updated 3/20/20 

     PUYALLUP MUNICIPAL COURT operational changes in response to COVID-19

In the interest of public safety during the COVID-19 crisis, 

             effective March 20, 2020 and continuing through April  24, 2020,

                                 Puyallup Municipal Court will be closed* 

with the exceptions set forth below and outlined in Administrative Order 20-04, all currently scheduled court hearings will be postponed and rescheduled by the Court to a future date to be determined.  Arraignment on out of custody cases filed between today’s date and April 24, 2020 shall be deferred until a date 45 days after the filing of charges.

The exceptions include:

• Any hearing set upon judicial determination of an emergent need.  All such hearings will be scheduled to be heard at 2 p.m. on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and will be conducted telephonically whenever possible.  When impossible, social distancing measures will be implemented;
• Any first appearance DUI will be set for Arraignment on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 2 pm;
• Any matter that may be resolved by written motion and order or may be conducted telephonically;
• All jury trials scheduled to be held March 18, 2020.  Jurors remain excused per Administrative Order 20-02.  Any delay in time for trial will be deemed an excluded period per CrRLJ 3.3;
• The following in-custody matter which will be conducted by video.  The court will operate in-custody calendars on its normal schedule;
  • Arraignments, plea hearings, criminal motions, and sentencing hearings.  For purposes of this order, criminal motions include competency hearings and revocation/review hearings where persons have been booked on warrants for post-conviction matters. 
    • For attorneys and interested parties in the courtroom, social distancing measures will be implemented.  The Court may prohibit entry to or remove any person exhibiting signs of illness.  The Court may also limit the number of individuals in the courtroom;
• Consistent with paragraph 6 of Supreme Court Order 25700-B-607, ex parte hearings for no contact orders.   Prosecutors may appear via written motion.
• All hearings set to determine compliance with orders of pre-trial release, including, but not limited to, the surrender of weapons, installation of ignition interlock, and compliance with 24/7 alcohol monitoring;
• Infraction hearings by mail.

 MILTON MUNICIPAL COURT operational changes in response to COVID-19

In the interest of public health during the COVID-19 crisis, effective March 18, 2020 and continuing through March 31, 2020, with the exceptions set forth below per Administrative Order 1-2020, all currently scheduled court hearings will be postponed and rescheduled by the Court to a future date to be determined.  The exceptions include:

• April 2nd jury trial canceled and jurors excused from service
• All in-custody matters.  All in-custody hearings will be conducted on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise directed by the court;
• All hearings set to determine compliance with orders of pretrial release, including but not limited to, the surrender of weapons, installation of ignition interlock and mandatory alcohol monitoring, will be conducted on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.;
• Infraction hearings by mail; and
• Any hearing set upon judicial determination of an emergent need.

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What if I have to file a document with the court?

The court will accept filings by e-mail to Courts@ci.puyallup.wa.us during the pendency of this order.

What if I need to pay a ticket or fine?

Payments and correspondence may be left in the Court’s drop box located outside the clerk’s office.  Do not leave cash payments.  Payments can also be made online or by calling Ncourt.  If you cannot pay a ticket or fine, please call the clerk’s office at (253) 841-5450 to learn about other options such as setting up a payment plan or receiving an extension. 

What if I have a hearing to contest or mitigate my ticket?

All appearances for mitigation and contested hearings between March 17 – March 31, 2020 will be reset to a date after April 30, 2020.  You may also choose to submit a hearing by mail statement in lieu of appearing for court.  Please mail this to the courthouse or send via email to Courts@ci.puyallup.wa.us .  This process will allow you to dispute your ticket without coming to the courthouse. This policy is effective as of March 10, 2020.

Puyallup Municipal Court Hearing by Mail Form

Puyallup Municipal Court Hearing by Mail PDF - fillable

Milton Municipal Court Hearing by Mail Form

What if I have an appointment with my probation officer or case manager?

All probation and community court appointments are to be conducted telephonically.  

As always, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and cover coughs and sneezes. Additional guidance on how to protect yourself and others is available from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Puyallup Administrative Order 20-01

Puyallup Administrative Order 20-02

Puyallup Administrative Order 20-03

Milton Administrative Order 1-2020

Puyallup Administrative Order 20-04