Frequently Asked Questions

Washington residency laws are fairly straightforward. If you take any of the following actions, you can fit the Washington definition of residency.

• Register to vote in the state of Washington.
• Get a Washington State driver’s license.
• Maintain a residence for personal use.
• Buy property in the state for personal use.

If you want to get started on establishing Washington residency, one of the best things you can do is register to vote either online, by mail, or in person.

When acquiring a vehicle through purchase or gift, Washington State law requires transferring ownership into your name within 15 days to avoid penalties. The fee is $50 on the 16th day, or $2 per day up to $125 thereafter. Private out-of-state sales require handling the transfer yourself. In-state dealer purchases arrange the transfer as part of the transaction.

Washington State Department of Licensing has provided a help guide, but because every situation is different, we suggest you call our office at 509-397-6278 if you have further questions. 

No, you do not need to reside in Whitman County to work for the County.

Whitman County has five unions representing the majority of County employees. Participation in the union is voluntary with specific departments/positions following union rules. This is indicated in the job posting.

• Corrections Officers and Support Staff Bargaining Unit Contract (COSS)
• Courthouse Bargaining Unit Contract (CBU)
• Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (DSA)
• Road Bargaining Unit Contract (RBU)
• Solid Waste Bargaining Unit Contract (SWBU)

COLAs are negotiated and defined in union contracts. Non-represented (non-union) employees typically receive a COLA in January at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.

Positions are frequently advertised in the local and regional newspapers, as well as our County website. Occasionally they are listed in other newspapers and regional university websites.

Applications are only accepted for open positions. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of applications but may be included in your application packet. Application requirements vary. 

Please read carefully any specific requirements for the opening in which you are interested. Applications may be obtained at Whitman County website or at our office: 

Human Resources
Whitman County Courthouse
400 N Main Street
Colfax, WA 99111

Hours

Monday through Friday

8 am to 5 pm. 

General Positions

Whitman County requires an original signed application. Applications must be completed in accordance with directions on the job announcement. Please read the announcement carefully for specific mailing requirements and deadlines. 

All applications must be received by Human Resources by the published closing date. Misrepresentation and incomplete or inaccurate information may be cause for application rejection, removal from the employment list, or discharge from County employment. Please read the "Minimum Qualifications" listed on the announcement.

Civil Service

Civil Service Eligibility lists are established to fill vacancies in the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Whitman County requires an original signed and notarized Civil Service application. Applications must be completed in accordance with directions on the job announcement. 

Please read the announcement carefully for specific mailing requirements and deadlines. Applications must be received by Human Resources by the published closing date. Misrepresentation and incomplete or inaccurate information may be cause for application rejection, removal from the employment list, or discharge from County employment. Please read the "Minimum Qualifications" listed on the announcement. 

Applicants must possess these to be considered for the position. Civil Service positions require additional written and oral examinations. Applicants will be notified of those dates and times after the position’s closing date.

It can take several weeks for the department to review applications. The hiring department will make interview arrangements with applicants. After the position is filled your application is no longer considered, and a written notice will be emailed to applicants.

Yes, Whitman County applications are accepted by email.  Email applications to jobs@whitmancounty.net

Yes, Whitman County will accept a postmark on the closing date.

• Kaiser Permanente Members
• Premera Members

Monday - Friday:  9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM  (Closed for the noon lunch hour)

If the person has an attorney appointed by the court, or has retained an attorney, we are not allowed to speak to them. If the person does not have an attorney, we can't speak to them alone, or we could become a witness in the case.

The attorneys in the office are prohibited, by law, from giving legal advice.

At the arraignment, the person charged with the crime enters a plea of guilty or not guilty to the charge. If, at any time, during the case, the person enters a plea of guilty to the charge the case will go to sentencing, either the same day or at a later date, where the court decides what punishment is appropriate. If there is no plea of guilty the case will normally proceed to trial.

Contact the Administrative Office of the Courts for a brochure on this topic at the Washington Courts website.

A Guide on When and How to Challenge, Seal, Vacate or Expunge (PDF)

Crimes are reported to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over where the crime occurred. For example, if the crime occurred in Pullman, Washington, this may be the Pullman Police Department or if the crime occurred on Washington State University Campus, this may be the Washington State University Police Department.

Contact the court and make arrangements to appear on an available docket day.

Court hearings are open to the public and anyone may attend. Sometimes witnesses may be excluded from a trial until they testify. The deputy prosecutor will notify you if this is the case.

Submit a written request to the applicable law enforcement agency.

You cannot drop the charges. The Prosecutor's Office, on behalf of the State of Washington, filed charges and we are the only ones that can dismiss the case. However, your position on a case is important, please call the deputy prosecutor assigned to the case.

You may apply to the Court where the order is entered. You must also notify the Prosecutor of your request.

Appear in court at the designated time. You will be notified if you need to appear at a different time than the time listed on your subpoena. If you have additional questions, contact our office.

Call the number on the bottom of the subpoena immediately and explain the situation. Occasionally a different time can be arranged.

Criminal restitution is money ordered by the court to repay a victim or the victim's insurance company for financial losses. It is the right of a victim to be reimbursed for losses caused directly by the commission of a crime.

Provide estimates or find similar items in local advertisements, magazines or the internet.

The defendant is required to make payments based on an order of the court or an agreement with the agency that is monitoring them.

Please contact Jodi or Kristina for the correct Court Zoom link.

Your Agreement, ADIS Certificate and/or Community Service hours can all be emailed or mailed to PO Box 30, Colfax WA 99111

Your $350 payment must be made in person at 400 N Main St, Colfax WA