District Court

District Court docket days are set forth on the county calendar. If you have any questions regarding your upcoming court date, please contact the court.**If you are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever or other respiratory problems, please do not come into the Columbia County Courthouse. If you have a court hearing scheduled and cannot make it due to illness, please call us at (509)382-4812 to inform us, or request a continuance.

All persons entering the courthouse must wear a protective mask or other face covering.**

The Columbia County District Court includes Dayton Municipal Court and hears criminal, civil, infraction, and parking cases.

Criminal Cases

Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine. Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Civil/Small Claim/Anti-Harassment/Name Change

Civil cases include general civil actions with damage claims in the maximum amount of $100,000. The court does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property.

Additionally, small claims actions with money claims are awarded in the maximum amount of $5,000. The Small Claims Court may only grant judgment for monetary damages. The court may not order the party to return property or do anything except pay money.

Infraction Cases

Infractions include traffic and non-traffic violations and code violations.