District Court


 Check the Daily Calendar link to find the correct courtroom and then visit HERE for specific courtroom links and instructions for remote appearances.


COWLITZ COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DOES NOT CALL TO REQUEST PAYMENT OR USE CASH APPS.  IF YOU RECEIVE A CALL WANTING PAYMENT OF ANY KIND, PLEASE HANG UP AND CALL THE DISTRICT COURT OFFICE.


If you wish to observe virtual proceedings and are not a participant, use the link below.  Courtroom #8 is the only courtroom with observation access.

Courtroom 8 Observation

The link above will redirect you to our live stream on YouTube

          *Link is only active while virtual court is in session*


WiFi hotspots location finder


Masks are optional in District Court courtrooms.


Emergency Administrative Order 2022-1

Emergency Administrative Order 2020-3

Cowlitz County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. The court hears criminal, civil, traffic infraction, and miscellaneous cases filed by:

  • Washington State Patrol
  • Cowlitz County Sheriff
  • Cowlitz County Humane Society
  • Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Department of Natural Resources
  • State Department of Fish and Wildlife

In addition to these cases the cities of Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland, and Castle Rock contract with the District Court to have their cases heard.

District Court clerks are not allowed to give you any legal advice. This includes: what to say in court, how to file civil forms, what plea to make on a charge, or change any order from a judge.

About the Judges

District Court judges are elected to four-year terms and, in addition to hearing cases, they are authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies.

Contact the Court