Washington Criminal Records Online

Are Criminal Records Public in Washington?

Yes, criminal records are public records in Washington. As per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), criminal records are public records since they were created and maintained by law enforcement agencies in the state. The only exceptions are those that have been sealed, expunged or expressly restricted by the law. Information provided in a Washington criminal record include:

Full name of the subject as well as all known aliases
Date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, and other unique personal details
A complete set of fingerprints and the subject’s mugshot
Details of previous and current indictments
Subject’s arrest records and outstanding warrants
Subject’s Conviction data

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Washington?

Criminal records in Washington, also known as rap sheets, are official documents describing criminal activities of individuals within the state. These records include arrest data, dispositions, and Washington conviction information. There are different types of criminal records and these are prepared by different local and state law enforcement agencies, courts, and detention facilities.

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Washington?

Washington public criminal records are accessible by all members of the public, according to the FOIA. The digitization of criminal records has made it easy for the public to access the on demand court records online. In Washington, a requester can perform a criminal record search via the office of the clerk of the various trial courts. Alternatively, a search can be done at the State's Department of Police or at the office of the county sheriff. It is important to take note that though a requester may not find a free public criminal record check service, it is possible to find a cost effective public search in Washington.

Are Washington Arrest Records Public?

Yes, Washington arrest records are open and available for public viewing according to the FOIA. Public arrest records are generated by local and state law enforcement agencies. Free arrest can be obtained through the official record custodian, typically the agencies that perform the arrest. Arrest records are also available online through the county Sheriff’s website arrest search tools.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in Washington?

In Washington, arrest records are official documents prepared by the State's Department of Police or other law enforcement agencies providing details of arrests. These records are made when individuals are taken into custody following their alleged involvement in crimes. Such arrests may occur during the course of police investigations or after officers directly observe criminal activities. While arrest records provide details of the apprehension and detention, they are not proof of culpability or indictment. They are only included in criminal records when such arrests are followed by indictments or court hearings. Not all arrests result in detention. In some cases, Washington law enforcement officers may arrest individuals just to ticket them or bring them in for questioning.

What Shows Up on an Arrest Record in Washington?

Details contained in a Washington arrest record include:

Description of the alleged crime or cause for the arrest
Arrestee’s name, gender, birth date, and other identifying personal information
Date and place of the arrest
Identity of the arresting officer
Location of the detention center or jail where arrestee is held
Name of the official that issued the arrest warrant

Arrest records are only one of several police records compiled when an individual has an interaction with law enforcement. Police records include warrants, arrest records, incident reports, sex offender information, and logs of police activities.

Washington Arrest Warrants

In Washington, courts issue arrest warrants. These are official orders authorizing designated law enforcement officials to arrest named individuals. Judges and magistrates issue arrest warrants in Washington. To obtain such a warrant from a sitting judge, a law enforcement officer or district attorney must come before a judge and show probable cause. Unless otherwise stated, arrest warrants are only valid for a stated period of time.

An arrest warrant in Washington typically should provide the following details:

Name and other personal information subject of the warrant
Details of the alleged criminal offense or probable cause for the arrest
Where and when the arrest may take place
An expiry date if the warrant has a validity period
Name of the warrant issuer and date of issue
Bail/bond conditions, if applicable

Although Washington does not have a central, statewide warrant search database, it is possible to find this information through local agencies. Parties can also run an active warrant search through the national databases from DEA Fugitive Search tool or the U.S. Marshall's Warrant Information System.

It is also possible for a state or local law enforcement officer to make an arrest without a warrant in Washington. This should only happen when the arresting officer witnessed the crime and/or has probable cause to make an arrest.

Washington Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Washington misdemeanors are considered lesser or less serious crimes in the state of Washington. These contrast with felonies that are considered more serious. Misdemeanors charges in Washington state do not exceed 1 year in prison or jail, but do often have fines and other punishments like community service. Repeat misdemeanor can eventually result in more serious punishments or even an upgrade to a felony. There are only 2 types of misdemeanor in Washington which are known as gross (the more serious) and simple (the less serious) misdemeanors.

