>Adams County Arrest Records Online

Adams County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County, Washington?

Arrest records are public in Adams County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This comprehensive legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement entities, are presumptively open for public inspection and copying. The Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability to the citizens of Washington State.

Members of the public may access arrest records through various Adams County agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk's Office. These records typically become available after an individual has been processed through the booking procedure at the Adams County Jail. Under Washington State law, certain information may be redacted from these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as specified in RCW 42.56.240.

The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, noting their importance in maintaining an informed citizenry and ensuring proper oversight of law enforcement activities. However, requesters should be aware that some records may be subject to exemptions under state law, particularly those involving juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, or cases under active investigation.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Adams County?

Adams County arrest records are accessible online through several official government portals. The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of current inmate information and recent arrests that is updated regularly. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public information transparency as mandated by Washington State's Public Records Act.

The Adams County Sheriff's Office provides a mobile application that allows public access to real-time jail roster information. This application can be downloaded from both Google Play and Apple's App Store, offering convenient access to arrest data for county residents and interested parties. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a warrant search database that includes information on individuals with active warrants in Adams County.

For historical arrest records that may not be available through these online resources, individuals may need to submit formal records requests through the Adams County Clerk's Office. The online availability of these records is subject to certain limitations established by RCW 10.97, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information in Washington State.

How to Look Up Adams County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Adams County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several established methods in accordance with Washington State public records laws. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and time constraints.

Online Resources:

Access the Adams County official website to utilize their digital records portal
Search the Washington Courts case search system for court records related to arrests
Utilize the Sheriff's Office mobile application for real-time jail roster information
Check the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant database for active warrants

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Adams County Sheriff's Office 210 W Broadway Ave Ritzville, WA 99169 Phone: (509) 659-1122 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit requests at the Adams County Clerk's Office 210 W Broadway Ave, Room 102 Ritzville, WA 99169 Phone: (509) 659-3257 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests:

Submit a completed Court Record Request Form by mail
Include specific information about the record being sought, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
Enclose the appropriate fee as established by the Adams County fee schedule
Allow 5-10 business days for processing as required by RCW 42.56.520

Pursuant to Washington State law, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a specific citation to the exemption in the law, or acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time required to respond.

Contents of an Adams County Arrest Record

Adams County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Washington State law and local administrative procedures. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest and detention.

Standard information included in Adams County arrest records encompasses:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known monikers
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in certain public versions)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint data collected during booking procedures
Enumeration of all criminal charges filed, including citation of relevant Washington State statutes
Case numbers assigned by the arresting agency and court system
Bail or bond information, including amount set and payment status
Court appearance dates and locations at the Adams County Superior Court
Disposition information indicating the resolution of each charge
Sentencing details when applicable, including incarceration terms, probation requirements, and fines

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is governed by RCW 10.97.030, which defines criminal history record information and establishes standards for its collection and maintenance. The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Washington State retention schedules as established by the Washington State Archives.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Adams County

Adams County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Washington State law. Expungement, also referred to as "vacating" or "sealing" in Washington State legal terminology, is the legal process through which an individual's arrest record is removed from public access.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Adams County include:

Completion of all sentencing requirements, including payment of fines and restitution
Fulfillment of waiting periods as specified in RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) or RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies)
Absence of pending criminal charges in any court within Washington State or other jurisdictions
No convictions for new crimes during the waiting period
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including most violent felonies and sex offenses

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Adams County Superior Court located at:

Adams County Superior Court
210 W Broadway Ave
Ritzville, WA 99169-1860
Phone: (509) 659-3271
Court Website

Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms as prescribed by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts and pay the required filing fee, currently set at $240 for most cases. The court may waive this fee for indigent petitioners upon submission of a properly executed fee waiver request.

Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records pertaining to the arrest and conviction. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, these agencies must comply with the court order within 60 days of receipt.