Anacortes Court Records comprise official judicial documents from the Anacortes Municipal Court, Skagit County District Court, and Skagit County Superior Court. The Anacortes WA court records search system serves residents, attorneys, journalists, employers, and curious family members who need specific case information. You can start your Anacortes Washington case lookup through the Washington Courts portal at wa.courts.gov, which links to the Judicial Information System for public access. Online Anacortes court records cover misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, civil suits, felony cases, family law filings, and probate matters. You can use the Anacortes court docket search by citation number to view traffic ticket outcomes. Most Anacortes public court documents show docket entries, party names, hearing dates, and dispositions at no charge. The state portal refreshes docket data daily for active filings. Certified copies carry a fee set by Washington statute. Records span civil, criminal, traffic, and family case types. The system operates under Washington’s strong presumption of public access, codified in the Washington Public Records Act and General Rule 31.
Anacortes Court Records vary by court level. The Anacortes Municipal Court at 1218 31st Street handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic citations, and city ordinance violations. Felony charges move to Skagit County Superior Court in Mount Vernon. To find Anacortes court case information, start with the free state portal or contact the clerk’s window during business hours. An Anacortes case records lookup through the Anacortes court records database returns filings from the past several decades. Older paper files require a written request to the Skagit County Clerk. An Anacortes court file search for sealed matters requires a separate motion under GR 31. How to find Anacortes court records for free starts with wa.courts.gov and ends with a mail request for archived files. Many users complete the entire search without paying a single fee. Public access laws guarantee this right to every Washington resident. Family law and probate filings follow similar rules but often require extra verification steps.
What Are Anacortes Court Records? Definition, Scope, and Public Access Overview
Public court records in Anacortes cover every document filed with the three court levels that serve the city. Each level has its own clerk, its own docket, and its own access rules. Washington’s courts operate under a presumption of openness rooted in the Washington Constitution, Article I, Section 10.
Definition of Anacortes Court Records
Anacortes court records are the written, electronic, and audio records produced by court clerks and judges in cases filed within Anacortes city limits or by Anacortes parties. They include initial filings, motions, orders, judgments, exhibits (when filed), and docket minutes.
Legal Definition Under Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56)
Chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington defines which judicial records are subject to public disclosure. Court records held by clerks fall under the Public Records Act. GR 31 provides supplementary rules specific to court records and controls when records can be sealed, restricted, or exempted from public view.
Difference Between Court Records and Other Public Records
Court records come from the judicial branch. Police reports, arrest logs, and incident records come from the Anacortes Police Department or the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. Court records show what happened after an arrest led to a charge, what plea was entered, and what sentence or order the judge imposed.
Jurisdictional Coverage of Anacortes WA Court Records
Three court levels serve Anacortes residents. Each level keeps its own records. Knowing which level handled a case is the first step in any records search.
Anacortes Municipal Court Jurisdiction (Misdemeanors, Traffic, Gross Misdemeanors)
The Anacortes Municipal Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil infractions, and traffic citations issued within city limits. It also handles violations of Anacortes municipal ordinances. The court is a court of limited jurisdiction under RCW 3.50.
Skagit County Superior Court Jurisdiction Over Anacortes Residents
Skagit County Superior Court, located in Mount Vernon, handles felony cases, civil cases above the district court limit, family law, probate, and juvenile matters involving Anacortes residents. Superior courts are courts of general jurisdiction under RCW 2.08.
Skagit County District Court Jurisdiction
Skagit County District Court hears misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, small claims, civil cases up to $100,000, and felony preliminary hearings. Some Anacortes matters may be filed in Skagit County District Court rather than Anacortes Municipal Court, depending on the charge.
Who Maintains Anacortes Court Records?
Three agencies hold Anacortes case files. Each agency sets its own retrieval procedures and fee schedules.
Anacortes Municipal Court Clerk’s Role
The Anacortes Municipal Court Clerk is the official custodian for all cases filed in that court. The clerk accepts filings, issues copies, and manages the public docket for matters under the court’s authority.
