>Klickitat County Arrest Records Online

Klickitat County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Klickitat County, Washington?

Arrest records are public documents in Klickitat County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation mandates that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Washington State Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities. Members of the public may request and obtain information regarding arrests and related law enforcement actions conducted within Klickitat County jurisdictions.

The public nature of these records supports several governmental and societal functions:

Ensures transparency in law enforcement operations
Facilitates public oversight of governmental activities
Provides necessary information for background checks
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Assists researchers and policy analysts in studying criminal justice trends

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which provides exemptions for information that would violate personal privacy or compromise ongoing investigations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Klickitat County?

Klickitat County arrest records are available through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed electronically, though the comprehensiveness of online records may vary. The Washington State Digital Archives also maintains certain historical court records that may include arrest information.

Online accessibility options include:

The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system
Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search database
Klickitat County public records request portal
Washington State Digital Archives for historical records

Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records often require formal requests through the appropriate county agencies. Online records may not include all details contained in the official arrest documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies.

How to Look Up Klickitat County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Klickitat County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for obtaining this information. The primary methods for accessing these records include in-person requests, online searches, and formal written requests to the appropriate agencies.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
205 S. Columbus Ave., Room 108
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: 509-773-4455
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Klickitat County Clerk's Office
205 S. Columbus Ave., Room 204
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: 509-773-5744
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For online access, requestors may utilize:

The Klickitat County public records request system
The Washington State Digital Archives for historical records
The Washington State Department of Corrections database for current incarcerations

Written requests may be submitted pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.

Contents of a Klickitat County Arrest Record

Klickitat County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system.

Standard information included in Klickitat County arrest records:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
Case numbers and tracking identifiers
Bail or bond information, including amounts and conditions
Initial court appearance dates
Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated

Pursuant to Washington State law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations as specified in RCW 42.56.240.

The Klickitat County Superior Court maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests, which may be accessed through separate requests to the court clerk.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

Access to arrest records in Klickitat County is subject to certain legal restrictions established by Washington State law. While the Washington Public Records Act generally favors disclosure, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information.

Key restrictions on arrest record access include:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are generally confidential under RCW 13.50.050, with limited exceptions for serious offenses
Information that would violate an individual's right to privacy as defined in RCW 42.56.050
Details that might compromise active law enforcement investigations (RCW 42.56.240)
Records sealed by court order pursuant to RCW 10.97.060
Information regarding victims of certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses
Intelligence information and investigative records compiled by law enforcement agencies

The Klickitat County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining court records and ensuring compliance with applicable access restrictions. Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to provide identification and complete affidavits regarding the intended use of the information.

Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, though viewing records in person typically incurs no cost. The Klickitat County public records policy provides specific guidance on applicable fees and procedures.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Klickitat County

Individuals with arrest records in Klickitat County may petition for expungement under specific circumstances prescribed by Washington State law. The expungement process, also referred to as "vacating" or "sealing" records, removes eligible arrest records from public access and official databases.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Klickitat County include:

Completion of all sentencing requirements, including payment of fines and restitution
Absence of pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction
Satisfaction of waiting periods specified in RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) or RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies)
No subsequent convictions during the waiting period
Compliance with specific offense-based restrictions (certain offenses, such as violent or sexual crimes, may be ineligible)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Klickitat County Superior Court located at:

Klickitat County Superior Court
205 S. Columbus Ave., Room 206
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: 509-773-5744
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms, pay applicable filing fees, and may need to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. The Klickitat County Adult Probation Services may provide guidance on post-conviction relief options.

Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as sentencing for subsequent offenses.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records in Klickitat County serve as valuable resources for background verification processes conducted by employers, landlords, and other authorized entities. Washington State law establishes parameters for the appropriate use of criminal history information in background screening.

Authorized uses of arrest records for background checks include:

Pre-employment screening for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations
Tenant screening by property managers and landlords
Licensing determinations for regulated professions
Volunteer screening for organizations working with children, elderly, or vulnerable adults
Insurance underwriting in certain circumstances

Entities conducting background checks using Klickitat County arrest records must comply with the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94) and other applicable laws governing the use of criminal history information. The Fair Chance Act prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal history before determining an applicant is otherwise qualified for a position.

Requestors seeking arrest records for background check purposes may submit requests through the Klickitat County document request system. Fees may apply for record reproduction, and processing times vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search.