Spokane County Criminal Records
What Is Spokane County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Spokane County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Washington State RCW 10.97, criminal records encompass documentation of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and final dispositions of criminal cases.
These records are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act § 10.97.030, both types constitute criminal history record information.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in jail. Spokane County maintains records for both categories.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed and subject to restricted access under RCW 13.50.050.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Spokane County:
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Spokane County Superior Court
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Spokane County Superior Court
The Superior Court maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, and sentencing information.
Spokane County District Court
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Spokane County District Court
The District Court maintains records for misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings.
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol
The State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information for Washington State, including Spokane County records.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The Spokane County Court Records system provides access to many of these documents.
Are Criminal Records Public In Spokane County
Criminal records in Spokane County are generally considered public information under Washington State's Public Records Act (PRA), RCW 42.56. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The PRA states: "The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know."
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The following distinctions apply to public access:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking photos and arrest logs (after charging)
- Sex offender registry information
- Active warrants
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Ongoing investigations (exempt under RCW 42.56.240)
- Sealed or expunged records (pursuant to court order)
- Juvenile records (generally sealed under RCW 13.50.050)
- Records that would violate personal privacy (RCW 42.56.050)
- Records that would compromise effective law enforcement
The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act § 10.97 further regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information, balancing public access with privacy protections. This act specifically permits dissemination of conviction data without restriction but places limitations on non-conviction data.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Spokane County must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and potentially providing identification. Certain sensitive information within otherwise public records, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted prior to disclosure.
Law enforcement agencies and courts in Spokane County are required to respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a specific citation to the exemption that applies, or providing a reasonable timeframe for response.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Spokane County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Spokane County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing various types of criminal justice information.
Online Search Methods:
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Access the Spokane County Court Records portal to search for case information.
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Select the appropriate court (Superior, District, or Municipal)
- Review available case summaries and docket information
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Utilize the Washington Courts Case Search system for statewide court records.
- Accept the terms of use
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
- Filter results by Spokane County courts
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Check the Spokane County Jail Roster for current inmate information.
- Search by name to determine current custody status
- View booking information and charges
In-Person Request Methods:
For more comprehensive criminal history information or certified copies, individuals may visit:
Spokane County Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue, Room 300
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County Clerk
Required information for in-person requests includes:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case numbers (if available)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Completed request form
Mail Request Method:
To request criminal records by mail, submit a written request to:
Spokane County Superior Court
Attn: Records Department
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
Include:
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Specific records requested
- Your contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
For comprehensive criminal history background checks, contact:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol Criminal History
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees, which vary based on the type and volume of records requested. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual costs of providing copies of records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Spokane County Online?
Spokane County offers several online portals for accessing criminal records information. These digital resources provide convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system's records.
The primary online resources include:
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Spokane County Court Records Search
- Contains: Case information for Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts
- Search capabilities: Name, case number, filing date
- Information provided: Case type, filing date, charges, hearings, judgments
- No registration required for basic searches
- Updated daily with new court filings and case activities
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Washington Courts Public Case Search
- Contains: Statewide court records including Spokane County cases
- Search capabilities: Name, case number, attorney
- Information provided: Case summaries, party information, docket entries
- Requires acceptance of terms of use before searching
- Includes both criminal and civil cases
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Spokane County Name/Case/Court Dates Search
- Contains: Consolidated search for District, Superior, and Municipal Court records
- Search capabilities: Name search, daily court calendars
- Information provided: Upcoming court dates, case status
- No registration required
- Particularly useful for checking hearing schedules
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Spokane County Jail Inmate Roster
- Contains: Current inmate information
- Search capabilities: Name search
- Information provided: Booking date, charges, custody status
- Updated multiple times daily
- No registration required
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Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records
- Contains: Statewide criminal history information including Spokane County
- Search capabilities: Name and date of birth
- Information provided: Conviction history, arrest records with dispositions
- Requires account creation and payment ($12 per record)
- Official source for comprehensive background checks
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Not all criminal records are available online. Older records (generally pre-2000) may require in-person requests.