Skagit County Clerk’s Office as Custodian
The Skagit County Clerk’s Office in Mount Vernon maintains all Superior Court records, including those involving Anacortes parties. The clerk also stores older District Court records and microfilm archives.
Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)
The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts operates the Judicial Information System (JIS) and wa.courts.gov. The AOC does not hold paper files. It manages the statewide electronic index and online portal that links to clerk-held records.
Types of Anacortes Court Records and Case Categories
Anacortes case records fall into clear categories. Each category has its own access level and retention rule. The following table maps the most common record types to their typical court level.
| Case Type | Typical Court | Public Access |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor / Gross Misdemeanor | Anacortes Municipal or Skagit County District | Public |
| Felony | Skagit County Superior | Public |
| Traffic Infraction | Anacortes Municipal or District | Public |
| DUI | Municipal or Superior (felony DUI) | Public |
| Small Claims | Skagit County District | Public |
| Civil Lawsuit | Superior or District (limit-based) | Public |
| Divorce / Family Law | Skagit County Superior | Public (sealed portions possible) |
| Probate / Estate | Skagit County Superior | Public |
| Protection Order | Superior or Municipal | Public (some redactions) |
| Juvenile | Skagit County Superior | Sealed under RCW 13.50 |
| Adoption | Skagit County Superior | Sealed |
| Mental Health Commitment | Superior | Restricted |
Criminal Case Records in Anacortes, WA
Criminal records cover charges filed by the city or county prosecutor. Severity determines which court hears the case.
Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Records
Simple misdemeanors carry up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanors carry up to 364 days and a $5,000 fine. Both appear on the public docket of the Anacortes Municipal Court or Skagit County District Court.
DUI Records from Anacortes Municipal Court
Most DUI cases filed in Anacortes are misdemeanors. The municipal court manages arraignment, plea, hearing, and sentence. Felony DUI (third offense within ten years, or DUI causing serious injury) is filed in Skagit County Superior Court.
Felony Cases Filed in Skagit County Superior Court
Felony charges originating in Anacortes move to Skagit County Superior Court for arraignment, motions, trial, and sentencing. Public access applies, but some pre-trial documents may be sealed by court order.
Civil Court Records in Anacortes
Civil records cover disputes between private parties, businesses, and government agencies.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases in Anacortes are filed in Skagit County District Court for disputes up to $10,000. The docket, judgment, and satisfaction of judgment are public records.
Civil Lawsuits Filed by Anacortes Residents or Businesses
Civil suits above the small claims limit go to Skagit County Superior Court. Plaintiffs and defendants are listed by name. Case captions, motions, and orders are public.
Contract Disputes and Tort Cases
Contract and tort claims (personal injury, property damage) follow the same path as other civil suits. Settlements filed with the court are part of the public record unless sealed by judicial order.
Traffic and Infraction Records
Traffic records are the most common Anacortes case type. They are public and easy to look up by citation number.
Traffic Citations Issued in Anacortes
The Anacortes Police Department issues most traffic citations within city limits. The citation is filed with Anacortes Municipal Court. The defendant can pay online, request a hearing, or contest the ticket.
Parking Infractions and Civil Traffic Violations
Parking infractions are handled by the Anacortes Municipal Court. Civil traffic infractions (no-jail offenses) follow the same docket as other infractions.
Family Court and Probate Records (Skagit County Superior)
Family and probate records are filed in Skagit County Superior Court. Access varies by record type.
Divorce Filings Involving Anacortes Residents
Divorce petitions, decrees, and parenting plans are filed in Skagit County Superior Court. Financial documents and child custody evaluations may be sealed by request.
Probate and Estate Cases
Probate filings include wills, inventory, and final distribution. The docket is public. The will itself becomes public when filed with the court, but some estate documents remain confidential.
Protection Orders and Restraining Orders
Protection orders (domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault) are issued by Superior Court judges. Orders are public, but the petitioner may request address confidentiality through the Address Confidentiality Program.
Other Court Records
Some record types have special sealing rules.
Adoption Records (Typically Sealed)
Adoption records in Washington are sealed by statute. Adult adoptees can request a non-certified copy of the original birth certificate and adoption order under specific eligibility rules.
