How To Find Court Records in Washington, D.C.

When United States v. Roger Stone unfolded in Washington, D.C., it became a landmark case with national significance. Stone, a longtime political consultant and advisor to President Donald Trump, faced charges including obstruction of a congressional investigation, making false statements, and witness tampering.

Accessing the full story of such high-profile trials highlights the value of court records, which document every complaint, motion, ruling, and judgment in a case. In Washington, D.C., these records are critical for understanding how justice is administered.

CourtCaseFinder simplifies this process by letting you search court records through an easy-to-use platform from the comfort of your home.

You can look up case details by party name, case number, or keyword and, when available, access dockets, hearing schedules, statuses, and filings, giving you the information needed to track cases and promote transparency.

How To Access Washington, D.C. Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder makes it effortless for you to explore court records in the nation's capital. It offers instant access, organized search results, and up-to-date case details. If you're wondering how these records are typically accessed, the Washington, D.C. court system provides the following official methods:

Online Case Search

The D.C. Superior Court Portal (Odyssey Portal)provides online access to docket entries and document images for cases in the D.C. Superior Court's Civil Division, Probate Division (civil), Tax Division, and Office of the Auditor Master.

The portal lets you easily review case summaries, filings, judgments, and hearing schedules for small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, civil tax cases, and probate cases.

For records from the Criminal Division, Domestic Violence Division, or Tax Division (criminal cases), you can access information through the D.C. Superior Court eAccess System.

Mail-In Search/Copy Request

If you need to access records or search for information about a decedent's estate from the Probate Division of the D.C. Superior Court, complete the Case Information - Search Request Form or Case Information - Copy Request Form on the District of Columbia Courts website. Then, mail it with a check or money order payable to the "Register of Wills" to:

Attention: Probate Clerk's Office

Office of the Register of Wills

Probate Division

515 5th St., NW

Room 314, Probate Clerk's Office

Washington, DC 20001

A search to determine whether a decedent's estate has been opened costs $10, and copies of probate case records are $0.50 per page.

Office Visit

You can access court records in person at the D.C. Superior Court Clerk of Court Office, located at 500 Indiana Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001.

The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff can help you search for case information and request copies of records.

Washington, D.C. Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

The District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA) provides the public the right to request access to government records, including court files from the judiciary. Individuals accessing Washington, D.C. court records can usually see the names of the parties, the presiding judge, a short summary of the case, and the judgment issued.

Certain records, however, are protected by law and are not available for public review. Records exempt from disclosure include:

• Notes and memoranda used by judges in making decisions
• Body-worn camera recordings related to stalking, sexual assault, or domestic violence incidents recorded by the Metropolitan Police Department (D.C. Code Section 2-534(a)(2A))
• Court records from insurer delinquency proceedings and associated temporary seizure orders (D.C. Code Section 31-1309)
• Information obtained from criminal background checks by the D.C. Superior Court's Family Division or the Office of the Attorney General (D.C. Code Section 4-1305.08)
• Juvenile and child custody case records

Who Oversees the Courts in Washington, D.C.?

Under D.C. Code Section 11-1703, the Executive Officer is responsible for the administration and day-to-day management of the Washington D.C. courts, operating under the supervision of the chief judges of the D.C. Court of Appeals and the Superior Court.

The Executive Officer's administrative duties cover court operations, budgeting, procurement, court records, human capital management and compensation, and management of buildings and facilities.

Additionally, the Executive Officer serves as secretary to the Joint Committee on Judicial Administration, the policy-making body for the D.C. courts, and manages the courts' media and public relations, intergovernmental affairs, communications, internal audits, and security program.

Mr. Herbert Rouson Jr., JD, was appointed Executive Officer on May 1, 2024, and currently serves in this role.

What Types of Courts Exist in Washington, D.C.?

In 1970, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Court Reform and Criminal Procedure Act, creating a local court system in Washington, D.C. Today, this system includes two main courts.

The D.C. Court of Appeals serves as the highest appellate court, led by a chief judge and eight associate judges. Meanwhile, the D.C. Superior Court functions as the trial court and is organized into divisions that handle civil, criminal, family, domestic violence, probate, and tax cases.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
District of Columbia Court of Appeals (DCCA)	The highest court in D.C.; exercises judicial and administrative authority over the Superior Court; one chief judge and eight associate judges, assisted by senior judges.	Appeals of final orders from the Superior Court; review of contested administrative decisions by D.C. agencies, boards, and commissions; certified questions of law from federal and state appellate courts; oversees attorney conduct, Bar admissions, and discipline
Superior Court of the District of Columbia	Trial court of general jurisdiction for D.C.; one chief judge and 61 associate judges, assisted by 26 magistrate judges and senior judges; handles all local trial matters through specialized divisions and branches.	Civil Division: civil cases > $10,000 ( torts, contracts, and property disputes); small claims ≤ $10,000, Criminal Division: misdemeanors and felonies Family Court Operations Division: adoption, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, divorce, custody, paternity, termination of parental rights, guardianship, visitation, child support, mental health, and habilitation Family Court Social Services Division (CSSD): juvenile delinquency, truancy cases, Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS) cases, probation and diversion matters Domestic Violence Division:domestic violence misdemeanors, civil protection orders, anti-stalking orders, and extreme risk protection orders Probate Division: large and small estate proceedings, wills, trusts, and adult guardianship Tax Division: petitions for tax assessment reviews

What Federal Courts Are In Washington, D.C.?

