Attending Court from Home

What You Need to Know

You have the option of attending any hearing in Clark County Superior Court by video conference or telephone. All hearings still have an in-person option, but you now have a choice to attend virtually. 

Specifically, this means:

To “appear” by phone or Zoom (virtual):

  1. Go to this website: https://clark.wa.gov/superior-court/zoom-information
  2. Scroll until you find your hearing 
  3. Click on the link to your hearing
  4. You will see two options
    1. Click the link below “Join Zoom Meeting” to use Zoom and appear by video on your computer or smart phone
    2. Dial the phone number provided under “Join by Telephone” and enter the Meeting ID and Password when prompted

If you choose to appear in-person:

  • Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 but who can leave isolation (after 5 days if symptoms are resolving and fever is gone for at least 24 hours) are required to wear masks in Clark County courthouses until 10 days after the onset of symptoms. 

  • Individuals with close contact to someone with COVID-19 symptoms and/or who has tested positive for COVID-19 but who can leave quarantine (after 5 days if symptoms have not developed and test negative 5 days after exposure) are required to wear masks in Clark County courthouses until IO days after exposure.

  • The judge (or commissioner) may exclude anyone from the courtroom for not following the above guidelines.

For the most recent/updated information:

District court is holding in-person and virtual hearings at this time. Please check with your attorney or district court to determine what type of hearing you are scheduled for.

If you are still unsure about what to do, call us at 360-695-5313.

Specifically, this means:

To “appear” by phone or Zoom (virtual):

  1. Go to this website on the day of your hearing: https://clark.wa.gov/district-court/daily-district-court-docket
  2. Scroll until you find your name (the list is updated every day)
  3. Click on the link at the end of the row with your name (under “Meeting”). This will take you directly to your hearing on Zoom.

***When you join the meeting, you will be placed in a Waiting Room. Please be patient. District Court dockets typically have multiple defendants and it may be some time before your case is called. You must be available for up to four hours after your scheduled court time.***

 

If you are unable to connect by video (Zoom), you may call in by telephone at 1-888-788-0099 and enter the number shown next to your name (under “Meeting”)

If you will appear in-person:

  • All persons who are exhibiting symptoms of, or who have tested positive or who are under quarantine due to recent exposure to a person who has tested positive for COVID19 shall not be present in any courtroom. 
  • If signs of illness are detected, you may be refused entry or asked to leave.
  • District court asks that you contact your attorney or call the court at (564) 397-2424 to reschedule your court date. 
  • If you are unable to appear in court because of the above reasons, your matter will be rescheduled and a warrant will not be issued for non-appearance.
  • The judge (or commissioner) may exclude anyone from the courtroom for not following the above guidelines.

For really helpful resources on preparing for and attending your hearing virtually: https://clark.wa.gov/district-court/virtual-hearing-resources

For the most recent/updated information:

Before Your "Virtual" Hearing

Find a docket that is similar to the one you will be on:

Superior Court: https://clark.wa.gov/superior-court/zoom-information

District Court: https://clark.wa.gov/district-court/daily-district-court-docket 

If you choose to observe either, please notify the judge right away that you are there to observe and are not a party to the case.

It’s important to make sure the judge is not distracted by anything in your background. The court recommends using a virtual background for all your court appearances. Below are some we like the best: