Arrest records are public documents in Hoquiam, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. Law enforcement agencies in Hoquiam maintain arrest records that include the arrestee's name, charges filed, arrest date, and other pertinent information. Members of the public may request these records through established procedures, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in RCW 42.56.240, which provides exemptions for certain investigative records.
The City of Hoquiam adheres to state transparency requirements while balancing privacy considerations. Juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and records containing sensitive personal information may have restricted access in accordance with Washington state law. Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, the presumption of innocence applies to all individuals until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Hoquiam, Washington. Interested parties may utilize the following resources to obtain arrest information:
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit public records requests directly to the records division of the Hoquiam Police Department. Standard identification and completion of a records request form are typically required.
• Online Portal: The City of Hoquiam maintains an electronic records request system through which citizens may submit requests for arrest records and other public documents.
• Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement within Hoquiam city limits, records may be available through the county sheriff's office.
• Washington State Patrol: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Hoquiam, the Washington State Patrol maintains a central repository accessible to the public for a nominal fee.
Hoquiam Police Department
215 10th Street
Hoquiam, WA 98550
Phone: (360) 532-0892
Official Website
Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office
100 W Broadway Avenue, Suite 3
Montesano, WA 98563
Phone: (360) 249-3711
Official Website
Standard arrest records maintained by Hoquiam law enforcement agencies contain specific data elements as mandated by Washington State record-keeping requirements. These records typically include:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors • Enumeration of criminal charges filed pursuant to Washington State law or Hoquiam municipal code • Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s) • Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots") • Fingerprint data and other biometric identifiers • Case numbers and internal reference identifiers • Initial appearance information and bail determination • Custody status and detention facility information
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain information within arrest records may be withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate personal privacy protections, or otherwise meet statutory exemption criteria. Law enforcement agencies in Hoquiam maintain these records in accordance with state-mandated retention schedules as established by the Washington State Archives.
The expungement process in Hoquiam follows Washington State law regarding the vacation and sealing of criminal records. Under RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal process requires filing a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hoquiam typically include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal • Arrests not leading to charges within the applicable statute of limitations • Successful completion of diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements • Meeting waiting period requirements for certain offenses as specified in RCW 9.96.060 • Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction • Fulfillment of all sentencing requirements including financial obligations
The expungement process requires submission of appropriate documentation to the Grays Harbor County Superior Court or Hoquiam Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Upon review of the petition, the court may order records sealed or destroyed if statutory requirements are met. Petitioners should be aware that certain serious offenses may be ineligible for expungement under Washington State law.
Grays Harbor County Superior Court
102 W Broadway Avenue, Room 202
Montesano, WA 98563
Phone: (360) 249-3842
Official Website
Hoquiam Municipal Court
609 8th Street
Hoquiam, WA 98550
Phone: (360) 538-3970
Official Website
• Hoquiam Police Department Records • Grays Harbor County Inmate Roster • Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records • Washington Courts Search Portal • CityProtect Crime Map