Mental Health Commitment Records
Mental health involuntary commitment records are restricted. They are not part of the public docket and require a court order for access.
Juvenile Records (Sealed Under RCW 13.50)
Juvenile court records in Skagit County are sealed under RCW 13.50. The records become accessible only through a court order, or automatically sealed once the juvenile meets eligibility criteria under the juvenile sealing statute.
How to Search Anacortes Court Records Online Free
Free search options exist for most Anacortes case types. The state portal covers active dockets. Older records may need a clerk’s request.
Using the Washington Courts Public Portal (wa.courts.gov)
wa.courts.gov is the official Washington Courts portal. It provides a public search link to JIS.
Step-by-Step Access to JIS (Judicial Information System) Link
- Open wa.courts.gov and click the public records or case search section.
- Choose the search type: name, case number, or citation number.
- Enter the defendant’s full name, the case number, or the citation number from the ticket.
- Select the court (Anacortes Municipal Court or Skagit County Superior Court) when prompted.
- Review the docket results, which include hearings, parties, and dispositions.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Citation Number
Name search works best with a full legal name. A case number search returns one specific file. A citation number search works only for traffic infractions filed with the Anacortes Municipal Court or Skagit County District Court.
Limitations of the Free Public Portal
The public portal shows docket entries and party names. It does not always show full document images. Some older records and sealed files do not appear in the online results. The portal also excludes certain case types such as juvenile and adoption records.
Skagit County Superior Court Online Records
Skagit County offers its own electronic records portal for Superior Court cases. This portal is separate from wa.courts.gov.
Skagit County Clerk’s Electronic Records Portal
The Skagit County Clerk provides an online records search for Superior Court cases. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date range. The portal shows case caption, parties, filings, and event history.
Document Image Retrieval vs. Docket-Only Access
Some cases show only docket entries. Other cases provide scanned images of filed documents. Availability depends on the year the case was filed and whether the clerk has digitized the file.
Third-Party Anacortes Court Records Databases
Third-party sites pull data from public sources and present it in a paid format. They are useful in narrow cases.
Comparison Table: wa.courts.gov vs. Third-Party Sites
| Feature | wa.courts.gov (Free) | Third-Party Aggregator |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Subscription or per-record fee |
| Data Source | Official AOC system | Public records, may include other states |
| Update Speed | Daily | Varies by provider |
| Coverage | Washington only | Multi-state |
| Document Images | Limited | Often included |
| Reliability | Primary source | Secondary; errors possible |
Accuracy, Completeness, and Cost Considerations
Third-party sites charge a fee per record or a monthly fee. They can have stale data and occasional transcription errors. Always verify results against the official clerk’s docket when accuracy matters.
When Third-Party Aggregators Are Useful for Journalists and Attorneys
Aggregators help when you need background checks across multiple states. They are useful for journalists tracking recurring names and for attorneys conducting due diligence outside Washington.
Mobile Access to Anacortes Docket Information
Mobile access works through any device with a web browser.
Court Notification Apps
Washington does not currently offer a single statewide court notification app for every case type. Some counties offer local reminder tools. Subscribers receive alerts when new entries appear on a specific case.
Courthouse Signage and QR Code Access
Many Washington courthouses post QR codes at public terminals. The codes link directly to the portal search page for that courthouse, reducing the steps needed to look up a case.
Anacortes Municipal Court vs. Skagit County Superior Court: Where Your Case Lives
Knowing the court level saves time. Each court has its own clerk, address, and access rules.
Jurisdictional Differences Explained
| Factor | Anacortes Municipal Court | Skagit County Superior Court |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Type | Limited (RCW 3.50) | General (RCW 2.08) |
| Case Types | Misdemeanor, traffic, civil infraction, municipal ordinance | Felony, family, probate, civil over limit, juvenile |
| Location | 1218 31st Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 | Mount Vernon, WA (county seat) |
| Online Docket | Yes, via wa.courts.gov | Yes, via wa.courts.gov and Skagit County portal |
| Record Custodian | Municipal Court Clerk | Skagit County Clerk |
Anacortes Municipal Court: Location, Hours, and Contact
The Anacortes Municipal Court sits inside the city civic complex on 31st Street. It serves Anacortes residents and anyone cited within city limits.
