Yes, arrest records are public in Seattle, Washington. This accessibility is in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act, which mandates the disclosure of government-held records to the public. The principle behind this provision is to maintain transparency and accountability in governance, allowing citizens to access various types of records, including those related to arrests.
To get information on Seattle arrest records, individuals have several options available:
A Seattle arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Seattle, individuals may have the opportunity to expunge their arrest records, which involves the removal or sealing of their record from public access. Eligibility for expungement depends on several factors including the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the arrest, and the individual's criminal history. The process typically requires filing a petition in court, and in some cases, a hearing where the judge will decide whether the benefits to the individual outweigh the public interest in keeping the record accessible.