Nespelem Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Nespelem, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Nespelem, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records, though certain exemptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in RCW 42.56.050.
The Colville Tribal Court, which has jurisdiction in Nespelem, maintains records of arrests occurring within tribal lands. These records are subject to both tribal regulations and applicable federal laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Requesters should note that tribal sovereignty may affect the application of state public records laws within tribal jurisdictions.
How to Look Up Nespelem Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for individuals seeking to access arrest records in Nespelem as of 2025. The Washington State Public Records Act establishes statutory timeframes for record production, typically requiring agencies to respond to requests within five business days. The following official channels provide access to arrest information:
Colville Tribal Police Department 1000 Tribal Government Way Nespelem, WA 99155 Phone: (509) 634-2472 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Colville Tribal Court 44 School Loop Road Nespelem, WA 99155 Phone: (509) 634-2162 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Okanogan County Sheriff's Office 123 5th Avenue N, Room 200 Okanogan, WA 98840 Phone: (509) 422-7200 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section P.O. Box 42633 Olympia, WA 98504-2633 Phone: (360) 534-2000 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requesters may submit written requests in person, by mail, or through designated electronic portals where available. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and delivery. Fee schedules are typically posted at agency offices and on their respective websites.
Contents of a Nespelem Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Nespelem typically contain standardized information as required by Washington State law and tribal regulations. These documents serve as official accounts of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in detention or arrest. Standard components of an arrest record include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
- Booking number and facility information
- Charges filed at time of arrest (including RCW or tribal code citations)
Case processing information:
- Court case number (if assigned)
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention status
- Initial appearance date
Biometric data:
- Fingerprint classification
- Photograph (mugshot)
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-020, criminal history record information maintained by law enforcement agencies must be complete, accurate, and secure. Individuals have the right under WAC 446-20-090 to review their own criminal history record information and request correction of inaccurate data.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Nespelem
The legal process of expungement provides a mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. In Nespelem, expungement procedures are governed by Washington State law (RCW 9.96.060 and RCW 10.97.060) and applicable tribal codes for arrests occurring within tribal jurisdiction.
Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Arrests not leading to charges within the statutory filing period
- Successful completion of diversion programs
- Satisfaction of waiting periods for certain offense categories
- Demonstration of rehabilitation and compliance with all court orders
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the arrest occurred
- Provide certified copies of disposition documents
- Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Attend a hearing if required by the presiding judge
For arrests occurring within the Colville Reservation, the Colville Tribal Court applies its own procedures for record expungement pursuant to Colville Tribal Code Chapter 2-8. Petitioners must demonstrate compliance with tribal requirements, which may differ from state standards.
Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public view but may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in RCW 10.97.050. Expunged records do not appear in standard background checks conducted by employers or housing providers.
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