Chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes;
- Weakened immune system;
- Pregnant; or
- 60 years of age or older and does not want to report for jury duty
Individuals who meet any of the above criteria and would like to be excused, or postpone their service to a later time, are advised to email jury administration at pcjuryoffice@piercecountywa.gov.
Other than jurors, any individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms who feel they cannot make it to their scheduled court time are advised to call the contact who subpoenaed them, or the court, using the contact information listed below:
Superior Court
- If an individual is currently in trial or scheduled for a hearing in front of a judge, they should contact the judicial assistant for that department.
- If an individual has a hearing set before the Commissioners, they are advised to contact the Commissioner Services Department at (253) 798-6697.
- For all other criminal matters, individuals are advised to contact Criminal Administration at (253) 798-2988.
- For all matters at Remann Hall (Juvenile Court), individuals are advised to contact Juvenile Court Administration at (253) 798-7900.
- For all matters at Western State Hospital, individuals are advised to contact the County Clerk’s Office at (253) 756-2951.
- Jurors assigned to a department are advised to call the number provided by the judicial assistant.
- Jurors not assigned to a department are advised to call Jury Administration at (253) 798-7782.
District Court
Municipal Court
- Individuals can contact Municipal Court at (253) 591-5357.
Any changes to court hours or proceedings will be provided in future updates to the media. Updates can also be found on the court websites, and on Pierce County and the City of Tacoma’s official social media channels.
The courts will continue to follow guidance on COVID-19 from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Employees and court participants are encouraged to follow these recommendations while at the County-City Building, Remann Hall and Western State Hospital:
- Increased handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitizer
- Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (covering a cough or a sneeze)
- Keeping distance from others (more than six feet, if possible)
- Frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
- Remaining home during a respiratory illness
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Pierce County Superior Court
Pierce County Superior Court provides jury administration services for Pierce County District Court and Tacoma Municipal Court at the County-City Building. It is the second largest Superior Court in the State of Washington. The Court is staffed with 22 Judges and nine Commissioners. There are three sites where court is held: the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma, Remann Hall Juvenile Court at 5501 6th Ave., Tacoma, and Western State Hospital at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood. More information is available at piercecountywa.gov/superiorcourt.
Pierce County District Court
Pierce County District Court is the second largest District Court in the State of Washington. The Court is staffed with eight Judges and 103 court and probation employees. There are two sites where court activities are held: the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma, and the Hess Building (probation and court resource center) at 901 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma. More information is available at piercecountywa.gov/districtcourt.
Tacoma Municipal Court
Tacoma Municipal Court is an independent and impartial branch of City of Tacoma. As a court of limited jurisdiction, its focus is on cases relating to traffic and non-traffic infractions, criminal and criminal-traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. The Court is staffed with three Judges, two Commissioners and 30 Court employees who work diligently each day to promote respect for law, society and individual rights; provide open, accessible and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient and timely manner and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties. Court is held at the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma. More information is available on the City’s website.