>Jefferson County Arrest Records Online

Jefferson County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Jefferson County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This comprehensive legislation establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available in accordance with state law.

Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels established by Jefferson County authorities. The Washington Public Records Act was enacted to ensure governmental transparency and accountability by providing citizens with the right to inspect and obtain copies of most records created or maintained by public agencies. This legal framework supports the public's right to know about law enforcement activities, including arrests made within county jurisdiction.

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if they fall under specific exemptions outlined in RCW 42.56.240, such as information that would compromise an active investigation or violate privacy rights as defined by statute. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office evaluates each records request in accordance with these statutory provisions.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Jefferson County Jail Inmate Search provides current information about individuals in custody, including those recently arrested and awaiting court proceedings. This searchable database is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent booking activity.

The county's public records portal offers additional access to arrest-related information as part of Jefferson County's commitment to digital government services. Online accessibility of these records serves to enhance public convenience while fulfilling statutory obligations under Washington's Public Records Act.

Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest histories, as some older records may only be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or County Clerk. Additionally, pursuant to RCW 10.97.050, certain criminal history record information may have restricted access depending on the nature of the case and its disposition.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
79 Elkins Road
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
Phone: 360-385-3831
Official Website

How to Look Up Jefferson County Arrest Records in 2025

Jefferson County provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records, each designed to accommodate different public needs:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors should be prepared to complete a public records request form and provide identification. Fees for copies are established by county ordinance pursuant to RCW 42.56.120.
Online access is available through the Jefferson County Jail Roster, which provides current information about individuals in custody, including arrest date, charges, and custody status.
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office address. Requests should include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and requestor contact information.
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk's Office, which maintains case files for all criminal proceedings in the county.

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, the county must respond to records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating response time, or denying the request with specific statutory citation.

Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360-385-9125
Official Website

Contents of a Jefferson County Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Jefferson County law enforcement agencies contain specific information as required by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050. These records typically include:

Complete demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
Arresting agency information and officer identification
Booking details, including booking number and processing location
Fingerprint classification and identification data
Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Custody status and bail information, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under RCW 13.50.050 and may have restricted access compared to adult records.

Arrest records in Jefferson County are maintained in compliance with the Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97), which governs the dissemination and use of criminal history record information throughout Washington State.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County residents may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances outlined in Washington State law. The legal process, formally known as "vacating" a record in Washington State, is governed by RCW 9.96.060 for misdemeanors and RCW 9.94A.640 for felonies.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jefferson County include:

Completion of all sentencing requirements, including payment of legal financial obligations
Absence of pending criminal charges in any court
Satisfaction of waiting periods (typically 3-5 years for misdemeanors and 5-10 years for felonies, depending on offense classification)
No subsequent convictions during the waiting period
Statutory exclusions for certain offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses as defined in RCW 9.94A.030

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Petitioners must use forms approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts and may need to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, the expungement order directs all government agencies to seal the records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies under certain circumstances as specified in RCW 10.97.050.

Legal assistance is advisable when pursuing expungement, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Jefferson County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys experienced in criminal record expungement.

Jefferson County District Court
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360-385-9122
Official Website