Yakima County Criminal Records

What Is Yakima County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Yakima County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to RCW 10.97, Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act, which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:

• Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes an individual into custody on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges are ultimately filed.
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing adjudicated criminal responsibility.
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, including violent offenses, significant property crimes, and certain drug violations.
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail, fines, or both.
• Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally subject to stricter confidentiality protections under RCW 13.50.050.
• Warrant Information: Records of active arrest warrants issued by courts when individuals fail to appear for court proceedings or are sought for criminal charges.

Multiple agencies maintain components of Yakima County's criminal records system:

Yakima County Sheriff's Office
1822 S 1st Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2500
Yakima County Sheriff's Office

Yakima County Superior Court
128 N 2nd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2700
Yakima County Superior Court

Yakima Police Department
200 S 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6200
Yakima Police Department

Washington State Patrol
2715 Rudkin Road
Union Gap, WA 98903
(509) 249-6700
Washington State Patrol

A comprehensive criminal record typically documents the entire criminal justice process, including arrests, charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Yakima County

Criminal records in Yakima County are generally accessible to the public under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which establishes the presumption that most government records should be available for public inspection. The Act states that "the people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them" and "the people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created."

However, public access to criminal records is subject to specific limitations and exemptions:

• Adult Conviction Records: Records of adult criminal convictions are fully accessible to the public, with no time limitations on disclosure.
• Non-Conviction Records: Information about arrests not leading to charges or cases resulting in dismissals or acquittals may have restricted access after a specified period.
• Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are temporarily exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes.
• Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to RCW 10.97.050 are not available for public inspection.
• Juvenile Records: Most juvenile records are subject to restricted access, though certain serious offenses may remain public.
• Protected Information: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain victim details are redacted from public records.

The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act specifically states that "conviction records may be disseminated without restriction" while non-conviction data "shall be disseminated by a criminal justice agency to another criminal justice agency for any purpose associated with the administration of criminal justice."

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Yakima County must submit requests through the appropriate agency, which will review the request and provide accessible records while withholding or redacting information protected by statutory exemptions.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Yakima County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Yakima County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Washington Public Records Act establishes the framework for records access, and multiple agencies maintain different components of criminal history information.

For in-person requests at the Yakima County Courthouse:

Yakima County Clerk's Office
128 N 2nd Street, Room 100
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Yakima County Clerk

The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:

1. Determine the appropriate agency: Different records are maintained by different departments:

   • Court case records: Yakima County Clerk or Superior Court
   • Arrest records: Yakima County Sheriff or local police departments
   • Incarceration records: Yakima County Department of Corrections

2. Submit a formal public records request:

   • Complete the agency's public records request form
   • Provide specific information about the records sought
   • Include sufficient identifying information about the subject
   • Submit the request via mail, email, fax, or in person

3. Pay applicable fees:

   • Search fees may apply (typically $10-15 per name)
   • Copy fees (generally $0.15-0.25 per page)
   • Certified copies may incur additional charges

4. Await response:

   • Agencies must respond within five business days
   • Response may include records, denial with explanation, or estimated timeframe
   • Complex requests may require extended processing time

For records from the Yakima Police Department, requests can be submitted to:

Yakima Police Department Records Division
200 S 3rd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Public Record Request

For statewide criminal history information, the Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository:

Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol Criminal History

Requestors should note that certain records may require court orders for access, particularly sealed or expunged records, and juvenile records not involving serious offenses.

How To Find Criminal Records in Yakima County Online?

Yakima County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.

The primary online resources include:

1. Washington Courts Case Search This statewide portal provides access to court case information from superior, district, and municipal courts throughout Washington, including Yakima County. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. The system displays case types, filing dates, charges, and case status. The Washington Courts Case Search requires users to accept terms of use before conducting searches.

2. Yakima County Jail Roster The Yakima County Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including booking date, charges, and bond information. This resource is updated daily and accessible through the Yakima County website.

3. Washington State Department of Corrections Offender Search For information on individuals currently under state supervision or incarcerated in state facilities, the Washington State Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database. This system includes information on offenders from Yakima County who have been sentenced to state custody.

4. Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records The Washington State Patrol offers an online system for requesting criminal history background checks. This fee-based service provides conviction information from throughout the state, including Yakima County cases. Users must register and pay the required fee for each search.

5. Washington State Patrol Warrant Search Active warrants can be searched through the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search portal, which includes warrant information from Yakima County.

6. Yakima County Public Records Portal The county maintains an online public records request system where users can submit requests for criminal records not available through other online systems. While this doesn't provide immediate access to records, it facilitates the request process.

When using these online systems, users should note:

• Some systems require registration or acceptance of terms of use
• Certain detailed information may only be available through formal records requests
• Online records may not include all historical cases or complete file contents
• Sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
• Some specialized records (e.g., juvenile cases, sealed records) are not available online

For comprehensive criminal history information, users may need to combine online searches with formal records requests to multiple agencies.

