The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Civil Division is located at the Jefferson County Courthouse at 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, Washington, 98368 and can be reached at (360) 385-3831 extension 390. The Civil Unit carries out the Sheriff’s Office statutory responsibilities to the Superior Court.

For calendar year 2002, there were over 2,126 civil papers served. There were 199 protection orders and 27 evictions served in the county during the same one year period. For information on evictions, click here.

The Chief Civil Deputy oversees the Civil Division. The Civil Department is the civil and legal process service function of the Sheriff's Department and covers a wide variety of court papers from subpoenas to small claims to orders executing the removal of renters for non-payment of rent. This Division also includes support staff that provides courthouse security.

For more information regarding the service of civil papers including fees, please call (360) 385-3831and ask for the Civil Division.

• Service of civil and criminal subpoenas and summons and complaints
  
• Service of other civil and criminal court documents
  
• Attaching, maintaining custody of and selling personal property
  
• Attaching and selling real property
  
• Executing court ordered evictions
  

Fees for Sheriff’s civil services are set by RCW and can be found under RCW 36.18.040.

Courthouse Security

The county courthouse is located in Port Townsend and listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The courthouse currently houses the offices of the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor, Board of County Commissioners, District Court, Superior Court, Prosecutor, Juvenile Court Services and the Sheriff.

The Sheriff's Office provides armed security throughout this building and in particular, for all courtroom hearings and trials. Each court is in session at least 4 days each week. The Chief Civil Deputy is currently assigned the task of providing for the supervision of courthouse security needs.

RCW 9.41.300 prohibits any type of weapon in the building and everyone is subject to a search of person and belongings when visiting the courthouse.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting for purposes other than criminal matters may take place during the normal business hours. To obtain fingerprints, it will be necessary for you to provide fingerprint cards (except for the purpose of a concealed pistol license) and picture ID. There will be a $10 fee for up to two sets of prints.

Concealed Pistol License

A Concealed Pistol License is a license provided by and regulated by the State of Washington. The following requirements must be met to obtain a Concealed Pistol License through the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department:

• You must be 21 years of age or older.
• You must be a citizen of the United States or have an Alien Firearms Certificate.
• You must reside in Jefferson County.
• You need to have picture ID (a Washington State Driver's License or ID card is preferred) Fee of $60 for an original application.
  • Fee of $32 for a renewal application
  • Fee of $10 for replacement of lost or damaged permit fees will be required at the time of application
• You must have no convictions prohibiting possession of firearms

For additional information on firearms and licensing click here.

Specialized Forest Products Permit Validation

Permits to transport or harvest Specialized Forest Products can be obtained and/or validated during regular business hours.

The Sheriff’s Office does not become involved in any evictions until you obtain the “Writ of Restitution”. There are several steps you must take prior to obtaining this document. They can be explained to you by your attorney. Another helpful resource is the pamphlet “Landlord/Tenant Laws” which is put out by the Office of the Attorney General and copies can be obtained through the Attorney General’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office.

Click here for a copy of the Washington State Attorney General's Office pamphlet on the Landlord/Tenant Law.

How do I get a protection order?

If you are a victim of domestic violence, this information will help you decide if you need a court order for protection and explain how to get one. There are three types of court orders that can protect you depending on whether other legal proceedings have already been filed. You can get:

• An Order for Protection (whether or not a criminal charge or domestic relations case has been filed).
• A No Contact Order (if a criminal charge has been filed against the abuser).
• A Restraining Order (only if a domestic relations case, such as a divorce or child custody action has been filed).

Before you seek an order:

If you are attacked (physically assaulted), call 911 immediately.

The deputy must arrest the abuser if:

(1) you are or were in a domestic relationship, and

(2) the deputy must have reason to believe an assault occurred within the past four hours.

For further information contact Chief Civil Deputy at:

(360) 385-3831 extension 390.