- Some detailed case documents (such as police reports, witness statements, and evidence logs) are typically not available through online portals.
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access.
- Online records may not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile records.
- The information provided online is for informational purposes and may not constitute certified copies.
For records not available online, users must submit requests through the appropriate agency as outlined in the previous section.
Can You Search Spokane County Criminal Records for Free?
Washington State law, specifically the Public Records Act (PRA) RCW 42.56.070, establishes that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no cost. This provision applies to criminal records maintained by Spokane County agencies, though certain limitations and fees for copies may apply.
Free Inspection Options:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Spokane County Superior Court Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue, Room 300
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County Clerk
Spokane County District Court
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Spokane County District Court
When inspecting records in person, individuals must:
- Present valid identification
- Complete a records request form
- Follow facility rules regarding handling of documents
- Be aware that staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal records information:
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Spokane County Court Records - Free access to basic case information for Superior, District, and Juvenile Courts.
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Washington Courts Public Case Search - Free statewide court records search including Spokane County cases.
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Spokane County Name/Case/Court Dates Search - Free search for court dates and case status.
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Spokane County Jail Inmate Roster - Free access to current inmate information.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is free, certain services related to criminal records do incur fees:
- Copies of documents: $0.15-$0.50 per page (varies by agency)
- Certified copies: $5.00-$10.00 per document
- Research fees: May apply for extensive searches requiring staff time
- Background checks through Washington State Patrol: $12.00 per record
- Expedited processing: Additional fees may apply
These fees are authorized under RCW 42.56.120, which permits agencies to charge for the actual costs of providing copies of records.
It is important to note that while basic record searches are available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports, particularly those used for employment or licensing purposes, typically require payment and may need to be obtained through the Washington State Patrol's official channels.
What's Included in a Spokane County Criminal Record?
Spokane County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, though the exact content may vary depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arrest circumstances summary
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior, District, Municipal)
- Assigned judge
- Charges filed by prosecutor with corresponding statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony class A-C or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecution attorney information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Related traffic violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records is governed by Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 446-20-020, which defines criminal history record information and establishes standards for its collection and maintenance.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with sealing/expungement orders. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to different disclosure rules under RCW 13.50.050 and typically contain more limited information when accessible.
How Long Does Spokane County Keep Criminal Records?
Spokane County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case.
Court Records Retention:
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Felony Case Files:
- Capital offenses/Murder 1st degree: Permanent retention
- Class A felonies: 20 years after case completion
- Class B felonies: 10 years after case completion
- Class C felonies: 5 years after case completion
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Misdemeanor Case Files:
- DUI/Physical Control: 10 years after case completion
- Domestic Violence: 10 years after case completion
- Other misdemeanors: 3 years after case completion
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Court Dockets and Indexes:
- Permanent retention (provides perpetual case reference)
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Judgment and Sentencing Documents:
- Felonies: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanors: Follows case file retention period
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
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Arrest Reports:
- Felony arrests (no charges filed): 5 years
- Misdemeanor arrests (no charges filed): 3 years
- Arrests resulting in charges: Follows case file retention
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Investigation Reports:
- Homicide/major felonies: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Unfounded investigations: 3 years
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Booking Photos and Fingerprints:
- Maintained by Washington State Patrol: 99 years
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Sex Offender Registration Records:
- Maintained for the duration of registration requirement
- Level III offenders: Permanent retention
These retention periods represent minimum requirements under the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule. Agencies may retain records longer than these minimums at their discretion.
It is important to note that even after physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, basic case information often remains permanently in court indexes and electronic databases. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access but may be retained for administrative purposes with highly restricted access.
The Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information and generally retains fingerprint-based records for 99 years from the date of birth of the subject, as authorized under WAC 446-20-140.
Lookup Criminal Records in Spokane County
Criminal Records in Spokane County
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