About Us

Welcome to the Tulalip Tribal Court
In honor of Judge Oscar Carl Jones, Sr.

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:

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.

Vision

The Tulalip Tribal Court supports the Tribes' vision, "together we create a healthy and culturally vibrant community" in its practice of judicial excellence.

Mission

To professionally, effectively and fairly administer justice to the Tulalip community as an essential sign of sovereignty.

Functions

Ensure access to justice; ensure due process; administer timely case flow management; file, prepare and process new filings and court orders; record all court proceedings; maintain jury pool; process and track fine payments; prepare court docket; and provide public information.