Municipal Court Home
This page provides answers and information about Lake Forest Park Municipal Court and how it works. Click on links in the menu at left and below on this page to read about court-related topics. If a link on this page takes you to another website, a new browser window will open. (Closing the new window will not affect this page.)
Before using this site, please click to read this important disclaimer.
Payment Options
Cash, in exact change, personal check (include the citation number), cashiers check, money order and credit card payments made through Official Payments Corp. are all acceptable forms of payment for fines.
Payment can be made on the second floor of City Hall during office hours. A secured drop box is located on the side of the building to the left of the 1st floor main entrance. Payments or correspondence may be left in the drop box after hours.
Use your credit card to pay via a secure phone or Internet system to get instant confirmation.
- To pay online at any time, go to Official Payments Corp. Official Payments Corp. processes credit card payments for court fines. A convenience fee is charged for use of this service.
- To pay by phone, call 1-800-272-9829. Choose option #3 at the menu, enter 5621 as the court jurisdiction code and enter the citation number. You will receive a confirmation number and the court will be advised of the payment in approximately 24 hours by e-mail.
Go to Court Costs and Fees for more information.
Outstanding Warrants
Once an arrest warrant is issued by the Court, it remains in effect until quashed by the judge. The judge may allow a warrant to be quashed administratively by paying an administrative warrant fee. You may come into the Court office during regular business hours to pay the fee. You may contact the Court for further information regarding arrest warrants.
Probation
The Lake Forest Park Municipal Court utilizes a court probation clerk to monitor low risk cases administratively during the probationary period. An active probation officer, Phil Stanley, monitors cases of a higher risk. If Mr. Stanley has been assigned as your probation officer, you can reach him either through the Court or by calling 206.957.2838. Please be advised that it is the defendant‘s responsibility to keep Mr. Stanley and the Court advised of any changes in address or telephone.
Court Procedure Guidelines
You may be eligible to contest a violation. This can be done in person, by mail or online (If your violaton does not require physical submission of documents, i.e. proof of license, insurance, registration, tabs or handicap parking violations.)
You may be eligible to mitigate (explain the circumstances of) a violation. This can be done in person, by mail or online (If your violaton does not require physical submission of documents, i.e. proof of license, insurance, registration, tabs or handicap parking violations.)
You may be eligible for to enter a probationary period and have a violation deferred. This can be done in person, by mail or online (If your violaton does not require physical submission of documents, i.e. proof of license, insurance, registration, tabs or handicap parking violations.)
Procedures to Subpoena an Officer or Witness
The person named in the Notice of Traffic Infraction may subpoena witnesses, including the officer. Click for more instructions and a blank subpoena form for issuing a subpoena to an officer or a witness in a contested hearing..
Public Defender Services
You may obtain an application for assignment of public defender at the court office during regular business hours or you may print the downloadable application form from the website. Please complete the form and return it to the court for review as soon as possible. Once the application has been reviewed, you will be advised of the name and phone number of the public defender assigned to represent you. At that time, you will also be advised if recoupment is ordered. Typically recoupment is paid at the time of sentencing and is not required to be paid in advance.
Failure to Respond to a Hearing or Infraction
If you have missed a scheduled mitigation or contested hearing, or if you have failed to respond to an infraction, a finding of committed will be entered to each violation. An additional penalty is added and the Department of Licensing (DOL) will be notified. A hold will be placed on your license which could result in the suspension of your driving privilege and assignment of your case to a collection agency. Click for more information
Teen Court
If you have a recent traffic infraction, are a student at Shorecrest, Shorewood King's or Shoreline Christian High Schools, the Teen Court program can help you keep your traffic record clean. click to find out if Teen Court is right for you..
You may be eligible to deal with your infraction online, without appearing in Teen Court, click to see if you are eligible for online Teen Court/.
Court Hours
Regular Court office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Presiding Judge Linda S. Portnoy hears cases from the bench on Mondays, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and Wednesdays, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Court office normally remains open during the lunch hour for your convenience. The Court is open to the public and the public is always welcome to attend any court session.
Court Closures
The Lake Forest Park Municipal Court is closed on weekends and all legal holidays or, in severe or unusual conditions or circumstances, as ordered by the Judge.
Pursuant to Administrative Order @2007-1, during inclement weather conditions, the Court will follow the same closure decision made by the Shoreline School District. Including the decision to close or for late starts. You may monitor the Shoreline School District website or call by phone at 206-367-6111.
Driving Directions
The Court is reached by taking Exit 177, North or Southbound, off I-5. Turn left onto Ballinger Way NE (Eastbound), and continue for 2 miles. Turn right at NE 175 Street, into the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre. Continue straight, through the stop sign to the lower level of the mall parking lot. Turn left at the small blue sign indicating City Hall and Police. The Court is located on the 2nd floor of Lake Forest Park City Hall. Click to download a City map with public transit information or visit King County Metro Trip Planner.
Interpreters
The Court will make arrangements for interpreters. Please contact the Court if you require the assistance of an interpreter
Disabilities
The Court can accommodate people with hearing impairment and is wheelchair accessible. Please contact the Court if you require special arrangements.
Weddings
Judge Linda S. Portnoy is authorized by law to perform wedding ceremonies.