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Bellevue Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bellevue, Washington?

Arrest records in Bellevue, Washington are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which establishes the framework for public access to government records. Pursuant to this legislation, government agencies, including law enforcement departments, are required to make records available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding governmental activities, including arrests made by law enforcement agencies.

Certain exemptions to disclosure may apply under RCW 42.56.240, which provides protections for specific investigative records compiled by law enforcement agencies. These exemptions are narrowly construed to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or other sensitive information that might compromise law enforcement activities if disclosed. However, basic arrest information, including the identity of persons arrested, the charges filed, and other non-exempt information, remains accessible to the public.

How to Look Up Bellevue Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bellevue arrest records may utilize several methods established by local authorities. The Bellevue Police Department maintains systems for public access to arrest information in accordance with state transparency laws. Individuals may access these records through the following official channels:

Online Public Records Portal: The Bellevue Police Department provides access to public records through their official online portal. Requesters may submit specific inquiries regarding arrest records and receive digital copies of non-exempt documents.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Bellevue Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms and to answer questions regarding the request process.

Bellevue Police Department
450 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 452-6917
Bellevue Police Department Official Website

King County Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the King County District Court - Bellevue Division.

King County District Court - Bellevue Division
1309 114th Avenue SE, Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98004
(206) 205-9200
King County District Court Information

Written Requests: Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records by mail. These requests must clearly identify the records sought and provide contact information for the requester.

Processing times for record requests vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records requested. The Bellevue Police Department is required by RCW 42.56.520 to respond to requests within five business days, either by providing the records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time for response, or denying the request with a specific explanation.

Contents of a Bellevue Arrest Record

Bellevue arrest records typically contain standardized information as mandated by Washington State law enforcement protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and any known aliases or previous identities used by the subject.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
Offense Information: Specific charges filed against the individual, including citations of applicable Washington State statutes or Bellevue Municipal Code sections that were allegedly violated.
Arresting Agency: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, typically the Bellevue Police Department, though arrests within city limits may occasionally be conducted by King County Sheriff's Office or Washington State Patrol.
Booking Information: Details regarding the processing of the arrested individual, including booking number, fingerprint identification, and photographic documentation (commonly referred to as a "mugshot").
Physical Description: Height, weight, eye and hair color, and documentation of any distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos that may assist in positive identification.
Custody Status: Information regarding whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or was remanded to custody at the King County Correctional Facility or other detention center.

As specified in the Police FAQs provided by the City of Bellevue, these records are maintained in accordance with Washington State records retention schedules and are subject to specific disclosure rules under the Public Records Act.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bellevue

The expungement of arrest records in Bellevue follows procedures established under Washington State law, specifically RCW 10.97 (Criminal Records Privacy Act) and RCW 9.94A.640 (Vacation of Records). Eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. The legal process requires formal application to the court that handled the original case.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Bellevue arrest records typically include:

Completion of all terms of sentencing, including payment of fines, restitution, and completion of community service
Fulfillment of a waiting period after case disposition (varies by offense type)
Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
No subsequent criminal convictions during the statutory waiting period
Meeting specific requirements based on the classification of the original offense

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the King County District Court - Bellevue Division or the King County Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners must provide:

Certified copies of the original case disposition
Criminal history records from the Washington State Patrol
Proof of completion of all sentencing requirements
Filing fee or approved fee waiver based on financial hardship

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where a judge determines whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the arrest record from public access. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, expunged records are removed from public databases but may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific authorized purposes.

Legal assistance is advisable for navigating the expungement process, as procedural requirements are stringent and vary based on case specifics. The King County Bar Association maintains referral services for individuals seeking legal representation for expungement matters.

Juvenile Arrest Records in Bellevue

Juvenile arrest records in Bellevue are subject to enhanced confidentiality protections under Washington State law. RCW 13.50 establishes specific provisions governing the maintenance, access, and dissemination of juvenile justice records. These protections reflect the state's policy of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders.

Juvenile arrest records maintained by the Bellevue Police Department and King County Juvenile Court are generally not accessible to the general public without a court order. Access is restricted to:

The juvenile and their attorney of record
Parents or legal guardians of the juvenile
Juvenile justice agencies and court personnel with legitimate professional interest
Schools, under limited circumstances related to safety planning
Victims, for specific information related to their case

The sealing of juvenile records in Bellevue follows procedures outlined in RCW 13.50.260. Administrative sealing occurs automatically for many juvenile records when:

The individual has completed the terms of disposition
Required waiting periods have elapsed (typically 2-5 years depending on offense severity)
No pending charges exist in juvenile or adult court
No financial obligations remain outstanding

For records not eligible for administrative sealing, juveniles may petition the court for discretionary sealing after meeting statutory requirements. Once sealed, these records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, though they may be unsealed by court order under specific circumstances.

The King County Juvenile Court provides resources for individuals seeking information about juvenile record sealing:

King County Juvenile Court
1211 E Alder St
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 477-2300
King County Juvenile Court Services

Inmate Lookup for Bellevue Arrests

Individuals arrested in Bellevue who remain in custody are typically housed at King County detention facilities. The King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic custody information for adults currently detained in county facilities. This system is accessible to members of the public seeking information about individuals who have been arrested and booked into custody.

The King County inmate lookup system provides the following information:

Full name and booking number of the detained individual
Current housing location within the detention system
Pending charges or holding authority
Scheduled court dates
Bail amount, if applicable
Projected release date, when available

Individuals arrested in Bellevue on misdemeanor charges are typically housed at:

King County Correctional Facility (KCCF)
500 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296-1234

Those arrested on felony charges may be housed at either KCCF or:

Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC)
401 4th Avenue North
Kent, WA 98032
(206) 477-2200

Visitation information, bail procedures, and other details regarding individuals in custody can be obtained by contacting these facilities directly or by visiting the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention website.