Grant County, Washington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Grant County, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Grant County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and maintain public trust through open access to information.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various Grant County agencies, including the Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. Under Washington state law, the presumption of openness applies to these records, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified in RCW 42.56.240.
The Grant County Records Unit maintains and processes requests for arrest records and other law enforcement documentation. Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, they merely indicate that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt or criminal conviction.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Grant County?
Grant County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Grant County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, facilitating public access to these records without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The Jail Inmate Roster is publicly accessible online and includes information about individuals currently in custody at the Grant County Jail. Pursuant to RCW 70.48.100, this roster includes the name of each person confined in the jail, the date and time of confinement, and the legal authority under which the person is being held.
For court records related to arrests, the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides a searchable database of court cases, including criminal proceedings that may have resulted from arrests in Grant County. Users should be aware that this system provides case information but not complete arrest records, and the official court record is maintained by the court of record.
How to Look Up Grant County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Grant County arrest records, each with specific procedures and requirements. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following official channels:
Online Resources: The Grant County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records accessible through their website. The Jail Inmate Roster provides current information about individuals in custody. Additionally, the Washington State Courts website offers a searchable database of court cases that may include information related to arrests.
Public Records Requests: Formal requests may be submitted to the Grant County Records Unit under the provisions of the Public Records Act. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically.
In-Person Visits: Records may be inspected in person at the Grant County Sheriff's Office Records Unit during regular business hours.
Grant County Sheriff's Office
35 C Street NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
(509) 754-2011
Official Website
Grant County Clerk's Office
Grant County Courthouse
35 C Street NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
(509) 754-2011 ext. 2509
Official Website
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any case numbers if available. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with RCW 42.56.120.
Contents of a Grant County Arrest Record
Grant County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records typically include the following elements as required by Washington state law and county procedures:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases or known nicknames, date of birth, gender, and physical description of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of law the individual is alleged to have committed, including applicable RCW citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshot), and assignment of booking numbers.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearances, and current detention status.
Case Disposition: If available, information about the resolution of the case, including court proceedings, dismissals, or convictions.
The Grant County Corrections department maintains records related to individuals processed through the county jail system. These records form part of the comprehensive arrest documentation and may be accessed through appropriate public records requests.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with exemptions provided in RCW 42.56.240, particularly information that would violate personal privacy or compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Grant County
Washington state law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. In Grant County, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records pursuant to RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes. Expungement removes arrest information from public access, though the records may still be available to law enforcement agencies.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Grant County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Arrests that did not lead to charges being filed
- Successful completion of diversion programs
- Meeting statutory waiting periods after case completion
- Absence of subsequent criminal convictions
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Grant County Superior Court. Petitioners must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility under applicable statutes. The court reviews each petition individually to determine if expungement serves the interests of justice and public safety.
Grant County Superior Court
Grant County Courthouse
35 C Street NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
(509) 754-2011 ext. 3101
Official Website
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Washington State Courts provide standardized forms for vacating criminal records, though these may need to be supplemented with additional documentation specific to Grant County requirements.
For complete criminal history background checks, individuals may contact the Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section at (360) 534-2000, which maintains the official state repository of arrest and conviction information.
Search Arrest Records in Grant County
