Infractions Information

Infractions are non-criminal violations of law. The City Attorney's Office prosecutes infractions that occur within the city limits. These include traffic infractions, animal code infractions, solicitation infractions, and business license infractions. The City Attorney's Office cannot give you legal advice about your infraction. 

In order for the City to provide you with the discovery for your infraction, you will need to follow the rules that govern how and when this must be done.

How to Request Infraction Discovery

Infraction rule 3.1(b) requires that a written demand for discovery be "served on the office of prosecuting authority" and "filed with the court." This demand must be served "at least fourteen days before a contested hearing" in order to be a valid request.

Upon a proper written request, the prosecuting authority is required to provide you within seven days of the hearing date "a copy of the officer's sworn statement and with the names of any witnesses not identified in the citing officer's sworn statement."

The City provides multiple ways for you to receive your discovery. These methods include: first-class mail (self-addressed stamped envelope must be provided), pick-up at the Seattle City Attorney's Office, or via email. You will need to select one of these methods.

If you choose to receive your materials in person, the date you are called to be informed that the discovery is ready will count as your date of receipt.

In order to request your discovery please do the following:

1. Mail your written demand for discovery (you may use the form below):
Seattle City Attorney's Office
Attn: Infractions Unit
701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2050
Seattle , WA 98104-7095
Law_CityAttorney_Crim_NOA@seattle.gov

Include the following MANDATORY information:

* Full name as listed on the citation
* Citation number and Date of violation
* Telephone number
* Your address and email address

2. File a copy of your request with:

Discovery Request File Copies
Seattle Municipal Court
PO Box 34987
Seattle, WA 98124-4987
smc-records@seattle.gov

3. If it is not acceptable to receive your discovery by email, it will be your responsibility to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope or be prepared to receive your discovery at the Seattle City Attorney's Office.

4. If your notice of infraction indicates that a video was made of the incident, you may obtain a copy of the video by sending a written request for a copy to the Seattle Police Department – Legal Unit via mail, fax, or drop off:

Seattle Police Department – Legal Unit
P.O. Box 34986, Seattle, WA 98124-4986
Fax number: (206) 386-9022
Drop off at SPD headquarters: 610 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98124-4986