About Spokane County

Spokane County is located in the eastern reaches of Washington State, anchored by the dramatic falls of the Spokane River and flanked by the rolling hills of the Palouse to the south and the forested terrain of the Selkirk Mountains to the north. Covering approximately 1,764 square miles, the county stretches across a landscape that transitions from urban core to agricultural plains, offering residents a distinctive blend of city amenities and wide-open spaces. The Spokane River, which carved the dramatic basalt canyon that defines the region, remains a central feature of daily life, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and shaping the identity of communities throughout the county. With a population of approximately 539,339 residents, Spokane County is the second most populous county in Washington State and serves as the urban hub of the Inland Northwest. The county seat, Spokane, is a mid-sized city with a surprisingly robust cultural scene, including a thriving arts district, Division I athletics at Gonzaga University, and a revitalized downtown riverfront. Smaller communities such as Cheney, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley contribute to the county's diversity, offering distinct neighborhoods and lifestyles within a cohesive regional identity. The economy of Spokane County is anchored by healthcare, education, military operations, and logistics. Providence Health and MultiCare operate major regional medical centers that draw patients from across eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Fairchild Air Force Base, located just west of the city, contributes significantly to the local economy and brings a large military community to the region. Higher education institutions, including Washington State University's Spokane campus, Eastern Washington University in nearby Cheney, and Gonzaga University, ensure a steady stream of talent and innovation. The county also benefits from its position as a major transportation hub, with Interstate 90 running through its core and connecting the Pacific Coast to the Mountain West.

Practice Areas in Spokane County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Spokane County

Spokane County is served by several courts operating at both the state and local level. The Spokane County Superior Court, located at 1116 W Broadway Avenue in Spokane, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $100,000, family law proceedings including divorce and child custody, probate, and juvenile matters. The Spokane County District Court, also based at the Public Safety Building at 1100 W Mallon Avenue, handles misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims up to $100,000, small claims disputes, and traffic infractions. The City of Spokane Municipal Court, located at 1100 W Mallon Avenue, addresses city code violations, traffic infractions within city limits, and misdemeanor offenses committed within the city. Eastern Washington University's Police Court and the Cheney Municipal Court serve residents of that community, while Spokane Valley operates under the Spokane County District Court's jurisdiction for most matters.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Spokane County

In Spokane County, state courts handle the vast majority of legal matters residents encounter day to day, including criminal charges under Washington law, family disputes, personal injury claims, and landlord-tenant issues. However, when a legal matter involves federal law, a constitutional question, disputes between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, or alleged violations of federal statutes, jurisdiction shifts to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, which maintains a courthouse at 920 W Riverside Avenue in downtown Spokane. This federal court covers the eastern half of Washington State, and judges appointed to this district preside over matters ranging from federal drug trafficking charges and civil rights violations to immigration appeals and complex business litigation. Understanding which court has jurisdiction over a particular dispute is a critical first step in pursuing or defending any legal claim, and residents of Spokane County should seek legal guidance to ensure their case is filed in the proper venue.

Common Legal Situations in Spokane County

Residents of Spokane County frequently encounter legal situations that reflect both the character of a mid-sized urban center and the realities of a region with significant military, agricultural, and working-class populations. Traffic infractions and DUI charges are among the most common matters processed through local courts, particularly along the heavily traveled Interstate 90 corridor. Family law matters, including divorce, child custody disputes, and domestic violence protection orders, represent a significant portion of Superior Court filings, and the presence of a large military community at Fairchild Air Force Base adds unique dimensions to some family legal situations. Landlord-tenant disputes have grown in frequency as housing costs have risen across the county, while employment law issues, including wrongful termination and wage theft claims, are increasingly common in a region where many workers are employed in healthcare, retail, and the service industry. Criminal defense matters ranging from misdemeanor property crimes to felony drug offenses also keep Spokane County courts active, and small claims filings remain a popular way for individuals and small businesses to resolve financial disputes without extensive legal proceedings.

Why Go To Court for Spokane County Legal Matters

Go To Court offers Spokane County residents accessible, reliable legal support no matter where they are in the legal process. With a 24/7 free legal hotline, anyone facing an unexpected legal situation can get guidance at any hour, whether dealing with a late-night arrest, a custody emergency, or a confusing court notice. The experienced team at Go To Court understands the specific courts, judges, and legal landscape of Spokane County, ensuring that clients receive representation that is both knowledgeable and locally informed. With fixed-fee services coming soon, residents will also benefit from greater cost transparency, making quality legal help even more accessible throughout the Inland Northwest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Spokane County?

If you receive a traffic infraction in Spokane County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, request a mitigation hearing to explain your circumstances, or contest the ticket at a hearing before the Spokane County District Court or the appropriate municipal court. Contesting a ticket or requesting mitigation can sometimes result in a reduced fine or the infraction being dismissed, which may also protect your driving record and insurance rates. Consulting with a traffic attorney before deciding how to respond is a smart step, especially if the infraction involves serious charges like reckless driving.

How does child custody work in Spokane County if I am separating from my partner?

Child custody matters in Spokane County are handled by the Spokane County Superior Court, which applies Washington State law to determine parenting plans based on the best interests of the child. Washington courts typically encourage both parents to remain involved in the child's life and will consider factors like each parent's relationship with the child, work schedules, living situation, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Whether you are married or unmarried, having an attorney help you negotiate or litigate a parenting plan can significantly impact the outcome for both you and your children.

Can I expunge or seal a criminal record in Washington State?

Washington State allows for the vacation of certain criminal convictions under specific circumstances, which effectively seals the record from most public searches, though it is not a complete expungement as some states offer. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, whether it was a misdemeanor or felony, how much time has passed since sentencing, and whether all conditions of the sentence have been completed. A legal professional can review your Spokane County criminal history and advise you on whether you qualify to petition the Superior Court to vacate your conviction.

What are my rights if my landlord tries to evict me in Spokane County?

Washington State provides tenants with several protections during the eviction process, including the requirement that landlords provide proper written notice and follow a formal court process called an unlawful detainer action before a tenant can be removed from the property. Spokane County tenants also benefit from certain local protections related to just cause eviction requirements in the City of Spokane, which limit the reasons a landlord can terminate a tenancy. If you have received an eviction notice, it is important to respond promptly and consider consulting a tenant rights attorney, as failing to respond to a court summons can result in a default judgment against you.

Do I need a lawyer for a small claims case in Spokane County?

Small claims court in Spokane County is designed to allow individuals to resolve disputes involving amounts up to $10,000 without formal legal representation, and attorneys are generally not permitted to represent clients during the small claims hearing itself. However, consulting with a lawyer before you file or respond to a small claims case can help you understand the strength of your claim, gather the right evidence, and prepare your argument effectively. While you will represent yourself at the hearing, legal guidance beforehand can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Neighbouring Counties

Spokane County is bordered by Stevens County to the north, Pend Oreille County to the northeast, Whitman County to the south, Lincoln County to the west, and the state of Idaho, including Kootenai County, to the east.