KITTITAS – Effective Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Lower Kittitas County District Court has expanded its operations in response to Kittitas County being granted a variance to Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington plan. Criminal jury trials remain canceled.
Per the Court’s Emergency Local Rule dated April 20, 2020, public access for hearings in Lower Kittitas District Court will be provided by allowing the public to enter the courthouse and attend the hearing. To do so, the public should access the 5th Street entrance. Security will be present to allow the public into the courthouse and direct them to the court and at the conclusion will direct them to the appropriate exit.
To keep the public and court employees safe, court hearings and front counter services will be conducted using public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No one should enter the courthouse or courtroom if they are ill or have been diagnosed with an illness, regardless of having symptoms. Everyone must either 1) be wearing a cloth mask or similar face covering and maintain 6 feet social distance, or 2) be seated where a physical barrier is in place.
Gallery seating is extremely limited. Audio of all court proceedings will continue to be livestreamed with a link provided on the court’s website.
People waiting for court or wishing to do business at the front counter may remain in the hallway if they are wearing a cloth mask or similar face covering and maintain 6 feet social distance of others as indicated by markings on the floor.
Failure to comply with public health guidelines may result in a person’s case being continued to a future date and/or being directed to leave the courthouse.
Lower Kittitas County District Court remains open and is available by email, telephone or fax. In person filing of documents at the front counter is available while the court is in session but may also be faxed to 509-962-7575 or mailed to 200 E 5th Ave, Room 180, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Mail will be received and processed usually by the next business day after receipt. Information on requesting Infraction or Civil hearings, payment of fines, and requests for public records is available by searching our website or calling 509-962-7511.
For specific details please see Lower Kittitas County District Court Administrative Orders 2020-01, 2020-02, and 2020-03 and Phase 2 Plan which are published on our website.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
