District Court I is a state court of limited jurisdiction. Seven out of every eight cases filed in all state courts are filed at this level. This is due primarily to the broad jurisdiction these courts have over traffic violations and misdemeanors.

Additionally, District Courts hear small claims and civil suits. Traffic infractions are the bulk of the total court of limited jurisdiction caseload, constituting nearly 60% of the total caseload statewide.

In 2008, District Court I handled nearly 13,500 cases. These cases include those from the municipalities of Port Angeles and Sequim, as well as Clallam County and the State of Washington. The cases processed include: 9,434 traffic infractions, 344 DUIs, 989 criminal traffic misdemeanors, 1,191 criminal misdemeanors, 158 civil anti-harassment orders, 936 civil cases, and 239 small claims cases. Gross receipts were over $2,500,000.

Those convicted of criminal cases may be subject to up to $5,000 in fines, a year in jail, or both. Jurisdiction on civil cases is $75,000 and the small claims limit is $5,000. District Court I also has jurisdiction on Civil Anti-Harassment Petitions and Orders.

Administrative Staff
Rick Porter, Judge
Keith R. Wills, Court Administrator
Probation
Chris Melly, Court Commissioner
Mark D. Schrader, Probation Counselor
James L. Hollatz, Probation Counselor
Marci Viada, Probation Counselor


Contact the District Court I with questions or comments about the information on this page