Benton County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Benton County, Washington?
Arrest records in Benton County, Washington are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection and copying. The statute serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout Washington State, including Benton County.
Members of the public may access these records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for the information. However, certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information as outlined in RCW 42.56.240.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under RCW 40.14.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Benton County?
Digital access to Benton County arrest records is available through several official online platforms. The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides current booking information and recent arrest data. This digital resource is maintained pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14, which governs electronic records access.
The online availability of these records represents the implementation of Washington's commitment to government transparency as codified in RCW 42.56.520, which encourages agencies to provide the "fullest assistance" to requestors and the "most timely possible action" on requests.
Users of online arrest record systems should note that digital records may not always contain complete information. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain criminal history record information may be subject to dissemination restrictions.
How to Look Up Benton County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Benton County arrest records. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to access this information:
Online Database Access: The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests. Users may search by name, booking date, or case number.
In-Person Requests: Records may be requested in person at the Benton County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 735-6555
Benton County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)Benton County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the County Clerk.
Benton County Clerk's Office
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-3071
Benton County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)Written Requests: Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, written requests may be submitted by mail. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.
Washington State Patrol: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section.
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying as authorized under RCW 42.56.120. Current fee schedules are available from each agency.
Contents of a Benton County Arrest Record
Benton County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Washington State law. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.030, these records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date and time of the arrest
- Location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Booking number and facility information
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Demographic information (date of birth, gender)
- Photographic image (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
- Case disposition status
- Warrant information, if applicable
The comprehensiveness of information may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained in the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant database may contain additional information regarding outstanding warrants.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Benton County
Under Washington State law, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process, governed by RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.94A.640, allows for the removal of arrest information from public access when certain criteria are met.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Benton County include:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges must be removed from public records after two years, pursuant to RCW 10.97.060
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate expungement
- Convicted individuals must complete all sentencing requirements and maintain a clean record for the statutory waiting period (typically 3-10 years depending on offense classification)
- Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies and sex offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Benton County Superior Court. Petitioners must:
- Complete the appropriate court forms
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Provide certified copies of disposition documents
- Attend a scheduled hearing before a judicial officer
Benton County Superior Court
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-3071
Benton County Superior Court
Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though law enforcement and certain governmental agencies may retain access to the information for official purposes as permitted under RCW 10.97.050(6).
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
Washington State law imposes certain limitations on the dissemination and use of arrest records. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, criminal justice agencies may not disseminate arrest records to employers or potential employers unless:
- The record pertains to a conviction
- The arrest is less than one year old and charges remain pending
- The subject is currently being prosecuted or serving a sentence
- The subject is applying for a position with direct responsibility for the supervision of children or vulnerable adults
Additional restrictions apply to the use of arrest records in employment decisions under Washington's Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). This legislation prohibits employers from:
- Including questions about arrests or convictions on initial job applications
- Advertising positions in a manner that excludes people with criminal records
- Implementing policies that automatically exclude individuals with any arrest or conviction record
Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties as prescribed by statute.
Court Proceedings Related to Arrest Records
Following an arrest in Benton County, court proceedings are documented in the judicial information system. Members of the public may access information about upcoming court dates through the Washington Courts case search system. This resource provides information regarding scheduled hearings, case numbers, and assigned judicial officers.
Court records related to arrests are maintained separately from law enforcement records and are governed by General Rule 31 of the Washington Court Rules. This rule establishes the presumption that court records are open to public access unless specifically restricted by court order or statute.
Benton County Superior Court and District Court maintain separate record systems:
Benton County Superior Court
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-3071
Benton County Superior Court
Benton County District Court
7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 735-8476
Benton County District Court
Search Arrest Records in Benton County
