Clallam County Public Records / Clallam County Arrest Records

Clallam County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clallam County

Arrest records in Clallam County are considered public information under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This statute establishes that all public records maintained by state and local agencies shall be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining open public records is essential for governmental transparency and accountability.

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070, Clallam County law enforcement agencies are required to make arrest records accessible to the public, with certain limitations. It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records do not constitute proof of guilt.
Conviction Records: Document that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

While both types of records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions outlined in RCW 42.56.240, which protects specific law enforcement and investigative information. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office maintains and processes public records requests for arrest records under their jurisdiction.

What's in Clallam County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Clallam County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Address of residence
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony)
Charge description

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Warrant type

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Bond status
Release conditions

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location if incarcerated
Scheduled release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information
Incident reports
Witness statements
Officer narratives

The Clallam County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Washington State law enforcement standards and retention schedules.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clallam County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Clallam County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:

Submit a Public Records Request to the Sheriff's Office:
- Complete the official records request form available through the Clallam County Sheriff's Records Request portal
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available
- Submit the request electronically, by mail, or in person
Visit the Sheriff's Office in Person:

Clallam County Sheriff's Office
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2459
Clallam County Sheriff

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Contact the Clallam County Clerk's Office for Court Records:

Clallam County Clerk's Office
223 East 4th Street, Room 9
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2250
Clallam County Clerk
Request Records by Telephone:
- Call the Records Division at (360) 504-1262
- Provide detailed information about the specific records being requested
- Follow instructions for receiving records electronically or by mail
Submit a General County Public Records Request:
- For broader searches or records maintained by multiple departments, submit a request through the Clallam County Public Records Office

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay applicable fees for document reproduction in accordance with the fee schedule established under RCW 42.56.120.

How To Find Clallam County Arrest Records Online

Clallam County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems allow for efficient searching without requiring in-person visits to county offices:

Clallam County Inmate Roster:
- Access the Clallam County Jail Roster to view currently incarcerated individuals
- Search by name, booking number, or subject number
- View booking date, charges, and custody status
- Information is updated regularly to reflect current inmate population
Clallam County Court Records Search:
- Visit the Case or Name Search portal
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Access court dockets, hearing schedules, and case dispositions
- View criminal case histories for public court proceedings
Washington Courts JIS-Link (requires subscription):
- Access the statewide Judicial Information System
- Search court records across Washington jurisdictions
- View comprehensive case histories and dispositions
- Obtain detailed information about criminal proceedings
Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH):
- Visit the Washington State Patrol's official background check system
- Pay the required fee for official criminal history information
- Receive verified conviction data from state repositories
- Access records of arrests less than one year old that have not been resolved
Online Public Records Request Portal:
- Submit electronic requests through the Clallam County Public Records Request system
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of responsive documents
- Communicate with records staff about request specifications

When utilizing online systems, users should note that some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and statutory exemptions under RCW 42.56.240. Additionally, the most current and complete records may require a formal public records request.

How To Search Clallam County Arrest Records for Free?

Clallam County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources:

Clallam County Jail Roster:
- The online inmate inquiry system provides free access to current custody information
- Search by name to view booking information, charges, and custody status
- Information is updated regularly to reflect current incarcerations
- No fees are associated with viewing this public information
Public Access Terminals at County Facilities:
- Visit the Clallam County Courthouse to use public access computers
- Access court records and case information at no charge
- Available during regular business hours at:
Clallam County Courthouse
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Clallam County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Browse the Sheriff's Office website for press releases about significant arrests
- Access public safety announcements and crime reports
- View information about wanted persons and recent law enforcement activities
Local Newspaper Archives:
- Visit the Port Angeles Public Library to access newspaper archives
- Search local publications for arrest reports and court proceedings
- Review public notices related to criminal cases
Port Angeles Public Library
2210 South Peabody Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-8500
Crime Mapping Resources:
- Access the Crime Map provided by local law enforcement
- View recent criminal activity and arrests by location
- Monitor patterns of criminal activity in specific neighborhoods

While these resources provide free access to basic arrest information, more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees. Additionally, pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, while inspection of records is free, reproduction costs may apply when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clallam County

Under Washington State law, individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access through several legal mechanisms. The processes for record sealing or expungement in Clallam County are governed by specific statutes:

Vacating Criminal Records:

