Processes civil and traffic infractions, criminal and gross misdemeanors, and civil orders for protection for victims of domestic violence.
Municipal court is a court of limited jurisdiction.
Municipal court judge is authorized by Washington state statute to preside over criminal misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions and other city of Renton code violations.
Also handles vehicle impounds.
The municipal court does not do the following:
- Small claims cases
- Civil cases
- Change-of-name cases
- Issue marriage licenses
Monitors Seattle Police Department's towing contracts for the city; investigates towing disputes.
Monitors the Seattle Police Department towing contracts and the towing ordinance to ensure that impounded cars are towed and released legally.
Investigates disputes between the consumer and the towing operator.
Operates legal clinics across King County where free 30-minute legal consultations are available for individuals who are not already represented by an attorney.
Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening.
Clinic attorneys can:
- Determine whether the client has a legal problem
- Suggest possible options
- Help answer papers, summons and requests
- Provide appropriate referrals
Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately.
Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.
Loren Miller Bar Association Legal Clinic offered by King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics at Loren Miller Bar Association (telephonic)
Operates a legal clinic where a free 30-minute legal consultation is available for individuals with cases in King County who are not already represented by an attorney. Focus is on serving African American clients but clinic is open to all.
Operates a legal clinic providing a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney (60 minutes if an interpreter or other accommodation is needed)
Clinic is open to all, but particular focus is on providing culturally-informed legal services in a safe and welcoming environment to individuals who identify as African American or Black. This clinic is staffed primarily by attorneys of color.
Clinic attorneys can:
- Determine whether the client has a legal problem
- Suggest possible options
- Help answer papers, summons and requests
- Provide appropriate referrals
Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately.
Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.
Attorneys work with interpreters to give consultation and legal advice on family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law and other areas. Call for an appointment. Focuses on serving limited English-speaking Koreans.
Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney.
Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients.
Clinic attorneys can:
- Determine whether the client has a legal problem
- Suggest possible options
- Help answer papers, summons and requests
- Provide appropriate referrals
Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately.
Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.
Attorneys work with interpreters to give consultation and legal advice on family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. Call for an appointment. Focuses on serving limited English-speaking Asians.
Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic.
Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM.
International District Legal Clinic
Chinese Information and Services Center
611 S Lane St.
Seattle, WA 98144
Provides free 45-minute appointments for advice on civil legal issues. Attorneys at the clinic do not typically provide representation. Serves low-income residents of East, Northeast and Southeast King County (does not serve Seattle residents.)
Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: consumer, finance/debt, employment, housing, benefits. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic.
Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.