Yakima County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Yakima County
Arrest records in Yakima County are considered public information under Washington State law. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), codified in RCW § 42.56, government agencies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless specifically exempted by statute. This includes records of arrests maintained by law enforcement agencies within Yakima County.
The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining open public records is essential for governmental transparency and accountability. Under RCW § 42.56.070, public agencies must make available for public inspection and copying all public records, including arrest records, unless the record falls within specific statutory exemptions.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
In Yakima County, the Yakima Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits, while the Yakima County Sheriff's Office maintains records for incidents in unincorporated areas of the county. These records are generally accessible to the public, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations as permitted under RCW § 42.56.240.
What's in Yakima County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Yakima County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and to facilitate information sharing between agencies. A typical Yakima County arrest record includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address of residence
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and type
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Bond amount set on warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Booking facility
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Immigration status
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Washington State Patrol may contain additional information related to state-level criminal history.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Yakima County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Yakima County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Washington Public Records Act ensures citizen access to these records through established procedures. Individuals may request arrest records through the following methods:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Complete a public records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the records being requested with as much detail as possible
- Pay applicable fees for copying or certification if requesting physical copies
Yakima County Sheriff's Office
1822 S 1st Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2500
Yakima County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Yakima Police Department
200 S 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6200
Yakima Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests:
- Submit a completed public records request form by mail
- Include specific information about the records being sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for any applicable fees
Electronic Requests:
- Visit the official website of the relevant agency
- Locate the public records request portal or form
- Complete all required fields
- Submit the request electronically
- Retain the confirmation number or receipt
Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. The response may include providing the records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time for fulfilling the request, or denying the request with specific statutory exemptions cited.
Requesters should note that certain information in arrest records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions under RCW § 42.56.240, which protects specific law enforcement information from disclosure.
How To Find Yakima County Arrest Records Online
Yakima County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems enhance public access while maintaining compliance with Washington's Public Records Act. Currently, the following online methods are available:
Yakima County Jail Roster:
- Navigate to the Yakima County Department of Corrections website
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Roster" option
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and recent bookings
- Note that this system only displays current inmates, not historical arrest records
Washington Courts Case Search:
- Access the Washington Courts Case Search portal
- Accept the terms of use
- Select "Yakima County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
- Note that this system provides court case information, not the original arrest records
Washington State Patrol WATCH System:
- Visit the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) website
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Pay the required fee ($11 per record search)
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth
- Receive instant results showing criminal history information including arrests
- Download or print the report for your records
City of Yakima Public Records Portal:
- Navigate to the City of Yakima public records request page
- Complete the online request form
- Provide specific details about the arrest records being sought
- Submit the request electronically
- Await notification when records are available for electronic delivery
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest information. Records available online are often limited to basic details, with full records requiring a formal public records request. Additionally, some older records may not be digitized and might require in-person retrieval.
How To Search Yakima County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Yakima County arrest records without incurring fees through several available resources. Washington State law supports public access to government records while allowing agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Yakima County Courthouse law library
- Use public access computer terminals to search court records
- Access is provided at no charge during regular business hours
- Print fees may apply if copies are needed
Yakima County Courthouse Law Library
128 N 2nd Street, Room 100
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2990
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Yakima County Jail Roster:
- The online jail roster is available at no cost
- Provides current inmate information and recent booking data
- Updated regularly throughout the day
- Limited to current inmates, not historical arrest records
Local Newspaper Archives:
- Visit the Yakima Valley Regional Library
- Access digital newspaper archives containing published arrest reports
- Search by date or name
- No fee for library card holders
Yakima Valley Regional Library
102 N 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 452-8541
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-Person Record Inspection:
- Submit a public records request to the appropriate agency
- Request to inspect records rather than receive copies
- Schedule an appointment to view records at the agency
- Take notes during inspection (photography may be restricted)
Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may not charge for the inspection of public records or for locating public documents and making them available for inspection. However, reasonable fees may be charged for providing copies of records, including costs directly related to copying.
For individuals seeking extensive records or certified copies, fees will typically apply. The Yakima Police Department and Yakima County Sheriff's Office maintain fee schedules for various record services, with typical charges ranging from $0.15 per page for standard copies to $5-15 for certified records.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Yakima County
Washington State law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes—known as expungement, vacating convictions, and sealing records—are governed by state statutes and court rules. Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public view in Yakima County must understand these distinct legal remedies:
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement physically destroys records or removes them from public indices
- Sealing restricts public access while maintaining records for limited official use
- In Washington, true expungement is rare; sealing is more common
Eligibility Requirements: Under RCW § 10.97.060 and related statutes, individuals may qualify to seal or vacate records if:
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The conviction was vacated
- A specified waiting period has elapsed since case completion
- No new criminal charges are pending
- All restitution and court fees have been paid
- The offense is eligible under state law (certain violent and sex offenses are ineligible)
Process for Sealing/Vacating Records:
- Obtain complete criminal history from the Washington State Patrol
- Gather case documents from Yakima County Superior Court
- Complete appropriate court forms:
- Motion and Declaration for Order Vacating Conviction
- Order Vacating Conviction
- Motion to Seal Records
- Order to Seal Records
- File documents with the Yakima County Superior Court clerk
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for eligible individuals)
- Attend scheduled court hearing
- If granted, provide copies of the order to all agencies holding records
Yakima County Superior Court
128 N 2nd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Juvenile Records: Juvenile records in Washington have different sealing provisions under RCW § 13.50.260. Eligible juvenile records may be sealed if:
- Two years have passed since case completion
- No pending criminal proceedings exist
- All restitution has been paid
- The offense was not a sex offense or Class A felony
Individuals should note that even sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain employers as authorized by law. Additionally, federal agencies and out-of-state entities may still maintain access to these records through national databases.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Northwest Justice Project and Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services offer limited free legal assistance to qualifying individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Yakima County?
