Yes, arrest records are public in Spokane Valley, Washington. This accessibility stems from the Washington State Public Records Act, which mandates that government-held records, including arrest records, must be made available to the public. This law supports transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system by allowing citizens to access these documents.
To get Spokane Valley arrest records, residents have multiple options to choose from. These records are available through various means, ensuring accessibility for individuals seeking this information. Here are the methods available:
A Spokane Valley arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Spokane Valley, individuals may have the opportunity to expunge their arrest records, removing them from public access under certain conditions. Expungement is typically available to those who were arrested but not convicted, or who have completed the terms of their sentence and have met other legal requirements set by Washington state law. The process involves filing a petition in the court that originally handled the case. The court then reviews the petition and decides whether the expungement can be granted, based on factors such as the nature of the crime, the petitioner's criminal history, and the time elapsed since the arrest.