Welcome to the Tulalip Tribal Court
A message from the Chief Judge Michelle Demmert
on March 27, 2020
The court is open on a limited basis and available to handle the urgent needs of the community through April 3rd. Thereafter, we are developing a plan to attempt to begin more normal operations in April. Please be assured we are addressing the due process issues in our criminal court and other urgent needs of the community while considering the safety of all of our staff, contractors and participants in court. Please watch for updates as to our plan April 6 on during the pandemic.
As for criminal matters, we continue to have in-custody hearings, and are running through our afternoon calendar to reschedule matters. If a family member wants to participate and listen to a hearing, we ask that you contact the court clerk at 360‑722‑1697. We thank you all in advance for your patience and assistance during this time of crisis. Please click on the links above that connect to our individual orders for more information.
Overview
The tribal court provides due process and equal protection under the law and strives to effectively and fairly administer justice to all Tulalip tribal members. The court handles civil, criminal and juvenile matters for tribal members. Its work supports the growth of a healthy and culturally vibrant community by administering judicial excellence.
The tribal court has many functions, and it provides the following important services, among others:
- Tulalip Tribal Court
- Community Supervision
- Healing to Wellness Court
- Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid (TOCLA)
- Calling a mediator to hear and resolve family law matters
- Tribal Court Elders Panel to hear young, first-time, nonviolent offense cases
Types of cases heard by the court:
- Civil: The court hears child custody, adoption, child support, dissolutions, domestic violence, guardianships, marriage, name changes, TGA appeals, elder protection, dependency cases, civil complaints, fishing, hunting and gaming issues, forfeitures and exclusion, etc.
- Criminal: The court hears criminal complaints filed by the Tulalip Tribal Court’s Prosecutor’s Office against tribal members. Criminal complaints filed against tribal members in instances of alleged domestic violence by one non-Indian against a native intimate partner, known as Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction, are also heard.
- Traffic citations/infractions: Contested or mitigating circumstances regarding traffic citations/infractions issued by the Tulalip Tribal Police Department for tribal members and non-Indians alike are heard by the court.