Gross misdemeanors have a maximum jail time of 364 days and a maximum fine of up to $5,000. Common gross misdemeanors examples include; DUIs, hit and runs, domestic assault and severe reckless driving incidents.Simple misdemeanors have a maximum jail time of 90 days and a maximum fine of $1,000. Common misdemeanors include petty theft, disorderly conduct, trespassing, vandalism, and possession of more than 40 grams of marijuana.

Washington Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

In Washington, felonies are serious crimes punished by imprisonment in state prisons. Unlike misdemeanors, Washington felony charges do attract prison terms longer than one year. Felony sentences may also include fines. There are three classes of felonies in Washington. The most serious ones are in Class A while the least serious felonies are categorized under Class C. Beyond these, there is aggravated first-degree murder. This crime sits above Class A felonies and may be punished by the death penalty.

Class A felonies are punished by a maximum life term in prison, fines up to $50,000, or both. Washington puts more rapes in this category
Class B felonies are punished by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine amount of $20,000, or both. Theft of property valued above $5,000 is an example of a Class B felony
Class C felonies are punished by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both. An example of Class C felonies is the third-degree assault of a child

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Washington?

The Washington sex offender registery are registries for sex offenders that are maintained by local law enforcement agencies in the state. While local law enforcement agencies register sex offenders in their jurisdiction, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs maintain a statewide database containing sex offender records collated from local law enforcement. To see a complete listing of sex offenders in the state, search the Washington state sex offender registry. The megan’s law in Washington has also made it compulsory for all sex offender to register at the state of national sex offender registry.

There are three sex offender levels in Washington. Level I offenders are the least likely to re-offend and are excluded from the publicly accessible Washington State Sex Offender Registry. However, this listing includes information about out of compliance and transient Level I offenders. Level II offenders pose moderate risk while Level III offenders are most likely to re-offend. Washinton’s sex offender regsitry lists all Level II and III offenders.

The passage of Megan’s law and its federal adoption inspired other states to sign into law their versions of Megan's law. In Washington, convicted sex offenders in Washington must register within 24 hours of release or within 3 days of establishing residency or moving into a new county. Washington requires registered sex offenders to regularly verify their addresses. Level I offenders may do so every year but Level II and III offenders must verify their addresses every 90 days.

Understanding DUI Laws in Washington

A Washington DUI (driving under the influence) is a serious traffic violation. Other serious traffic violations in the state of Washington include speeding, negligent driving, tailgating, failure to stop/yield right of way, and reckless endangerment of road workers. Washington state DUI law defines a DUI as a person operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, mairjuana, or any other mind-altering substance. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of. 08 or higher constitutes a DUI charge in Washington. Drivers with a THC concentration of 5 or higher will also face DUI charges.

In addition to possible court-ordered punishments, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) may also suspend the licenses of repeat offenders. The DOL suspends the licenses of motorists with six moving violations within a 12-month period or seven moving violations in a 24-month period. Such license suspensions last for 60 days followed by a 1-year probation period. Getting a ticket for a moving violation during the probation period leads to a 30-day license suspension and the restart of the probation period.

How to Lookup Washington Inmate Records

Washington inmate records are described as the official documents providing details on inmates’ incarceration and release from these facilities. These records also establish the identities and locations of incarcerated individuals.Washington jail records refer to documents detailing the operations of various detention and correctional facilities in the state. These include state prisons as well as county and city jails.

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) oversees the operations of all state prisons and work release facilities. To search for inmate information, use the agency’s Inmate Search tool. Local jails are administered by the various sheriff’s offices and police departments in the counties and cities of Washington. For inmate and jail records for these local detention centers, a requester can look up the various local law enforcement by visiting or calling them.

A Washington inmate record contains the following details:

The full name of the inmate including known aliases
Identifying personal data such as gender, race, height, scars etc.
Full set of inmate’s fingerprints and mugshot
Details of crime(s) committed by the convicted inmate
Date of incarceration, eligibility for early release, and projected release date
Location of the detention/correctional facility housing the inmate
Details of past convictions and sentences served

How to Get Washington Parole Information

The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) handles parole and probation in the Washington correctional system. The parole board functions as a quasi-judicial board that works with the Washington DOC to guide inmates against parole violation. Use the Inmate Data Search tool to find some information about parolees in the state. For additional parole information, submit a public records request to the ISRB. Use the Board’s Electronic Request Portal to send in the request. Alternatively, send a mail request to:

Department of Corrections Public Records Office
P.O. Box 41118
Olympia, WA 98504-1118

Make sure to include the parolee’s name, date of request, and records requested.

