Renton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Renton, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Renton, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the city limits. The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the presumption that government records shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Renton Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. However, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which provides exemptions for records that would violate an individual's right to privacy or compromise active law enforcement investigations. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under RCW 13.50.050.
The City of Renton maintains compliance with state transparency laws while balancing privacy concerns and investigative integrity. Requestors should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, the specific content available may vary based on applicable exemptions and the status of related criminal proceedings.
How to Look Up Renton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Renton, Washington. The City of Renton has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents in accordance with state law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a public records request directly to the Renton Police Department Records Division, located at 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. Requests may be submitted in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), by mail, or through the city's online portal.
Access the King County Superior Court records system for cases that have proceeded to formal charging. The Maleng Regional Justice Center, located at 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032, maintains records for cases originating in Renton.
Visit the Renton Municipal Court at 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 for records related to misdemeanor offenses and infractions processed through the municipal court system.
Utilize the Washington State Patrol's WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system for statewide criminal history information, which includes arrest data from Renton and other jurisdictions.
Request records through the King County Sheriff's Office for arrests made in unincorporated areas adjacent to Renton city limits.
Requestors should note that processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records sought. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, though actual fulfillment may take longer for extensive requests.
Contents of a Renton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Renton Police Department and associated agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Washington State law enforcement protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and generally include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and any documented aliases or known identifiers
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
- Identity of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
- Booking information, including the assigned case number and detention facility
- Photographic documentation (mugshot) and fingerprint records collected during processing
- Preliminary statements regarding the circumstances leading to the arrest
- Documentation of property seized incident to arrest
- Initial appearance information and preliminary bail determinations
- Notation of any medical attention provided during the arrest or booking process
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the alleged offense and the specific circumstances surrounding the arrest. Records pertaining to sensitive investigations or involving protected classes of individuals may contain redactions in accordance with applicable exemptions under the Washington State Public Records Act.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Renton
The process of expungement (legally referred to as "vacation" in Washington State) provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to remove arrest records from public accessibility. Pursuant to RCW 9.96.060 and RCW 10.97.060, certain arrest records may qualify for expungement under specific conditions.
Individuals seeking expungement of Renton arrest records must file a petition with the court of jurisdiction. The eligibility criteria include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Arrests not leading to formal charges within the applicable statute of limitations
- Successful completion of diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements
- Convictions that have been vacated according to statutory provisions
- Fulfillment of waiting periods as prescribed by state law (varies by offense classification)
The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the appropriate court, payment of filing fees (unless waived due to indigency), and potentially a hearing before a judicial officer. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the specified records.
The Renton Municipal Court (1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057) processes expungement petitions for misdemeanor cases within its jurisdiction, while the King County Superior Court handles felony-level expungements. Petitioners are advised that expungement does not automatically extend to records maintained by federal agencies or private information vendors who may have previously obtained the records.
Washington State law (RCW 10.97.060) further provides that criminal justice agencies must delete information pertaining to arrests not leading to charges after two years, unless the individual has been arrested during the intervening period.
Search Arrest Records in Renton
Renton Police Department
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-7500
Official Website
Renton Municipal Court
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 430-6550
Official Website
King County Superior Court - Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 4th Ave N
Kent, WA 98032
(206) 477-2600
Official Website
Washington State Patrol
15666 SE Eastgate Way
Bellevue, WA 98008
(425) 401-7788
Official Website
