Ferry County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ferry County, Washington?
Yes, arrest records are public in Ferry County, Washington. This accessibility is mandated by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which ensures transparency and accountability in government operations. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070, records produced by a government agency, including law enforcement records such as arrest records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining open public records is essential for the proper functioning of democratic governance and to keep citizens informed about governmental activities.
Members of the public may request arrest records from Ferry County law enforcement agencies in accordance with established procedures. These procedures are designed to balance the public's right to information with privacy considerations and ongoing investigations as outlined in RCW 42.56.240, which provides certain exemptions for investigative records.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Ferry County?
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Ferry County. The availability of these records online facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act. The Ferry County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed through their official website or designated public records portals.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions and exemptions that apply to physical records. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with RCW 42.56.240 to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests. The Washington State Patrol also maintains a statewide database that may include Ferry County arrest information.
Requestors should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive case details may require additional requests or in-person visits to the appropriate agency.
How to Look Up Ferry County Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain Ferry County arrest records in 2025, individuals have multiple options established under Washington's public disclosure laws. The following methods are available to members of the public:
Visit the Ferry County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office in person to submit a public records request for arrest information. Ferry County Sheriff's Office 350 E Delaware Ave Republic, WA 99166 Phone: (509) 775-3132 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Ferry County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be obtained through the District Court. Ferry County District Court 350 E Delaware Ave, Suite 6 Republic, WA 99166-9747 Phone: (509) 775-5225 ext 2504 Court Information Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Court Records: The Washington Courts portal provides access to case information that may include arrest details through the Odyssey Portal.
Washington State Patrol: For statewide criminal history information that includes Ferry County arrests. Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section P.O. Box 42633 Olympia, WA 98504-2633 Phone: (360) 534-2000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process. Fees may apply for certain records pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, which allows agencies to charge for the actual costs of providing copies.
Contents of a Ferry County Arrest Record
A Ferry County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information as required by Washington State law and local record-keeping protocols. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed, including applicable RCW citations
- Arresting agency and officer identification information
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Residential address at time of booking
- Case or incident number
- Booking status and custody information
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of the case, if available
Pursuant to RCW 10.97, the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act, certain information may be restricted based on the status of the case and the nature of the charges. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under RCW 13.50, which limits public access to records involving minors.
Law enforcement agencies in Ferry County maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives, which determine how long different types of records must be preserved.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ferry County
In Ferry County, individuals who meet specific statutory criteria may petition for expungement of arrest records, effectively restricting public access to this information. The process is governed by RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.94A.640, which establish the legal framework for record vacating and sealing in Washington State.
Eligibility for expungement typically depends on several factors:
- Nature and classification of the offense
- Time elapsed since arrest or conviction (generally 3-10 years depending on offense type)
- Absence of subsequent criminal charges
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- Payment of all legal financial obligations
- Satisfaction of waiting periods specified in RCW 9.94A.640
To initiate the expungement process, eligible individuals must file a petition with the Ferry County Superior Court or District Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. The petition must include:
- Complete criminal history information
- Certified copies of the disposition
- Evidence of compliance with all court-ordered requirements
- Declaration explaining the basis for the expungement request
The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors outlined in RCW 9.94A.640(2). If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as permitted by statute.
Legal assistance is advisable when pursuing expungement, as the process involves complex procedural requirements and legal standards that vary based on case specifics.
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