Spokane DUI Records and Court Cases

Spokane is the second largest city in Washington and handles one of the highest volumes of DUI cases in eastern Washington. Misdemeanor DUI charges go through Spokane Municipal Court, while felony DUI cases land in Spokane County Superior Court. Both courts maintain public records that you can search online or request in person. This page covers where records are kept, how to access them, what penalties apply under Washington law, and what other agencies track DUI-related information in Spokane.

Spokane Courts That Handle DUI Cases

Spokane Municipal Court is the primary court for DUI charges that occur within city limits. It is one of the busiest municipal courts in eastern Washington. The court is located at 1100 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99260, and can be reached at (509) 625-4570. Misdemeanor DUI charges under RCW 46.61.502 are heard here. This includes first, second, and third DUI offenses when they do not meet the threshold for a felony charge.

Felony DUI cases go to Spokane County Superior Court. A DUI becomes a felony when a person has four or more prior DUI convictions within the past ten years or has a prior vehicular homicide or assault conviction. Spokane County Superior Court is located at 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. The phone number is (509) 477-2211. Superior Court handles a broader range of cases and keeps detailed records of every filing, hearing, and outcome.

Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department both make DUI arrests, and their records may appear separately in law enforcement databases. However, the court records are the most complete public source for DUI case outcomes.

Searching Spokane DUI Records Online

Washington makes DUI records available through two public portals. For Spokane Municipal Court records, use the Washington Courts public search. This portal covers district and municipal courts statewide. You can search by name, date of birth, or case number. Most case details are free to view. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and dispositions.

For Spokane County Superior Court records, including felony DUI cases, use the Odyssey Portal. No account is needed to do a basic search. You will find case summaries, party names, charge descriptions, and sentencing information. Detailed documents such as charging papers or orders may require a visit to the court or a records request.

Searching by full legal name gives the best results. If the person you are looking for has a common name, adding a date of birth or city of residence can help narrow things down. Case numbers, if you have them, provide the most direct route to a specific record.

Washington DUI Penalties That Apply in Spokane

Washington's DUI penalties are set by RCW 46.61.5055. The law draws a clear line between cases involving a BAC under 0.15 and those at 0.15 or higher, or where the driver refused a breath test. That distinction matters because the minimums are higher in the more serious category.

For a first offense with a BAC below 0.15, the minimum sentence is 24 hours in jail and a $350 fine. If the BAC was 0.15 or above, or the driver refused to take a breath test, the minimum is 48 hours in jail and a $500 fine. Courts routinely add other requirements on top of those minimums, including ignition interlock devices, alcohol assessment, and treatment programs.

Second offenses require at least 30 days in jail and 60 days of electronic home monitoring. A third offense means a minimum of 90 days in jail plus 120 days of home monitoring. Courts can and often do impose longer sentences than the minimums. A fourth DUI within ten years elevates the charge to a class B felony, which carries a sentence of up to ten years in state prison and fines that can exceed $20,000.

Spokane courts also consider aggravating factors. Having a passenger under 16 in the car during a DUI is an aggravating factor that can lead to additional charges and a longer sentence. High BAC readings or reckless driving behavior can also affect the outcome.

Getting Copies of DUI Records in Spokane

For records from Spokane Municipal Court, you can request copies by visiting the court at 1100 W Mallon Ave or by submitting a written request by mail. The standard copy fee in Washington is $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page plus $1 for each additional page. Call (509) 625-4570 to confirm current fees and hours before you go.

Spokane County Superior Court records can be requested at 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260. The same copy fees apply. Bring a photo ID if you appear in person. Mail requests should include the full name of the party, the approximate case date or range, and payment. Checks and money orders are typically accepted; confirm before sending cash.

Washington State Patrol criminal history records can be obtained through the WSP background check portal. These records may include DUI arrests and convictions that span multiple counties or date back many years. The Department of Licensing maintains separate records of any license suspensions or revocations tied to DUI cases.

License Consequences After a Spokane DUI

A DUI arrest in Spokane triggers two parallel processes. One is the criminal case in court. The other is an administrative action by the Department of Licensing. The DOL can suspend or revoke your license independently of what happens in court. You have 60 days from the date of arrest to request a DOL hearing if you want to contest the suspension. Failing to request a hearing means the suspension takes effect automatically.

The length of the suspension depends on your BAC and your prior record. A first offense with a BAC under 0.15 results in a 90-day suspension. A BAC of 0.15 or higher, or a breath test refusal, leads to a one-year suspension. A second offense can trigger a two-year revocation. These timelines run separately from any jail time or other criminal penalties.

During a suspension or revocation period, some drivers can get an ignition interlock license. This lets you drive with a breath test device installed in your vehicle. You must apply through the DOL, pay a fee, and have the device installed by a certified vendor. Violating the terms of an ignition interlock license can result in additional penalties.

Other Resources for Spokane DUI Records

Several other agencies keep records that touch on DUI cases in Spokane. The Spokane Police Department maintains arrest records, though these are not always available to the general public the same way court records are. The Spokane County Jail keeps booking records for people who were detained, which are often public.

If you need legal help in Spokane, the Spokane County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. Northwest Justice Project provides free legal aid to income-eligible residents. DUI cases move fast, so getting legal advice early can make a real difference.

For a broader look at DUI records in the county, including courts that serve other parts of Spokane County, visit the Spokane County DUI Records page. That page includes information on Spokane Valley and other communities in the county.