The City Attorney's Office advises city government and officials, rather than individuals. Individuals must find their own lawyers for legal advice and representation. To assist people unfamiliar with the legal system, we provide details here regarding legal resources and how to navigate the legal system in Bellevue.
Service of Process for Lawsuits
If you are filing a lawsuit against the City of Bellevue, you must serve the city by personally serving the City Clerk. Please note: The city can ONLY accept service of process on behalf of itself. We CANNOT accept any service of process on behalf of any individual city employee.
In compliance with RCW 4.28.080(2), the city manager has designated the City Clerk as the primary agent to accept service on the city during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If the Clerk is unavailable, the following are designated agents who can accept service, in the following order:
- Deputy City Clerk
- Acting City Clerk
- Executive Assistant to the City Council
- City Attorney
- Acting City Attorney
- Deputy City Attorney or any Assistant City Attorney in the Civil Division
City Codes, Ordinances and Laws
Bellevue resolutions, ordinances and City Codes, hosted by Code Publishing, are searchable by number or key word.
Finding Court Dates
There are two ways to find an upcoming court date:
- Contact court at 206-205-9200.
- Search the King County District Court calendars.
Discovery for a Traffic Infraction
If you have been cited for a traffic infraction in Bellevue, and would like to request information related to your infraction, you may do so by following one of the three options below:
- Option 1: Check King County for electronic court records.
- Option 2: Use a computer at the Bellevue Courthouse to access the District Court online records.
- Option 3: Pursuant to IRLJ 3.1b, you may file a request for discovery by sending a written request to the city Prosecutor’s Office, and a copy to the Bellevue Courthouse. Please file your request at least 14 days prior to your hearing.
Print and complete a discovery request.
Mail to:
Bellevue Prosecutor’s Office Bellevue District Courthouse
PO Box 90012 AND 1309 114th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98009-9012 Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
OR
Fax to:
City of Bellevue, Prosecutor's Office AND King County Court House - East Division, Bellevue
425-452-7256 425-777-9157
OR
Email to:
cityattorney@bellevuewa.gov
AND
Please note: If you are seeking information regarding the speed measuring device, pursuant to IRLJ 6.6(d), a copy of the speed measuring device certification can be viewed and/or obtained at the King County District Court, East Division - Bellevue, 1309 114th Ave. SE, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004.
The King County Courts has more about tickets and citations.
Legal Assistance Resources
The City Attorney's Office is prohibited from providing legal advice, representation or recommendations. Below are a few resources others have found helpful. For attorney referrals, people can utilize the King County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at (206-267-7010) or fill out their electronic form.
CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral): provides legal assistance for those with low-income, veterans and persons over 60. For veterans facing legal problems, NJP's Veterans Project provides free legal services to low-income and homeless veterans for civil (not criminal) legal problems that are barriers to housing, employment and self-sufficiency.
Call: 1-888-201-1014;
CLEAR Senior: 1-888-387-7111
Vets: 1-855-NJP-VETS (855-657-8387)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
NWJustice.org; Get Legal Help
Eastside Legal Assistance Program: A nonprofit organization that provides high-quality, no-cost civil legal services to survivors of domestic violence throughout King County and to low-income residents of East and Northeast King County.
Phone: 425-747-7274
ELAP.org
Washington State Bar Association: The Moderate Means Program Works connects middle-income earners with lawyers who offer legal assistance at a reduced cost. A participating lawyer will charge fees and may request an advance deposit, but at a lower rate.
855-741-6930 or Apply Online
WSBA.org