>Lincoln County Arrest Records Online

Lincoln County, Washington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lincoln County, Washington?

Arrest records are public in Lincoln County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in government is essential to maintaining public trust and accountability. Citizens and interested parties may request and review arrest records maintained by Lincoln County law enforcement agencies and courts as part of this statutory framework.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the county jurisdiction. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, which provides exemptions for active investigations, juvenile records, and information that could compromise personal privacy or safety.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lincoln County?

Lincoln County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Lincoln County Inmate Roster provides current information about individuals currently in custody, including booking information and charges. This resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent arrests.

Additionally, the Lincoln County Public Records portal offers guidance on accessing various county records electronically. While not all historical arrest records are digitized, recent records are increasingly available through these online systems. The availability of online records is subject to the technological capabilities and resources of Lincoln County agencies, which continue to expand digital access in compliance with Washington's commitment to government transparency.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, and some information may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office for comprehensive results.

How to Look Up Lincoln County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Lincoln County arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels available:

Visit the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in person: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 404 Sinclair Street Davenport, WA 99122 Phone: 509-725-3501 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a request to the Lincoln County Clerk's Office: Lincoln County Clerk's Office 450 Logan Street Davenport, WA 99122 Phone: 509-725-1401 Request Court Documents Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the Lincoln County Inmate Roster online for current custody information.
Submit a public records request through the county's online portal, as outlined in the Public Records section of the county website.

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying or electronic transmission of records as permitted under RCW 42.56.120.

Contents of a Lincoln County Arrest Record

Lincoln County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard elements included in these records are:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable RCW citations
Case numbers and booking identification information
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information (e.g., Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol)
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint records collected during booking procedures
Custody status information, including bail amount if applicable
Court appearance dates and preliminary hearing information

The Lincoln County Superior Court maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests, which may include arraignment information, plea entries, and case dispositions. These court records complement the arrest documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies.

Legal Uses of Lincoln County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Lincoln County serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society. Authorized uses include:

Criminal background checks for employment screening, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, or disabled individuals, as permitted under RCW 43.43.830-845.
Tenant screening by landlords and property management companies, subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Washington state tenant screening laws (RCW 59.18.257).
Pre-trial risk assessments by judicial officers when making bail determinations and setting release conditions pursuant to CrR 3.2.
Statistical analysis by criminal justice agencies for resource allocation, crime pattern identification, and policy development.
Public safety notifications when required by law, such as sex offender registration information pursuant to RCW 4.24.550.
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest, protected under First Amendment principles.

The Lincoln County Courts utilize arrest record information in conjunction with other criminal history data when making sentencing determinations and other judicial decisions. Users of arrest record information must comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding proper use and dissemination of such information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lincoln County

Individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records in Lincoln County under specific circumstances outlined in Washington state law. The process, governed by RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, allows for the removal of arrest information from public view when certain criteria are met.

Eligibility requirements for expungement typically include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Arrests that did not lead to charges being filed
Successful completion of diversion programs
Satisfaction of waiting periods for specific offense categories (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity)
Absence of subsequent criminal convictions during the waiting period

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

Lincoln County Superior Court 450 Logan Street Davenport, WA 99122 Phone: 509-725-3081 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners may need to provide fingerprints for identification verification and pay applicable filing fees. Upon approval by a judge, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in RCW 10.97.050.