Physical Address: 1218 31st St, Anacortes, WA
The courthouse is located at 1218 31st Street, Anacortes, WA 98221. Visitors should confirm hours and entry rules on the City of Anacortes website or at the clerk’s window before arriving.
Clerk’s Window Hours and Phone Contact
The clerk’s window accepts in-person record requests, payment for infractions, and filings. Public counters typically run standard business hours on weekdays. Call the clerk’s office during business hours to confirm exact times and current phone number.
Skagit County Superior Court Clerk’s Office
The Skagit County Superior Court Clerk maintains records for all Superior Court matters tied to Anacortes residents.
Location in Mount Vernon (County Seat)
The Skagit County Courthouse sits in downtown Mount Vernon, the county seat. Anacortes residents travel to Mount Vernon for Superior Court filings, family law matters, and felony records.
Mail and Electronic Filing Options
The Skagit County Clerk accepts written records requests by mail. The clerk also supports electronic filing (eFiling) for attorneys. Self-represented filers can submit paper filings or use the clerk’s eFiling portal where allowed.
How Court Level Affects Record Access and Fees
Court level changes who holds the record and what you pay.
Superior Court Copy Fees vs. Municipal Court Fees
Both courts charge fees set by RCW 36.18.016. Superior Court may charge additional surcharges for certain filings. Municipal Court fees follow the city fee schedule approved by Anacortes.
Online Availability by Court Level
Anacortes Municipal Court dockets appear on wa.courts.gov. Skagit County Superior Court dockets appear on the wa.courts.gov portal and the Skagit County Clerk’s portal. Some older files are available only in person or by mail.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Anacortes Court Records
Use the steps below to find any Anacortes case record. Each step builds on the last.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Court
Look at the citation, charging document, or court notice. It will name either the Anacortes Municipal Court, Skagit County District Court, or Skagit County Superior Court. If you cannot tell, start with wa.courts.gov and use the name search to find which court handled the matter.
Step 2: Gather Search Information (Name, DOB, Case Number)
Pull together the full legal name, date of birth (if known), and the case number from any paperwork. A case number speeds the search. A name search works when you have a unique name.
Step 3: Search Online or Visit In Person
Run the search on wa.courts.gov or the Skagit County portal. If the record does not appear online, visit the appropriate clerk’s window. The clerk can pull older paper files or archived microfilm.
Step 4: Request Certified or Uncertified Copies
Certified copies include a raised or stamped seal and are accepted for legal use. Uncertified copies are cheaper and useful for reference. Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the online portal where available.
Step 5: Appeal or Request Expungement if Applicable
If you need to clear a record, file the right motion in the court that handled the case.
Washington Expungement Law (RCW 9.96)
RCW 9.96 governs the vacation (expungement) of misdemeanor convictions. Eligibility depends on the offense type, time since conviction, and completion of sentence. Filing a motion with the same court that handled the case starts the process.
Vacation of Criminal Records Under Washington State v. Blake
The Washington Supreme Court ruled in State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 711 (2021), that the state’s simple drug possession statute (RCW 69.50.4013) was unconstitutional. People convicted under that statute can seek vacatur. Skagit County has processed a high volume of Blake motions.
Sealing of Records Under GR 31
General Rule 31 controls when a court record can be sealed. The party seeking sealing must file a motion showing good cause. The court weighs privacy interests against the presumption of public access.
Anacortes Court Records Costs, Fees, and Copy Charges
Washington sets clerk fees by statute. The amounts below reflect statewide standards under RCW 36.18.016. Local clerks may charge for additional services not listed here.
Standard Copy Fees (RCW 36.18.016)
RCW 36.18.016 fixes the base rate for clerk services across Washington.
$0.50 Per Page Standard
The base copy rate is $0.50 per page for most clerk-supplied copies. This rate applies to both Anacortes Municipal Court and Skagit County Superior Court.
Certified Copy Surcharge
Certified copies include a certification surcharge on top of the per-page rate. The surcharge is set by statute and listed in the clerk’s fee schedule.