Washington Probation Records

Washington probation records describe details of suspended sentences served outside correctional facilities. Individuals placed on probation are convicted for established crimes but serve their sentences outside prisons and jails. Probation is best described as supervised freedom, with a probation officer attached to each probationer. The probation officer monitors the probationer and reports any kind of probation violation. A complete probation record identifies the convict’s identity and describes the indictment leading to the sentencing including the convict’s criminal offense, date of the judgment, and terms of probation. The Washington DOC maintains probation records and may provide them to the public upon request.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Washington?

Washington juvenile criminal records provide details of criminal activities of persons regarded as minors (under 18 years). While Washington does not try juveniles as adults, their criminal records still include details of arrests, indictments, judgments, adjudications, and probation. The Washington legal code does not recognize juvenile delinquency and some juvenile criminal records may be accessible to the public. For example, juvenile adjudication records are just as accessible as adult conviction records. Similarly, Washington juvenile records do not disappear when juveniles turn 18. To prevent public access to these records, former juveniles must ask the court to seal those records.

What are Washington Conviction Records?

Washington conviction records are official court documents describing the convictions of individuals found guilty of crimes. These records are prepared after indicted persons have submitted their pleas, had their hearings, and are adjudged guilty of the crime for which they are charged. Conviction records may arise from infraction, misdemeanor, or felony charges. They are rendered by juries or judges in non-jury trials. Washington conviction records include the final judgements of guilty parties. Following their trials, they may be placed on probation, fined, imprisoned, or paroled. Conviction records for pardoned convicts and judgements set aside or reversed do not include final judgments.

Washington History and Accuracy of Criminal Records

Before computer systems were used for recordkeeping, Washington state and local courts, law enforcement agencies, and detention facilities kept records on paper. Keeping records on paper means writing or typing them out. Therefore, they are more prone to human error than electronic records. Similarly, paper records are easier to lose and deteriorate with time. Electronic records, on the other hand, can be kept in multiple locations and are easier to retrieve and access. These differences make electronic criminal records more accurate.

Find Washington Criminal History Record for Free

Washington has very specific rules governing how government records are created, maintained, and made available to the public; including the matters of fees and payments. These records are created with the goal of successfully prosecuting offenders, solving crimes, and protecting Washingtonians using criminal justice information, therefore, a requester in Washington must be prepared to pay in order to obtain Washington criminal records from official sources. However, eligible persons may be offered a waiver if they satisfy the state’s requirements for obtaining these records. Otherwise, the inquirer may view criminal record information, or criminal court details by visiting the office of the record custodian and accessing the record of interest using public access computers.

Are Police Records Public in Washington?

Yes, police records are public unless otherwise specified by state law. A police record is a list of crimes for which a person has previously been convicted. A criminal record or police record reveals a person's criminal history and is frequently used by potential employers, lenders, and others to assess his or her trustworthiness. Warrants, arrest records, incident reports, sex offender information, and police activity logs are examples of police records. Police records are public records, but they are not available to the public while an investigation is ongoing. According to Washington's Public Records Laws, one can only request police records after a conviction has been obtained.

Aside from the Freedom of Information Act, which allows access to public records, the Washington Public Records Act confirms that police records in Washington are public and can be requested by the public. Police records in Washington include information about any offense an individual has admitted to committing as well as any offense for which an offender has been found guilty.

How to Obtain Police Records in Washington

Criminal history is documented in a criminal record, police record, or RAP sheet, as it is in other states (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions). This record contains information about a person's previous interactions with law enforcement. The data is gathered from a variety of sources, including local police departments for arrests, courts for trials and convictions, and the state prison system for incarceration information. In order to obtain police records in Washington, a fee-based search can be conducted through the State Police in Washington known as Washington State Patrol.

