Municipal Court

Presiding Judge's Welcome

Hello and welcome to the City of Spokane Municipal Court’s website. While the Municipal Court does not control how you end up in court, we do control how we treat those who enter. We pride ourselves in working toward providing the highest level of accessible justice to the people we serve – you, the citizens of and visitors to the City of Spokane.

Our guiding principles have remained the same since our inception in 2009: open, low barrier access for all who enter our doors. From handling parking tickets to processing criminal law violations, we aim to maintain the utmost respect to public safety and community well-being.

We have expanded our commitment to individualized justice with the creation of our Therapeutic and Problem-Solving Courts. From our nationally recognized Community Court, honored as one of six Mentor Courts throughout the United States, our highly successful DUI Court, the Veterans’ Enhanced Therapeutic Court as well as joint participation in the City/County Mental Health Court, we aim to guide participants towards a healthier life while increasing public and victim safety by addressing addiction and mental health needs. You may visit our Therapeutic Courts’ page to find more information on these alternative approaches.

Our creativity and commitment to behavioral change is reflected in our Community Justice Services Department (CJS), formerly known as the Probation Department. Our CJS Department is dedicated to behavioral change by reducing the revolving door of citation, plea, jail and repeat. With the use of evidence-based analyses, every effort is made to assist someone in navigating the world of resources and supportive services. We strive to increase stability, enhance personal growth, and steer individuals away from the criminal justice system.

From the friendly and knowledgeable cashiers, likely the first people you will meet from the Court, to our Court’s clerks who aid us in the courtroom, to our Executive level assistants, we are all trained to make your experience as positive as possible. We take into account each person’s individual situation as much as the law allows. Our “e-filing” system is designed to avail access to information and to ease the availability of the filing of court documents.

While the immediate and emergent health issues have subsided, the innovations to make court more accessible have remained. The Court continues to allow virtual appearances when appropriate and has re-examined which court appearances require in-person appearance. See the Remote Appearances tab to access that option.

This website is designed to be used as a tool by you and we hope it is helpful. Careful thought has been given in the creation of access for you, the public we serve.

Welcome and thank you for the opportunity to serve.

—Mary C. Logan, Presiding Judge, City of Spokane Municipal Court

About Spokane Municipal Court

Spokane Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction with statutory authority to process criminal misdemeanors and civil infractions. Spokane Municipal Court processes approximately 101,000 tickets annually:

  • 7,000 Criminal Misdemeanors
  • 10,000 Civil Infractions
  • 25,000 Photo-Enforcement Infractions
  • 59,000 Civil Parking Infractions
Criminal Misdemeanors:

Criminal cases are brought by the City of Spokane against individuals accused of committing a crime. The City bears this burden because a crime is considered an act against all of society. The prosecuting attorney prosecutes the charge against the accused person (defendant) on behalf of the City (plaintiff).

Criminal charges are categorized as either misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, both of which are punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine. Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples of misdemeanors are:

  • Disorderly conduct
  • No valid operator's license
  • Possession of less than 40 grams of marijuana

Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Examples of gross misdemeanors are:

  • Theft of property or services valued at up to $750
  • Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
  • Domestic violence assault
Civil Infractions:

Civil Infractions are not crimes. They are violations of law that have a fine or penalty amount but are not punishable by imprisonment. Examples of infractions are:

  • Speeding
  • No liability insurance
  • Expired vehicle license
  • Defective equipment
  • All parking violations

Spokane Municipal Court does not process protection or restraining orders, name changes, small claims or civil cases, or junk vehicle abatement removal and impounds under Chapter 10.16 of the Spokane Municipal Code.

Judicial Officers

Municipal Court Group Photo
  • Kristin C. O’Sullivan

    Kristin C. O’Sullivan
    Presiding Judge
    Position 1

  • Mary C. Logan

    Mary C. Logan
    Assistant Presiding Judge
    Position 2

  • Gloria Ochoa-Bruck

    Gloria Ochoa-Bruck
    Judge
    Position 3

  • Gerald A. Caniglia

    Gerald A. Caniglia
    Court Commissioner

  • Molly A. Nave

    Molly A. Nave
    Court Commissioner

  • Michael C. Valerien

    Michael C. Valerien
    Court Commissioner


eFiling Requires Case Association and Login. Learn more.

Contact Information

Municipal Court Clerk's Office
1100 W Mallon Ave
Spokane, WA 99260
509.625.4400
mcadmin@spokanecity.org

Audio Recordings

Most of the hearings held in Spokane Municipal Court are digitally recorded. To access the audio recording for a specific hearing:

  • Click on the Search Recordings link below.
  • Click on the filter icon
  • Under "Filter By Agency:" you must search City of Spokane, WA Municipal Court
  • Clink on the docket and the recording will begin playing.

Related Links

Bench Copies

To serve bench copies to a Judicial Officer please email:
Jeanine Sword
Judicial Administrative Assistant
jsword@spokanecity.org

Please ensure compliance with SPMCrRLJ 8.2(d).