Find Felony Records in Des Moines
Des Moines felony records are part of the King County court system and are held by King County Superior Court, which handles all serious criminal cases in Des Moines, Washington. The city has its own municipal court for misdemeanors, but all felony-level charges go up to the county. This page explains how to search those records, how to get copies, what city-level resources are available, and where to find statewide criminal history information.
Des Moines Overview
King County Superior Court for Des Moines Felony Records
Felony cases from Des Moines are filed in King County Superior Court. The court is based in Seattle and handles all Class A, B, and C felonies from Des Moines along with the rest of King County. The clerk's office there maintains case files, processes copy requests, and issues certified documents for Des Moines felony matters.
The standard copy fee for records from King County Superior Court is $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry an additional charge. You can request records in person at the Seattle courthouse or by mail. If you know the case number, include it with your request to speed things up. The clerk can also do a name search, though this takes more time.
For online access, King County uses the KC Script portal, which is free to the public. You can search Des Moines felony cases by name, case number, or date range. The portal shows charges, case status, and hearing dates. The statewide Washington Courts name and case search is another option if you want to check multiple counties at once.
Des Moines Municipal Court and Misdemeanor Records
Des Moines operates its own municipal court at 21630 11th Avenue South. The court can be reached at (206) 878-4597. The Des Moines Municipal Court page explains the court's jurisdiction, which covers misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases within city limits. Felony cases do not stay in municipal court. They go up to King County Superior Court.
Municipal court records for Des Moines are separate from county felony records. If you are looking for a felony, you will not find it by searching the municipal court system. However, if a case started as a misdemeanor and was later charged as a felony, or if you want the full picture of someone's local criminal history, checking both courts makes sense.
The image below shows the Des Moines Municipal Court page. Visit Des Moines Municipal Court for current contact information and process details for misdemeanor cases.
Misdemeanor fines, hearings, and case status are handled directly through the municipal court, not King County Superior Court.
Des Moines City Clerk and Public Records
The City of Des Moines handles public records requests through the City Clerk's office in compliance with RCW 42.56, Washington's Public Records Act. The Des Moines city records page explains the submission process and the types of documents the city maintains. City records include things like permits, contracts, and administrative documents.
Criminal case records from felony proceedings are not city records. They are court records held by King County Superior Court. The city clerk can point you toward the right agency if your request involves court documents rather than city-generated files.
The image below is from the Des Moines city records page. Visit Des Moines city records to learn how to submit a public records request under the state's open records law.
Response times for city records requests vary by complexity and current request volume. The clerk is required to respond within five business days under Washington law.
King County Court Forms for Des Moines Cases
If you need forms for a Des Moines felony case, King County Superior Court maintains a forms library. The King County court forms page provides multilingual forms for a wide range of criminal and civil proceedings. Forms are available for free download and cover everything from basic filings to motions and petitions.
Using the right form matters. The wrong form or an outdated version can delay your case or result in rejection. The clerk's office can confirm whether a form is current and what version to use for a specific type of filing.
The image below is from the King County court forms page. Visit King County court forms for documents relevant to Des Moines felony cases in Superior Court.
The forms library is especially useful for self-represented parties who need to file documents without an attorney.
WATCH System for Des Moines Conviction History
The Washington State Patrol's WATCH portal provides statewide access to criminal conviction history for $11.00 per name search. Results cover all Washington counties, including King County cases from Des Moines. You pay online by credit card and get results quickly from the WSP criminal history database.
WATCH shows felony and serious misdemeanor convictions. Pending charges and arrests without conviction are generally not included. For a more detailed check, the WSP Criminal History Records division handles fingerprint-based background checks and formal agency requests.
Privacy rules under RCW 10.97 govern what WATCH can release to the public. The system only returns information that is legally releasable under Washington's Privacy Act. Non-conviction data and certain arrest records are withheld.
Active warrant checks for people under DOC supervision can be done through the DOC warrant search. It is free and covers warrant status statewide.
Vacating Felony Convictions in Des Moines
People with Des Moines felony convictions may be eligible for vacation under RCW 9.94A.640 if they meet the legal requirements. The motion to vacate is filed in King County Superior Court, which handled the original case. The court sets a hearing, notifies the prosecutor, and rules on the petition.
To qualify, you must have completed the sentence, paid all fines and restitution, and gone the required time without new offenses. Not all felony classes are eligible. Class A felonies, sex offenses, and most violent crimes cannot be vacated. Class B and C felonies may qualify depending on the specific offense and the date of discharge.
After the court grants vacation, the clerk updates the case record and notifies the state criminal history system. The WATCH system and public court search portals should reflect the change. Legal aid organizations in King County can provide free or low-cost help with the vacation process.
King County Felony Records
Des Moines felony cases are part of the King County court system. The county page has full information on the courthouse, clerk services, and how to access records across the county.
Nearby Cities
Other south King County communities also route felony cases through King County Superior Court. You can find records for these cities using the same process.