Lynnwood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lynnwood, Washington?
Arrest records are public documents in Lynnwood, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries. The Washington State Public Records Act operates under the fundamental principle that the public has the right to be informed about governmental operations and decisions, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions.
Law enforcement agencies in Lynnwood maintain these records as part of their official documentation of police activities. Members of the public may request access to these records, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with RCW 42.56.240. The City of Lynnwood adheres to state regulations regarding the maintenance, retention, and disclosure of such records.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally accessible, they represent documentation of an arrest only and not a determination of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains until an individual is proven guilty in a court of law.
How to Look Up Lynnwood Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to access arrest records in Lynnwood. The following methods are available in accordance with established protocols:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Lynnwood Police Department Records Division, located at 19321 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Electronic Submissions: The City of Lynnwood provides an online public records request portal through the city's official website. Electronic submissions require the same identifying information as written requests.
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information about the records request process may be obtained by calling the Records Division at (425) 670-5600 during regular business hours.
When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record(s) sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, the Lynnwood Police Department must respond to all requests within five business days.
Contents of a Lynnwood Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Lynnwood Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Washington State law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific statutory violations alleged; and the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, arresting officer's name and badge number, booking date and time, and the facility where the individual was detained.
Identification Data: Fingerprints collected during booking, mugshot photographs taken from front and profile views, and any distinguishing physical characteristics such as tattoos or scars.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearance dates, and current detention status.
Agency Information: The name and jurisdiction of the arresting agency, case number, and incident report references.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with RCW 42.56.240, including information that would compromise an ongoing investigation, reveal the identity of witnesses, or disclose personal information protected by privacy statutes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lynnwood
The expungement process in Lynnwood follows Washington State law regarding the vacation and sealing of criminal records. Under RCW 10.97.060 and related statutes, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal framework governing this process is designed to balance public safety concerns with the rehabilitation interests of individuals with prior arrests.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lynnwood include:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges within the applicable statute of limitations
- Cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- Successful completion of a deferred prosecution or diversion program
- Fulfillment of all conditions imposed by the court, including waiting periods specified by statute
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
- Filing a petition with the Snohomish County Superior Court (3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201)
- Providing notice to the Lynnwood City Prosecutor's Office (19100 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036)
- Attending a hearing before a judicial officer who will determine whether the statutory requirements have been met
- Obtaining a court order directing law enforcement agencies to seal or expunge the relevant records
Pursuant to RCW 10.97.060, individuals seeking expungement must demonstrate that the existence of the record causes or may cause circumstances which constitute a manifest injustice to the individual. The court evaluates each petition based on the specific facts of the case, the petitioner's subsequent criminal history, and the public interest in maintaining access to the record.
Upon successful expungement, the Lynnwood Police Department and other agencies must comply with the court order by sealing or destroying the specified records in accordance with the Washington State Records Retention Schedule.
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