Honorable Kathryn Carruthers
10255 NE Valley Rd
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 151
Rolling Bay, WA 98061
Tel: (206) 842-5641
Email
Office Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
The office is closed on weekends and legal holidays.
Court Sessions: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 am to 4 pm
Court Night Sessions: First Tuesday of each month, 5:30 to 7 pm. The evening session was created as a convenience for people who work and are unable to attend court hearings during the day.
Find Your Court Date
Pay Fines Online
About the Municipal Court
The court was organized by the City of Bainbridge Island pursuant to state law, Revised Code of Washington Chapter 3.50. It is the duty of the court to comply with and uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington, the laws of the State of Washington and the laws and ordinances of the City of Bainbridge Island.
The court has jurisdiction over a number of different types of cases. The Bainbridge Island Police Department and the City Prosecutor file criminal charges, both traffic and non-traffic. These criminal charges include driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, hit and run, reckless driving, domestic violence offenses, assault, trespass, theft, possession of marijuana, use of drug paraphernalia and malicious mischief among others.
Additional information
Services provided - for information, call (206) 842-5641
- Domestic Violence Protection Order
- Sexual Assault Protection Order
- Anti-Harassment Order
- Passports
- Pay Fines On-Line
- Search Warrants
- Arrest Warrants
The police and the prosecutor also file a variety of non-criminal charges, including violations of the driving code (traffic tickets), humane society violations, violations of city ordinances that deal with the zoning and building codes, and parking infractions.
Domestic violence, sexual assault and anti-harassment
The court also had jurisdiction over domestic violence, sexual assault and anti-harassment protection order cases. In these cases, people who are victims of domestic violence can obtain court orders that prohibit any contact by the perpetrator. The orders are put into the police computer system to facilitate enforcement. The Bainbridge Island Municipal Court is available for these protection order requests Monday through Friday, even on the days that court is not in session. The YWCA maintains an office for a domestic violence advocate in the court building in Rolling Bay. The advocate is available to assist people with domestic violence matters.
The court also responds to requests for search warrants and arrest warrants. These requests are usually made by police officers. The judge is essentially on call 24 hours a day, and it is not uncommon for search warrant requests to be made and granted telephonically on weekends and at times when the court is not open.
Video link for jail service in Kitsap County facility
The City of Bainbridge Island has a contract with Kitsap County for jail services. The jail is in Port Orchard. The court has established a video link with the jail for routine court hearings for persons who are being held in custody pending their trials. In this way, it is no longer necessary for the police to drive long distances back and forth to Port Orchard to transport prisoners. This has resulted in a substantial saving to the city, in terms of financial resources, as well as better utilization of the police officers. Officers are able to perform their regular functions instead of driving prisoners back and forth to court.
DUI next day hearing
The law requires that persons who are arrested for driving under the influence and for domestic violence must appear in court on the next court day. Judge Carruthers conducts these next-day hearings even if the next day is not a normally scheduled court day. In this way, appropriate restrictions can be placed on the defendant for the protection of the public.
Probation monitoring
The court provides probation services for persons who have been convicted of criminal offenses, and are required to comply with various obligations. The probation department assists defendants with compliance, and monitors progress while the defendant is on probation. The court has the jurisdiction to place defendants on probation for five years in driving under the influence cases, and for two years in all other criminal cases. The probation staff notifies the judge and the prosecutor immediately whenever a defendant fails to comply with the sentence. The probation staff then sends a summons to the defendant to appear before the judge. In this way, the court holds the defendant accountable. Ultimately, the goal of the court is to protect the public, and to reduce the repetition of criminal activity.
Passports
Bainbridge Island Municipal Court accepts passport applications. To apply you will be required to show certified proof of citizenship, two recent passport photos, and photo identification. Applications may be picked up at the Municipal Court office, located at: 10255 NE Valley Road, Bainbridge Island or you may download from the U.S. Department of the State at www.travel.state.gov.
The cost is $75 for individuals 16 or older, $60 for children 15 or younger. Check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State. Additionally, a $25 processing fee is required, cash or check.
This service is provided through the Bainbridge Island Municipal Court, by appointment only on Fridays. For further information please call (206) 842-5641 or visit www.travel.state.gov.
The Municipal Court staff is dedicated to provide professional and friendly service to the citizens of Bainbridge Island. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
