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.

Public Information Grid for Tulalip Court

Limited hours: The Tulalip Tribal Court and Probation will close for normal business operations to the public from March 16, 2020 to March 31, 2020. Security will be present at the court entrance to direct those needing assistance.

ACTION POINT OF CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
TRIAL COURT Providing telephonic support, hearings will be held telephonically and accepting filings via email or regular mail Court Administrator 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
APPELLATE COURT Providing telephonic support, hearings held telephonically and accepting filings via email or regular mail Court Administrator 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
TRIALS Continued for twenty-one (21) days or through April 16, 2020. No Jury trials until May Court Administrator 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
CIVIL HEARINGS Telephonic or continued thirty (30) days at request of the parties or through April 16, 2020 Court Administrator 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
CRIMINAL HEARINGS Any essential criminal in custody hearings, including first appearances on mandatory arrest charges, shall be conducted telephonically. Court Clerks 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
WELLNESS COURTS Staff off-site – providing telephonic support Wellness Coordinator 360-913-0018 autzcook@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
VICTIMS SERVICES Staff off-site – providing telephonic support TOCLA 360-716-4513
360-913-3233		 jkerney@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Staff off-site – providing telephonic support— All hearings continued past April 18, 2020 Court Clerks 360-722-1697 courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
PROBATION Staff off-site – providing telephonic support Probation 360-716-4800 probationstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

PROTECTIVE ORDERS: If you need to file an emergency protective order please contact the Clerk of the Court at CourtClerkStaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov or TOCLA 360-716-4513; 360-913-3433 so that we can determine how best we can assist you. The court shall be alerted by email and will accept all court filings either via email at Court Clerk Staff courtclerkstaff@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov, or via US mail at: Tulalip Tribal Court, 6332-31st Ave Ne, Suite B, attn.: Clerk’s Office, Tulalip, WA 98271.

Child Protection Safety Concerns: If a person believes there is a concern about the health, safety and welfare of a minor child, they should contact the Region 3 Washington State Child Protection Services hotline at 1-866-829-2153.

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.
Tulalip Tribal Court seal