Following an arrest in Yakima County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Washington State law and local court rules. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:
Booking Process:
- Transportation to Yakima County Jail or city holding facility
- Documentation of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory and storage
- Medical screening
- Assignment to appropriate housing unit
Initial Appearance/Arraignment:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination made
- Public defender appointed if defendant qualifies
- Plea entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
Pretrial Release Considerations:
- Bail amount based on:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety concerns
- Release options include:
- Cash bail
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance
- Electronic monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Determination of probable cause
- Typically occurs within 14 days of arraignment
- Prosecutor presents evidence
- Defense may challenge evidence
- Judge determines if case proceeds to trial
Case Resolution Pathways:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues
- Diversion Programs: Alternative resolution for eligible offenses, particularly for first-time offenders
- Plea Agreement: Negotiated resolution between defense and prosecution
- Trial: Determination of guilt by judge (bench trial) or jury
Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Occurs after guilty plea or trial conviction
- Sentencing guidelines based on:
- Offense severity
- Criminal history
- Statutory requirements
- Mitigating/aggravating factors
- Potential sentences include:
- Incarceration (jail or prison)
- Probation
- Community service
- Fines and restitution
- Treatment programs
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Yakima County Superior Court and District Court administer these proceedings in accordance with Washington State law and court rules.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Yakima County?
Arrest records in Yakima County are maintained according to Washington State's records retention schedules as established by the Washington State Archives under RCW § 40.14. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of government records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.
Standard Retention Periods:
Law enforcement agencies in Yakima County typically retain arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports (No Charges Filed): 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrest Reports (Misdemeanor Charges): 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrest Reports (Felony Charges): 10 years to permanent, depending on offense severity
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until subject reaches age 23, unless sealed by court order
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Permanent retention by Washington State Patrol
- Investigation Reports: 10 years to permanent, depending on case type and outcome
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those related to serious offenses or cases resulting in conviction.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Modern record-keeping practices in Yakima County involve both digital and physical storage systems:
- Digital records are typically maintained in law enforcement database systems with extended or indefinite retention
- Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after active periods
- Microfilm or other preservation methods may be used for long-term storage of older records
Records Maintained by Different Agencies:
Multiple agencies maintain arrest records, each with specific retention requirements:
- Yakima Police Department: Follows city retention schedule
- Yakima County Sheriff: Follows county retention schedule
- Washington State Patrol: Maintains permanent criminal history repository
- Yakima County Clerk: Maintains court records according to judicial retention schedules
The Washington State Archives Eastern Regional Branch, located in Cheney, Washington, provides guidance to local agencies on records management and serves as the repository for historically significant government records after their active retention period expires.
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, court records, and third-party information systems. Complete removal of arrest information typically requires court-ordered expungement or sealing as provided under Washington State law.
How to Find Mugshots in Yakima County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Yakima County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. Access to these photographs is governed by Washington's Public Records Act with specific limitations.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process, typically including:
- Front-facing (portrait) view
- Profile (side) view
- Booking information board showing date and case number
- Consistent background and lighting for identification purposes
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Yakima County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting agency (Yakima Police Department, Sheriff's Office, etc.)
- Yakima County Department of Corrections (for county jail bookings)
- Washington State Patrol's central records system
- Digital records management systems used by law enforcement
Finding Mugshots: To locate a booking photograph in Yakima County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Specify the exact name, date of arrest, and case number if available
- Complete required forms and provide identification
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
- Receive copies according to agency response timelines
Can They Be Found Online: Limited mugshot information may be available through:
- Yakima County Jail roster (current inmates only)
- Law enforcement agency websites (limited recent bookings)
- Court records systems (not all include photographs)
It should be noted that Washington State has enacted restrictions on commercial mugshot websites through RCW § 10.97.130, which prohibits charging fees for removing booking photographs from websites.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable method to obtain an official booking photograph is through a formal public records request to the Yakima Police Department or Yakima County Sheriff's Office. These agencies maintain the official records and can provide certified copies if needed.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be limited under certain circumstances:
- Active investigations
- Juvenile arrests (generally confidential under RCW § 13.50)
- Cases involving confidential informants
- Sealed or expunged records
- Privacy protections for certain victims
- Cases where release would endanger an individual's safety
Law enforcement agencies balance public records requirements with privacy and safety considerations when responding to mugshot requests. Requesters should be prepared to demonstrate legitimate purpose and may face redactions or denials based on applicable exemptions under Washington's Public Records Act.