Washington Criminal Records

Washington criminal records are documents that provide an official account of an individual's criminal involvement (or interaction with law enforcement) within state limits. The Washington Justice Management Division commonly uses the term Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) to refer to criminal records. The Washington State Patrol oversees the management, maintenance, and distribution of these records.

Customarily, Washington Criminal History Record Information comprises data collected by the court or law enforcement agencies. This data outlines the arrest, detention, indictment, charges, and sentences and the correctional supervision and release of suspects or offenders.

Are Criminal Records Public in Washington?

Yes. According to the Washington Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), members of the public can access Criminal History Record Information from arresting agencies or record custodians. However, per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 10.97.050, access is limited to records of arrests of less than 1 year with no pending judicial arrangement, information about convicted offenders, and information about sex/kidnapping offenders for non-judicial purposes.

Conversely, Washington criminal justice agencies have unrestricted access to criminal history record information to facilitate thorough investigations and the administration of justice. These agencies can only share such information with other criminal justice agencies and persons authorized by court order.

Washington Crime Records by County

The compilation and transmission of crime statistics in Washington state is the responsibility of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. These records aid thorough investigations into the occurrence of crimes within the state, enabling the review of crime rates, patterns, and trends. Furthermore, the analysis of these statistics facilitate the development of strategies and policies aimed at enhancing public safety and crime prevention efforts within the community.

Washington crime records and crime statistics are accessible to the general public. Individuals can utilize the data tool offered by the Statistical Analysis Center to access the available resources. Users have the option to either view the records online or download them for reference.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) issues an annual crime statistics report per jurisdiction. According to the 2022 issue, under Redmond PD in Kings County, 4,187 offenses were recorded, with larceny-theft offenses ranking highest at 2,075, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. In the North Bend PD jurisdiction of the same county, 592 offenses were recorded. Larceny-theft offenses were the highest, at 283, a 2.2% increase compared to 2021.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver PD in Clark County, 24,471 offenses were recorded, with larceny-theft offenses being the highest at 8,051 and destruction of property following at 4,214.

Washington Criminal Record Check

Members of the public can conduct a Washington criminal record check or obtain certified Washington Criminal History Information from the Washington State Patrol (WPS) online, in person, and by mail.

Inquirers may perform a fingerprint or name-based criminal record search for in-person requests. Requesters who want to perform a fingerprint Criminal History Report Information check must submit a complete set of the offender's fingerprints and pay a processing fee of $58 at the office address below.

Washington State Patrol

106 Olympia office

11th Avenue Southwest, Suite 1300

*Olympia Washington 98501 *

Meanwhile, residents conducting a name-based criminal record search must fill out and submit the Criminal History Record Information form, which can be obtained from the fingerprint service office. Inquirers only need to provide the offender's name and date of birth. The processing fee, which can be paid using cash, check, or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express), is $32.

Alternatively, inquirers can request a Criminal Record by submitting the name of the offender, date of birth, fingerprints, and a notarized letter to the following mail address:

Washington State Patrol, Identification, and Background Check Station

P.O Box 42633

Olympia, Washington 98504-2633

The requester will be required to pay fees for fingerprints, conviction CHRI, and the notarized letter, amounting to $58, $32, and $10, respectively. Fees can be paid in cash or through credit card transfer.

Find Criminal Records Online in Washington

Interested members of the public may find criminal records online in Washington via the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) online system. This service provides immediate results, allowing interested individuals to obtain criminal records for a fee of $11. Access to the WATCH service can be facilitated through the use of a credit card, a pre-established billing account, or a non-profit account.

Free Criminal Record Search in Washington

The general public can access a free Washington criminal background check exclusively through the Washington Court's designated website. Users can search for individuals based on their name, case number, or date of arrest. However, It should be noted that the information available on the Washington Court website is limited and intended solely for non-legal purposes.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Washington?

Because of laws that permit public access to criminal records, individuals with felony convictions may still face significant hurdles when seeking affordable housing and employment opportunities. Additionally, a criminal history can result in the denial of basic human rights, including access to armed services, education, employment, and credit. This is why the Washington State Legislature has implemented specific measures, such as the Washington Fair Chance Act, which prohibits potential employers from considering criminal records until an applicant is found unsuitable for a job due to other reasons.

Moreover, Washington permits individuals reintegrating into society to request expungement, sealing, or vacation of their criminal records after maintaining a clean record for 10 or more years. Nonetheless, the appeal process can be intricate.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Washington?

No. However, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act 19.182 RCW, credit reporting agencies, the Washington State Patrol, and other authorized third-party entities are only allowed to disclose Criminal History Information that is no more than 7 years old to the general public. This restriction is in place to protect individuals from the long-term dissemination of outdated criminal records.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

Arrest records in Washington typically form part of a rap sheet, including arrest records and prosecutions. However, a RAPsheet does not provide detailed information about whether an individual was convicted of the charges against them. On the other hand, a Washington criminal record offers comprehensive details about an individual's arrest, detention, arraignment, indictment, conviction, sentencing, and correctional processes. Consequently, these records are officially distinct from each other.

**Washington Police Records **

Typically, all actions conducted by the Police Department within the state, as well as any police participation in a given situation, are documented. These documents are known as Washington police records and encompass several reports. Washington police records include dispatch logs, incident reports, arrest records, accident reports, citations, and others.

Washington law enforcement agencies maintain and disseminate police records. Each record is distinct in terms of its content and accessibility to the public. Furthermore, each record is governed by Washington's public record laws, dictating its transparency and limitations on access.