Pursuant to RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) and RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies), eligible individuals may petition the court to vacate conviction records
Eligibility typically requires:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- No pending criminal charges
- Specified waiting periods based on offense type
- No subsequent convictions
Vacated records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement

Sealing Juvenile Records:

Under RCW 13.50.260, juvenile records may be sealed when:
- The individual has reached age 18
- Required waiting periods have elapsed
- Court-ordered financial obligations are satisfied
- No pending proceedings exist

Non-Conviction Records:

Records of arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may be eligible for deletion
Individuals must petition the court demonstrating:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial

To initiate the process in Clallam County:

Obtain a complete criminal history record from the Washington State Patrol
File appropriate motion with the Clallam County Superior Court:

Clallam County Superior Court
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2361
Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
Attend scheduled court hearing
If granted, obtain certified copies of the court order
Submit the court order to relevant agencies including:
- Clallam County Sheriff's Office
- Washington State Patrol
- Federal Bureau of Investigation

It is important to note that record sealing or vacation does not completely erase all documentation of an arrest. Rather, it restricts public access while maintaining records for law enforcement purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Clallam County?

Following an arrest in Clallam County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Washington State law and local procedures:

Booking Process:
- Arrestees are transported to the Clallam County Corrections Facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate housing
Initial Appearance/Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
Pretrial Release Considerations:
- Bail amount is set based on:
  - Severity of alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Community safety concerns
- Release options may include:
  - Cash bail
  - Surety bond
  - Personal recognizance
  - Electronic monitoring
  - Pretrial supervision
Preliminary Hearing (for felony cases):
- Prosecutor presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed to trial
- May be waived by defendant
Discovery Process:
- Prosecution and defense exchange evidence
- Witness statements are reviewed
- Police reports are examined
- Physical evidence is analyzed
Pretrial Motions:
- Requests to suppress evidence
- Challenges to procedural issues
- Negotiations for plea agreements
Trial Proceedings:
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration in county jail or state prison
  - Probation
  - Fines and court costs
  - Restitution to victims
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs

Throughout this process, individuals are housed at the Clallam County Corrections Facility, which provides various inmate services including medical care, visitation, and commissary access.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clallam County?

Arrest records in Clallam County are maintained according to the Washington State Records Retention Schedule as established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing administrative needs and historical value.

The retention periods for various types of arrest records are as follows:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Juvenile arrests: Until individual reaches age 23, or longer depending on offense severity
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records:
- Adult offenders: 75 years from date of creation
- Juvenile offenders: Until age 23, unless transferred to adult court
Investigative Records:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual offenses: 75 years after case closure
- Other felonies: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
Jail Records:
- Inmate files: 6 years after release from custody
- Booking logs: 6 years after last entry
- Visitor logs: 3 years after last entry
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony case files: 20 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 20 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those with historical significance or those related to serious offenses. Digital records management systems have expanded the practical retention capacity of law enforcement agencies.

The Clallam County Sheriff's Office adheres to these retention schedules while maintaining records in secure, access-controlled systems. Records that have met their retention requirements may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, though destruction is discretionary rather than mandatory.

How to Find Mugshots in Clallam County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Clallam County with certain limitations. Understanding how to access these images requires knowledge of relevant procedures and restrictions:

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve to document physical appearance at the time of arrest.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: The Clallam County Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of their arrest records. These images are stored in the county's records management system and linked to specific booking events and case files.

Finding Mugshots: To obtain mugshots in Clallam County, individuals may:

Submit a public records request specifically requesting booking photographs:
- Complete the Records Request form
- Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, case number if available)
- Indicate that booking photographs are being requested
- Submit the request online, by mail, or in person
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Clallam County Sheriff's Office Records Division
223 East 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2262
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Can They Be Found Online: Unlike some jurisdictions, Clallam County does not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. While the Clallam County Jail Roster provides information about current inmates, it does not display booking photographs. This policy helps prevent the commercial exploitation of mugshots that occurs in some regions.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: When requesting mugshots through official channels:

Fees may apply for reproduction (typically per-page copying fees)
Identification of the requestor may be required
Processing time varies based on workload and complexity
Electronic delivery options may be available

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be limited under certain circumstances:

Juvenile booking photographs are generally not public records
Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Photographs may be redacted to protect certain identifying information
Special protections exist for victims of certain crimes

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally available through proper channels, their publication and use may have significant impacts on the subjects' privacy, reputation, and future opportunities.