Although Washington, D.C. is not a state, the relationship between the D.C. courts and Article III federal courts parallels that of state and federal judicial systems. The D.C. Superior Court has broad jurisdiction over nearly all criminal and civil actions filed in the District.

Cases can be transferred to the federal court when federal law is involved (federal question) or when parties are from different states (diversity of citizenship) and the amount in controversy meets federal requirements.

Here's a snapshot of the federal courts in Washington, D.C.:

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia	Handles cases originating in D.C., including civil disputes over patent infringement, whistleblower claims, and constitutional rights challenges. Resolves criminal matters under federal law, such as cybercrime, financial fraud, and terrorism-related offenses.	Room 1225, 333 Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Clerk's Office:202-354-3000
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia	Adjudicates petitions from individuals and businesses seeking bankruptcy relief under Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including Chapters 7, 11, and 13.	Co-located with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Clerk's Office: 202-354-3280
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit	Hears appeals from federal courts in Washington, D.C. Has exclusive jurisdiction over challenges to decisions made by various federal agencies.	E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse and William B. Bryant Annex 333 Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 Clerk's Office: 202-216-7000

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Washington, D.C. Courts?

The Washington, D.C. Superior Court carries exceptional significance, as its decisions can shape legal precedents with far-reaching impact, given the District's role as the nation's capital.

Serving as D.C.'s primary trial court, it handles a broad array of complex and influential cases. Each year, it processes an estimated 42,400 cases across its main divisions.

The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the Superior Court's approximate filings by division and case type:

Superior Court Division	Case Type	Approx. Annual Filings
Civil Division	Small Claims	~2,000
	Landlord and Tenant	~11,000
	Civil Actions	~7,000
Criminal Division	Traffic	~1,000
	Misdemeanor (D.C.)	~400
	Misdemeanor (U.S.)	~2,000
	Felony	~2,000
Family Court Operations Division	Divorce/Custody/Miscellaneous	~4,000
	Adoption	~100
	Juvenile	~1,000
	Abuse and Neglect	~100
	Parentage and Child Support	~1,000
	Mental Health	~2,000
Domestic Violence Division	Intrafamily	~4,000
	Anti-Stalking Orders	~1,000
	Extreme Risk Protection Orders	~20
	Misdemeanors (U.S.)	~1,000
Tax Division	Criminal	~10
	Civil	~700
Probate Division	Small Estates	~500
	Decedent's Estates	~1,000
	Trusts	~10
	Guardianship of Minors	~20
	Intervention Proceedings	~400
	Foreign Proceedings	~200

For deeper insights into cases from Washington, D.C.'s Court of Appeals and Superior Court, the District of Columbia Courts' Annual Reports page offers detailed statistics, operational data, performance measures, and highlights of key court initiatives.

How Do I File a Case in Washington, D.C. Courts?

If you intend to sue someone in Washington, D.C., you must comply with certain legal procedures and requirements. Following the steps below can improve your chances of a successful outcome:

1. Figure Out the Case Type and Proper Venue

When starting a case in Washington, D.C., first determine the type of case and the appropriate filing venue. For contract disputes or personal injury claims exceeding $10,000, the proper venue is the Civil Actions Branch of the D.C. Superior Court.

2. Complete the Necessary Court Forms

If you're starting a civil case, you should file a complaint with the court, stating the court's jurisdiction, explaining why you are entitled to relief, and specifying the relief sought.

A summons is required for each defendant, and a deadline is set to respond. You must also complete a Civil Actions Branch Information Sheet, which records parties, case type, demands, and related cases.

3. File Documents and Pay Applicable Fees

You can file documents with the D.C. Superior Court by mailing them to the Clerk of Court's Office, placing them in the courthouse drop box, handing them directly to the clerk, or submitting them online through the eFileDC system.

Pay filing feesand court registry payments using cash, debit/credit card, personal/certified check, money order, or digital wallet. If you cannot afford the fees, you may request a waiver by filing an Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs, Fees, or Security (Form 106A).

4. Have the Defendant Served With the Paperwork

Once the clerk processes your complaint, you will receive the file-stamped complaint, the completed summons, and any attachments. You are responsible for serving each defendant with these documents. You have 60 days from filing to serve the complaint and related documents and to file proof of service with the court.

Court papers can be served by:

• Personal service through a process server
• Certified or registered mail
• First-class mail with notice and acknowledgment, which requires the defendant to sign and return the acknowledgment form

How Is the Washington, D.C. Court System Unique?

Unlike a state, Washington, D.C., is a federal district established under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which gives the U.S. Congress exclusive authority over the capital.

One major way D.C. differs from the states is in judicial selection. Judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for 15-year terms, based on recommendations from the D.C. Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC).

Reappointment does not require Senate approval but depends on the D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure (CJDT), which can also investigate complaints or remove judges. Both commissions include members appointed by federal and local officials.

Consequently, D.C. residents exert far less influence over their judiciary than residents in the 50 states, whose judges are elected or locally appointed.

Another important distinction is the absence of an operative D.C. constitution. This means D.C. courts can only enforce protections guaranteed by the federal Constitution and cannot grant extra rights that states might provide under their own constitutions.

District of Columbia Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• District Of Columbia

Where to Find Additional Information About Washington, D.C. Courts?

• Online Case Search System | District of Columbia Courts
• Tracking Cases | District of Columbia Courts
• DC Courts Coronavirus COVID-19 Advisory Page
• Visit Us | District of Columbia Courts

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