Online Document Retrieval Fees
Online portals may charge a convenience or access fee for downloading certain documents. The Skagit County Clerk’s portal lists these charges during checkout.
Fee Waivers and Reduced-Cost Options
Washington courts can waive fees for people who cannot afford them.
Indigency Waivers
People with low income can file a motion for waiver of clerk fees. The court reviews income, assets, and public benefit status before granting a waiver.
Public Interest Fee Reductions
Journalists and researchers can sometimes negotiate reduced fees under the Public Records Act. The clerk sets the terms based on the scope of the request and the public interest involved.
Anacortes Court Records Pricing Comparison Table
| Service | In-Person Request | Mail Request | Online Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncertified Copy (per page) | $0.50 | $0.50 | Free for docket view |
| Certified Copy (per page) | $0.50 + certification surcharge | $0.50 + certification surcharge | Not always available |
| Document Image Download | N/A | N/A | Per-portal fee |
| Expedited Service | Available for surcharge | Available for surcharge | Not available |
Sealed Records, Expungement, and Access Restrictions in Washington
Most Anacortes court records are public. A meaningful slice, however, is sealed by statute, court order, or both. The next sections explain how to identify sealed records and how to seek relief.
What Court Records Are Sealed in Anacortes?
Sealed records include juvenile cases (RCW 13.50), adoption files, mental health commitments, and certain family law documents. The clerk removes these cases from public search results. Court order is required to open them.
How to Seal or Expunge an Anacortes Court Record
- Confirm eligibility under RCW 9.96, RCW 9.94A, or RCW 13.50.
- Obtain the conviction or disposition records from the court that handled the case.
- File a motion to vacate or seal in that court.
- Serve the prosecuting attorney’s office as required by local rule.
- Attend the hearing or proceed by declaration if allowed.
- Receive the court order and confirm the clerk has updated the docket.
Washington State v. Blake (2021) Vacatur Impact
State v. Blake invalidated simple drug possession convictions under RCW 69.50.4013. The ruling applies to convictions across Washington, including Skagit County.
How Blake Vacatur Affected Skagit County and Anacortes Case Records
Skagit County processed a large volume of Blake motions. Eligible Anacortes defendants with simple possession convictions can move to vacate those convictions. Once vacated, the record reflects dismissal and may qualify for sealing under follow-up statutes and the Blake fix legislation enacted in 2023.
Access by Attorney, Law Enforcement, and Court Personnel
Attorneys of record, law enforcement officers on official business, and court staff can access sealed records when their role requires it. Access logs track each viewing. Misuse is a sanctionable violation of GR 31.
Google Maps Location for Anacortes Municipal Court
The Anacortes Municipal Court sits at 1218 31st Street, Anacortes, WA 98221. The map below shows the courthouse location for planning your visit. Confirm hours and entry rules on the City of Anacortes website before you travel.
Quick Reference: Court Contact and Access Details
The information below lists the court levels that serve Anacortes residents. Use wa.courts.gov for online docket searches. Visit or call the clerks during business hours for copies, filings, and case-specific questions.
| Resource | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Online Portal | wa.courts.gov |
| Anacortes Municipal Court Address | 1218 31st Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 |
| Skagit County Superior Court Location | Mount Vernon, WA (Skagit County seat) |
| Governing Statute (Public Access) | RCW 42.56 (Public Records Act) |
| Governing Court Rule (Access) | General Rule 31 (GR 31) |
| Standard Copy Fee | $0.50 per page (RCW 36.18.016) |
| Expungement / Vacation Statute | RCW 9.96 (misdemeanors); RCW 9.94A (felonies); State v. Blake (2021) |
| Juvenile Sealing Statute | RCW 13.50 |
Tips for Faster Anacortes Court Records Searches
A few habits shorten the search and reduce errors.
- Use the case number when you have it. A case number returns one file in seconds.
- Search the citation number for traffic tickets filed in Anacortes Municipal Court.
- Run name searches with full legal names, including middle names when known.
- Confirm the court level before requesting certified copies. The wrong clerk cannot help you.
