Centralia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Centralia, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Centralia, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest by promoting accountability among public officials and agencies. Members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of arrest records maintained by the Centralia Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations as outlined in RCW 42.56.240.
The City of Centralia complies with state regulations regarding the maintenance and disclosure of arrest records. These documents are considered public records from the moment of creation and remain accessible unless specifically exempted by statute. Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and exemptions under Washington State law.
How to Look Up Centralia Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Centralia, Washington. Individuals seeking such information should utilize the following authorized methods:
Submit a public records request directly to the Centralia Police Department, located at 118 W Maple Street, Centralia, WA 98531. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at (360) 330-7680.
File a request with the Lewis County Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The office is located at 345 W Main Street, Chehalis, WA 98532, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact number: (360) 740-1278.
Access the Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section for statewide arrest records. Requests can be submitted online or by mail to P.O. Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-2633. For inquiries, call (360) 534-2000.
Utilize the Lewis County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 345 W Main Street, Chehalis, WA 98532. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: (360) 748-9286.
Requesters must complete the appropriate public records request form, which requires specific information about the records sought. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating time needed for response, or denying the request with citation to relevant exemptions.
Fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with RCW 42.56.120, which permits agencies to charge actual costs for providing copies of records. The current fee schedule established by the City of Centralia includes charges for photocopies, certified copies, and electronic document conversion.
Contents of a Centralia Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Centralia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Lewis County contain standardized information as required by Washington State law. These official documents typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
Unique identifiers such as Washington State Identification Number (WASID) and booking number assigned during processing
Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, including address and jurisdiction information
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations, including whether charges are classified as misdemeanors or felonies under Washington State law
Identity of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Booking information, including time of processing, temporary detention facility, and initial appearance details
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process in accordance with standard law enforcement protocols
Fingerprint impressions collected pursuant to RCW 43.43.735, which requires fingerprinting of all persons arrested for felonies and certain misdemeanors
Preliminary bail determination or release conditions as established at initial appearance
Disposition information indicating whether the individual was released pending charges, transferred to county detention, or released without charges
Case number assigned by the prosecuting attorney's office if formal charges were filed
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-050 establishes standards for arrest record information maintained by criminal justice agencies throughout the state, ensuring consistency in record-keeping practices across jurisdictions including Centralia.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Centralia
Washington State law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by agencies within Centralia and Lewis County. This process, formally known as "vacation" of records under RCW 9.96.060 and RCW 9.94A.640, allows for the removal of arrest information from public access under specific circumstances.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Centralia include:
Completion of all sentencing requirements, including payment of legal financial obligations as mandated by the court
Expiration of specified waiting periods, which vary according to offense classification: misdemeanors (3 years), gross misdemeanors (5 years), and felonies (5-10 years depending on classification)
Absence of pending criminal charges in any court within Washington State or other jurisdictions
No prior record vacations within specified timeframes as outlined in RCW 9.96.060(2)(c)
Statutory ineligibility of certain offenses, including violent felonies as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, sex offenses requiring registration, and driving under the influence convictions
The expungement process requires petitioners to file appropriate documentation with the Lewis County Superior Court, located at 345 W Main Street, Chehalis, WA 98532. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone (360) 740-2777. Required documentation includes:
- Petition for Vacation of Record of Conviction (form CR 08.0670)
- Declaration in Support of Vacation (form CR 08.0800)
- Proposed Order Vacating Conviction (form CR 08.0890)
- Criminal History Assessment from Washington State Patrol
Upon successful petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Centralia Police Department, Lewis County Sheriff's Office, and Washington State Patrol, to seal the specified records from public disclosure. Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, these agencies must comply with court-ordered expungement within 30 days of receiving the order.
Individuals should note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings despite being sealed from public view.
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