King County Arrest Records

Arrest records in King County are the official documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody and is booked into jail. These records are significant because they promote transparency and oversight of the justice system under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). However, the release of sensitive criminal history information is regulated by state law, particularly RCW 10.97, which limits criminal offender record information. Arrest records are used by courts to manage cases, by counsel to track proceedings, and by the public to ensure accountability. They also support background checks for employment, licensing, and housing, and may serve as the foundation for later remedies, such as expungement, sealing, or vacating a conviction when allowed by law.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Washington?

Yes. In Washington, arrest records are generally considered public information under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This law affirms the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. At the same time, RCW 10.97 restricts how "criminal history record information" may be released, balancing public access with privacy and safety protections.

The principle is openness: the public has a right to know when an individual is detained, the charges filed, and the status of the arrest. Still, some information is exempt. For example:

• Juvenile arrest records are generally sealed or confidential under RCW 13.50.050.
• Records that would compromise ongoing investigations or reveal sensitive law enforcement techniques.
• Victim and witness information, which is redacted for safety and privacy.
• Certain medical or mental health details protected under state and federal privacy laws.
• Sealed or vacated arrest records, which are no longer accessible to the public once a court orders their removal from the public record.

King County Arrest Search

Arrest records in King County can be located through county-level resources and statewide options. The King County Superior Court maintains criminal case files, which are accessible through the Washington Courts' online portal. The statewide "Odyssey Portal" allows the public to search criminal dockets and registers of action by entering the defendant's name, date of birth, or case number. Court kiosks are also available in-person for free searches of pending and past criminal cases. Certified copies of documents may be requested from the King County Superior Court Clerk's Office, usually requiring a written request and payment of copy fees (generally $0.50 per page and $5.00 per document certification).

Law enforcement agencies within King County, including the King County Sheriff's Office, maintain incident and arrest reports. Requests for these records can be submitted under the Public Records Act by mail, in person, or online. A written request should include the subject's name, date of birth, approximate arrest date, and other identifying details. Copies are provided after payment of a per-page fee set by county ordinance. Processing time depends on the scope of the request and the need to redact exempt information.

At the state level, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) manages the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) system, which provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee of $11. WATCH reports include arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Washington law enforcement and courts. For a complete background check, individuals may be required to submit fingerprint-based requests through the WSP Identification and Background Check Section.

King County Inmate Locator

The King County Jail, managed by the King County Sheriff's Office, provides an online inmate roster that lists individuals currently held in custody. Searches may be conducted by name, booking number, or date of birth. The roster displays information such as booking date, charges, bail amounts, and housing location.

Requests for copies of arrest or booking reports can also be mailed to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. A request should include the report number (if known), the date and location of the incident, and the names of those involved. Identification is required, and attorneys or investigators must use official letterhead or submit subpoenas. Fees apply for copies, with certified copies carrying additional charges.

Mailing Address:

Phone inquiries about arrest reports and inmate status may be made by contacting the Sheriff's Office Records Unit during business hours.

Active Warrant Search in King County

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to detain a specific individual. In King County, the Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants. While there is no public statewide warrant search database, inquiries about King County warrants may be made directly through the Sheriff's Warrants Division. Some warrants may also appear in the Washington Courts' online system when charges are filed.

Because of safety and privacy concerns, law enforcement may confirm the existence of a warrant but will not provide full details over the phone. Persons with an active warrant are generally advised to contact the court of issuance or the Sheriff's Office to address the matter.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in King County

Free options for locating arrest information in King County include:

• King County Jail Roster: Available online and updated regularly with names, booking details, and charges of those currently in custody.
• Washington Courts Portal: Provides free access to registers of action and court calendars for criminal cases filed in King County Superior Court.
• Public kiosks: Located at the courthouse for in-person searches at no cost.

Police reports, certified copies of records, and statewide background checks are subject to fees.

King County Arrest Report

A King County arrest report is a detailed narrative prepared by the arresting officer, describing the circumstances of the incident. It includes observations, statements, probable cause, and evidence collected at the time of arrest. By contrast, an arrest record is a summary entry showing that an arrest occurred, listing the name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The report provides context, while the record documents the official fact of arrest.

How to Get Arrest Records Expunged in King County

Washington law does not provide for traditional expungement of adult criminal records. Instead, individuals may petition to have records vacated or sealed under certain conditions.

• Arrests without conviction: Under RCW 10.97.060, individuals may request deletion of non-conviction data if charges were dismissed, not filed, or resulted in acquittal.
• Convictions: A person may file a Motion to Vacate a conviction in King County Superior Court under RCW 9.96.060 (for misdemeanors) or RCW 9.94A.640 (for felonies). Eligibility depends on completing probation, paying legal financial obligations, and remaining crime-free for the statutory waiting period.
• Juvenile records: May be sealed under RCW 13.50.260 once eligibility requirements are met.

The King County Superior Court Clerk provides information on filing procedures and required forms. Once an order to vacate or seal is granted, law enforcement and state agencies must update their databases accordingly.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records from the Internet?

The most effective way to limit online publication of arrest records is through sealing or vacating the record in court. Once state databases are corrected, many third-party sites eventually update their data. However, private databases may continue to display outdated information. In those cases, individuals can:

• Submit removal or "opt-out" requests to the site hosting the record.
• Provide proof of a court order sealing or vacating the case.
• Seek assistance from legal counsel or online reputation management services.

Search engines such as Google also allow individuals to request removal of outdated cached content once the source site has deleted or corrected the information.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under Washington law, public arrest records may include:

• Full name of the individual arrested
• Booking number
• Arrest date and time
• Arresting agency
• Charges filed or alleged offenses
• Bail or bond status
• Custody location
• Court case number if charges were filed

Sensitive details such as medical data, victim information, or juvenile records are excluded or redacted as required by law.