U.S. Department
of Justice
Logistics
Contact Info | Victim Info | Witness Info | Case Updates | Parking
Where do I go?
There are two federal courthouses in the Western District of Washington, one in Seattle and one in Tacoma.
Click here for the address and directions to the Seattle Federal Courthosue.
Click here for the address and directions to the Tacoma Federal Courthouse.
Your subpoena will indicate which courthouse, what courtroom, and when the proceedings will take place. However, as the court date approaches, you will be contacted by the Assistant U.S. Attorney, Victim-Witness Coordinator, case agent, or other support staff and provided with information on the exact location, date and time you will be needed.
Please check to verify that your attendance is required. Call the AUSA or support staff person assigned to your case the WORK DAY BEFORE you leave your residence to attend court. Court dates can be postponed or cancelled at very short notice, and verifying your attendance may prevent a wasted trip.
Where can I park?
Click here for Seattle Federal Courthouse parking information.
Click here for Tacoma Federal Courthouse parking information.
Please note that parking is a problem at the Seattle Federal Courthouse, located downtown at 700 Stewart Street. It is in the heart of the Seattle business district and there is no parking provided at the courthouse. There are parking garages located nearby. You will be reimbursed for this expense. There is also short term metered parking on the streets around the courthouse. However, we recommend you park in a parking lot or parking garage, as we will not reimburse you for any parking tickets you may receive.
How long will I be in court?
It is impossible to predict how long witnesses will need to be at the courthouse, or exactly how long particular testimony may take. The Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case will try and give you a general idea of how long you may be on the stand. We will also try to minimize the total time you are needed at court, but it is important that you arrange your schedule to allow maximum flexibility. You may have to wait several hours or more for your turn to testify, and unexpected events can delay court proceedings. You may want to bring reading materials, or something else to occupy your time, while you wait to testify. Do not park on the street at a meter; we do not pay for parking tickets.
What should I do if I have children who need care while I am gone?
Try to find a relative, friend or neighbor to care for your children. You should make sure that he/she has a flexible schedule, as your testimony may take longer than expected. The courthouse does not have child care facilities, and is not an appropriate place for young children. If you are having difficulties securing child care, please contact the victim-witness staff for assistance.
Is food available at the courthouse?
The Seattle courthouse has a cafe in the basement of the building. The Tacoma courthouse does not. There are several restaurants located within walking distance from both courthouses, and there will be a long enough break at mid-day for you to go and get lunch. With permission of the court staff, food and drink may be allowed in the witness room, but food is NOT allowed in the courtroom.
Where are the bathrooms?
There are bathrooms located on each floor of the courthouse.