>Garfield County Arrest Records Online

Garfield County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Garfield County, Washington?

Arrest records in Garfield County, Washington are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government records shall be available for public inspection to ensure transparency and accountability within public agencies. The Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, as public information with certain statutory exemptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and privacy concerns as outlined in RCW 42.56.240.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with state privacy laws. The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records while balancing individual privacy concerns in cases such as Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe and PAWS v. University of Washington.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Garfield County?

Garfield County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Washington State's commitment to digital government transparency. The county maintains digital repositories that allow citizens to access public safety information remotely as authorized under RCW 43.105.351, which encourages government agencies to provide electronic access to public records when feasible.

Online access to these records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records. Pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14-05001, agencies may provide records in electronic format when the requester specifies such preference and the agency can reasonably accommodate this request. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that is updated regularly in compliance with state regulations regarding the timeliness and accuracy of public safety information.

How to Look Up Garfield County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Garfield County have multiple methods available for obtaining this information, as prescribed by Washington State law:

Online Database Access: Citizens may utilize the Garfield County Superior Court online portal or the Washington Courts case search system to locate arrest and court records. These systems are maintained pursuant to RCW 2.68.050, which authorizes the development of electronic court record systems.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Garfield County Sheriff's Office or the Garfield County Superior Court. Per RCW 42.56.080, agencies must make records available for inspection during normal business hours.

Garfield County Sheriff's Office
789 W. Main Street
Pomeroy, WA 99347
Phone: (509) 843-3494
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Garfield County Superior Court
789 Main Street
PO Box 329
Pomeroy, WA 99347-0329
Phone: (509) 843-1029
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.100, agencies must adopt procedures to provide full public access to records while protecting them from damage and preventing excessive interference with essential functions of the agency.
Washington State Patrol Background Checks: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a background check through the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section as authorized under RCW 10.97.050.

Contents of a Garfield County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Garfield County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Washington State law RCW 10.98.030, which establishes uniform reporting standards for criminal justice information. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of alleged criminal violations
Arresting agency identification and officer information
Booking photographs (mugshots) as permitted under RCW 70.48.100
Fingerprint data collected pursuant to RCW 43.43.735
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks
Case disposition information, when available
Bail or bond information as set forth in court proceedings
Warrant information if applicable

The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to WAC 446-20-090, criminal justice agencies must ensure the accuracy and completeness of criminal history record information they maintain.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Garfield County

Washington State law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Garfield County, individuals may petition for expungement pursuant to RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.94A.640, which establish the legal framework for removing arrest information from public access.

The expungement process typically requires:

Filing a petition with the Garfield County Superior Court
Demonstrating eligibility based on statutory criteria, which may include:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- Passage of specified waiting periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity)
- Absence of subsequent criminal convictions
- Evidence of rehabilitation

The court evaluates petitions based on the nature of the offense, compliance with any sentencing conditions, time elapsed since arrest, and the petitioner's subsequent conduct. Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view in accordance with General Rule 15 of the Washington Court Rules, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes as specified in RCW 10.97.050(6).

Individuals with arrests that did not result in charges or convictions may have additional rights under RCW 10.97.060, which provides for the deletion of non-conviction data after two years have elapsed from the date of arrest.