The police records can be retrieved via any of the following channels:

WATCH allows a requester to run a background check online and receive the results immediately (Washington Access to Criminal History)
By Mail: Requesters may submit a request for conviction Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) to the Identification and Background Check Section by submitting a completed Request for Conviction Criminal History Form, along with applicable fees.
In Person: A requester may make a request for conviction CHRI based on an individual's name and date of birth in person by completing a Request for Conviction Criminal History Form or by submitting a full set of fingerprints in person. Children are typically not permitted in the fingerprinting room.

Apart from Certified criminal justice agencies, which may request and receive unrestricted criminal history record information (CHRI) or criminal justice information from the WSP Identification and Criminal History Records Section for criminal justice purposes, the public may also request and receive CHRI for non-criminal justice purposes, but it is limited to conviction information and arrests less than one year old with dispositions.

Are Police Reports Public Record in Washington?

A police report is a formal document that details all of the circumstances, timeline, and facts of an incident (often illegal). It is typically used by the police department, the victim of the crime, and court personnel.

In Washington, police records are considered public record information. According to Washington law (Chapter 42.56 RCW), identifiable public records must be made available to the public for inspection and copying upon request. Only records exempt from disclosure by law may be withheld. Unless specifically exempted by law, all records kept by state and local governments are open to the public. A requester has the right to access public records under reasonable conditions, as well as copies of those records upon payment of the copying costs.

The state of Washington has made it extremely simple for citizens to order and receive their police reports in a timely manner. To obtain a police report, go to the Washington State Patrol website and submit your request. Sometimes the report is ready in minutes.

How to File a Police Report with Washington Law Enforcement

To file a police report in Washington, as in other states, an individual can use the online reporting channels, call 911 for emergencies, or call the police non-emergency line. In addition, an individual can file a report in person by going to the police station in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. The type of suspected crime (burglary, arson, etc.), the location, how the information was received and reported (for example, over the phone as an assault), the date and time of the complaint and the actual incident, any injuries, and the officers involved are typically included in the incident data on police reports.

If a person is unsure where to file a police report in Washington or which police station has jurisdiction over the crime, they should be prepared to be directed to another location or department to speak with the appropriate officers. In most counties, users of the online police report system must submit a report immediately after an incident and then print a free copy of the police report. A valid email account is required for online report submission. Online police reports can be filed for crimes with no known suspects, crimes that aren't currently taking place, and situations in which no one is injured.

Most counties in Washington require an incident to have occurred in the past to qualify for filing. Anyone who is involved in a non-emergency incident or a situation that requires immediate police attention can file a police complaint. However, if the crime is in progress, the individual must dial 911 immediately. Individuals may call their local law enforcement agency's non-emergency number, register an incident report in person at their police precinct, or file a police complaint online for concerns that do not require an immediate response. If filing a complaint in person, identification may be required at the police station, so having an identification document on hand will be useful.

Where to Find Free Public Police Records in Washington

Criminal History and Public Records are fingerprint-based records and disposition information submitted by Washington law enforcement agencies and courts. These background checks and records requests in Washington are fee-based. There is no official provision in Washington that provides free access to public records. However, third-party alternatives are available online where requesters can obtain free criminal and police records.

The Washington State Archives is the state of Washington's data repository. Because it contains genealogical information for ancestry searches, land titles, historical marriage, death, and birth records, his data repository can be useful for finding historical information.

How to Find Mugshots in Washington

Mugshots are photographs of a person's face that are taken for official purposes, specifically for police records, and they are not typically included in a Washington background check. A mug shot is a photograph of a person taken from the shoulders up, usually following an arrest. Although the Department of Justice does not release mugshots of criminal defendants due to privacy concerns, courts have ruled that the public has a right to see them; in Washington, police records are considered public documents and can be requested from a variety of government agencies, particularly the arresting law enforcement agency.

According to the Washington Public Records Act, residents of Washington have the right to search for, obtain, and inspect public records. This law states that government records and information are presumed public, so mugshots from various government agencies, including Washington State, County, and local law enforcement, are available for public request. Washington Police Departments and Washington Criminal Courts keep arrest records, warrants, and mug shots.

A requester can do any of the following to obtain free mugshots:

Look up the person's name on third party sites
Visit the website of the police department or sheriff's office in the area where the person lives or was arrested.
Look for local online newspaper accounts of the person's crime.