- Check wa.courts.gov first for current dockets. Visit the clerk only for older files or document images.
- For Blake-related vacatur, contact the Skagit County Clerk’s office for current procedures and forms.
Final Reference: Key Statutes and Rules for Anacortes Court Records
These authorities govern access, sealing, expungement, and fees for Anacortes court records. Keep them in mind when filing motions or assessing eligibility.
- RCW 42.56 — Washington Public Records Act, defines disclosure duties for judicial records held by clerks.
- GR 31 — General Rule 31 of Washington Courts, governs access to and sealing of court records.
- RCW 2.08 — Establishes superior court jurisdiction in Washington.
- RCW 3.50 — Establishes municipal court jurisdiction in Washington.
- RCW 9.96 — Misdemeanor vacation (expungement) statute.
- RCW 9.94A — Felony sentencing and related record relief statutes.
- RCW 13.50 — Juvenile records and sealing.
- RCW 36.18.016 — Clerk fee schedule.
- State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 711 (2021) — Washington Supreme Court ruling that vacated simple drug possession convictions under former RCW 69.50.4013.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Users searching for Anacortes Court Records often need clear answers about access, search steps, and document types. This FAQ covers practical questions about Anacortes WA court records search, online lookup tools, docket availability, and how to find cases through official Skagit County systems. Each answer lists steps you can follow right away.
How do I find Anacortes court records online?
You can find Anacortes court records online through Skagit County court portals and the Washington Courts case search platform. Start at the Skagit County Superior Court Clerk website to search civil, criminal, and probate cases by party name or case number. Then visit the Anacortes Municipal Court page to view misdemeanor filings, traffic citations, and city infractions. Next, check the Washington Courts case search for statewide docket entries, hearing dates, and disposition summaries. Results appear within seconds when you enter a full name or correct case number.
What types of cases appear in Anacortes WA court records?
Anacortes WA court records span case types across municipal, district, and superior courts. First, the Anacortes Municipal Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, DUI charges, and code enforcement violations within city limits. Next, Skagit County District Court hears civil claims under $75,000, small criminal matters, and protection orders. Finally, Superior Court case records feature felonies, family law disputes, divorces, probate filings, and civil lawsuits above the district limit. Users can pull charging papers, motions, judgments, sentencing orders, and final decrees from the clerk’s online docket index.
Where can I access Anacortes public court documents for free?
You can access Anacortes public court documents for free through official government websites. First, the Washington Courts online portal at courts.wa.gov features a free case search that pulls Skagit County docket entries, party names, and hearing schedules. Next, Skagit County’s Superior Court Clerk office publishes a free index showing civil and criminal filings from past decades. Then the Anacortes city website links to a public records request form for municipal files. Finally, you only pay fees when you request certified copies or full document images.
How do I run an Anacortes court docket search by party name?
To run an Anacortes court docket search by party name, first visit the Skagit County Superior Court Clerk online records page and select the name search option. Next, enter the party full legal name, then add a birth year if you know it to narrow results. After that, the system returns matching case numbers, filing dates, charge types, and judge assignments. You can repeat the same search on the Anacortes Municipal Court site for city-level violations. Finally, verify spelling closely, since small errors can hide the docket you need.
Are Anacortes case records lookup results the same as certified copies?
No, Anacortes case records lookup results differ from certified copies in important ways. First, online lookups show docket summaries, party lists, hearing dates, and basic disposition notes pulled from the court database. Next, certified copies carry an official court seal and serve as legal proof for immigration, employment, firearm purchases, and other formal uses. Then, you order certified copies directly from the Skagit County Clerk or the Anacortes Municipal Court by mail, phone, or in person. Finally, plan for a small fee per page and a few days of turnaround.
Why might an Anacortes court records database search return no results?
An Anacortes court records database search can return no results for common reasons tied to name spelling, court level, or record status. First, the case might exist under a different spelling, a previous married name, or a nickname you did not try. Next, older records before the digital conversion year may stay off the online index and require an in-person request. Then, sealed cases, juvenile matters, and expunged convictions disappear from public view by law. Finally, you might be searching the wrong court level, so cross-check municipal, district, and superior databases before giving up.