Can You Search Yakima County Criminal Records for Free?

Yakima County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, in accordance with Washington's Public Records Act. The Act establishes that agencies may charge for copies of records but must allow free inspection of records at agency offices during normal business hours.

Free access options include:

1. In-Person Inspection The public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:

   Yakima County Clerk's Office
   128 N 2nd Street, Room 100
   Yakima, WA 98901
   (509) 574-2700
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

   Yakima County Superior Court
   128 N 2nd Street
   Yakima, WA 98901
   (509) 574-2700
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

   Visitors must present identification and may be required to complete a records request form. While inspection is free, copying fees apply if printed records are needed.

2. Online Court Records The Washington Courts Case Search provides free access to basic case information, including:

   • Case numbers and filing dates
   • Party names
   • Charge information
   • Case status and upcoming court dates
   • Judge assignments
   • Document indexes (though document content typically requires payment)

3. Yakima County Jail Roster The county jail maintains a free online inmate lookup system showing current inmates, charges, and booking information.

4. Law Enforcement Agency Websites Some local police departments, including the Yakima Police Department, provide free access to limited criminal information, such as:

   • Daily arrest logs
   • Most wanted lists
   • Sex offender registries
   • Crime statistics

5. Washington Digital Archives The Washington State Archives, Digital Archives maintains historical court records that can be searched without charge, though coverage may be limited for recent cases.

While these free resources provide valuable information, users should note several limitations:

• Free resources typically provide basic information rather than complete case files
• Historical records may require formal requests or payment
• Certified copies always incur fees (typically $5-10 per document)
• Background checks for employment or licensing purposes generally require payment
• Complex searches involving multiple jurisdictions may necessitate fee-based services

For comprehensive criminal history information, particularly for employment screening or licensing purposes, the Washington State Patrol's fee-based background check service remains the most reliable source.

What's Included in a Yakima County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Yakima County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, though content may vary based on the specific case and maintaining agency.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age at time of offense
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
• Booking photograph ("mugshot") if arrested
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Washington driver's license number (for driving-related offenses)

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer identification
• Booking number and facility
• Initial charges filed by law enforcement
• Probable cause statement
• Bail or bond information
• Pre-trial detention status
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number and jurisdiction (Superior, District, or Municipal)
• Filing date and prosecutor information
• Formal charges filed, including statute citations
• Classification of charges (felony class A-C or misdemeanor)
• Defense attorney information
• Plea entered
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Trial information (if applicable)
• Witness and evidence listings

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Final verdict or plea outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms (jail/prison duration)
  • Probation requirements and duration
  • Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
  • Treatment or program requirements
  • Community service obligations
• Post-conviction modifications
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or bench warrants
• Protection or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Domestic violence indicators
• Firearm possession restrictions
• DUI/DWI-specific information (for applicable cases)
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

Criminal records maintained by the Washington State Patrol may also include criminal history from other Washington jurisdictions, providing a more comprehensive overview of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system throughout the state.

Records accessible to the general public typically have certain sensitive information redacted, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and victim identifying details in certain case types.

How Long Does Yakima County Keep Criminal Records?

Yakima 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 schedules vary by record type and severity of offense.

The standard retention periods for criminal records in Yakima County are:

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention for Class A felonies; 10 years after case closure for Class B and C felonies
• Misdemeanor case files: 3 years after case closure for most misdemeanors
• DUI/DWI cases: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic violence cases: 10 years after case closure
• Juvenile offender records: Maintained until offender reaches age 23 for most offenses; serious violent offenses retained permanently
• Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
• Judgments and sentences: Permanent retention for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest reports: 10 years for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
• Investigation reports: Permanent retention for homicides and unresolved felonies; 10 years for resolved felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
• Booking photographs and fingerprints: Retained by Washington State Patrol indefinitely
• Incident reports: 5 years after creation
• 911 recordings: 90 days minimum; longer if related to ongoing investigations

Corrections Records:

• Inmate files: 6 years after release from custody
• Jail booking logs: 6 years after last entry
• Inmate medical records: 10 years after release

Prosecutor Records:

• Felony case files: 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor case files: 3 years after case closure
• Declined prosecutions: 3 years after decision

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indexes and basic case information are often maintained permanently, particularly for court records. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained longer than their paper counterparts.

The Washington State Patrol maintains criminal history record information in the state's central repository indefinitely, even after local records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may petition for record sealing or expungement under specific circumstances outlined in RCW 9.94A.640 and RCW 10.97.060, though eligibility requirements are strict and vary by offense type.

Lookup Criminal Records in Yakima County

Yakima Police Department

Washington State Department of Corrections Warrant Search

Washington Courts Case Search

Public Record Request from City Clerk

Washington State Archives, Digital Archives