Snohomish County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Snohomish County
Arrest records in Snohomish County are considered public information under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Washington State Legislature has determined that maintaining open public records is essential for governmental transparency and accountability.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under Washington law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or privacy interests in specific circumstances.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Public Records Unit maintains and processes requests for arrest records within their jurisdiction. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating response time, or denying the request with specific statutory justification.
What's in Snohomish County Arrest Records
Snohomish County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistent documentation across law enforcement agencies within the county. A complete arrest record generally includes the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address of residence
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Facility where individual was booked
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where individual is being held
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Immigration status
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The Snohomish County Jail Register provides current information about individuals incarcerated in county facilities, including those held at municipal jails in Lynnwood and Marysville.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Snohomish County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Snohomish County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county has established specific procedures to facilitate access to these public records while maintaining compliance with state law.
To request arrest records from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, individuals may submit a public records request through the following methods:
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Online Portal: Submit a request through the Sheriff's Public Records Request Portal, which allows for electronic submission and tracking of requests.
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Email: Send a detailed request to the Sheriff's Public Disclosure Unit at PDR@snoco.org, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific incident information if available.
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Mail: Submit a written request to:
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S #606
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3699
Sheriff's Public Records
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In Person: Visit the Sheriff's Office in Everett during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to complete a request form.
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Fax: Transmit a written request to 425-388-3939.
When submitting a request, it is advisable to provide as much specific information as possible, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Date and location of arrest
- Case or incident number (if known)
- Type of records sought
Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, the agency must respond within five business days of receiving the request. Requesters may be required to pay reasonable fees for copying or electronic transmission of records, as authorized by RCW § 42.56.120.
For jail records specifically, additional procedures may apply, particularly for medical records which have heightened privacy protections under state and federal law.
How To Find Snohomish County Arrest Records Online
Snohomish County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining appropriate security measures for sensitive information.
The primary online resources for arrest records include:
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Snohomish County Jail Register: The online jail register provides real-time information about individuals currently incarcerated in county facilities. This searchable database includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bail amount
- Expected release date
- Court information
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Sheriff's Office Records Request Portal: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal where members of the public can submit requests for specific arrest records. This system allows users to:
- Create an account for tracking requests
- Submit detailed information about the records sought
- Receive electronic copies of available documents
- Pay any applicable fees securely online
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Washington State Patrol Criminal History Database: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Snohomish County, the Washington State Patrol maintains a searchable database. Fees apply for these searches, and users must provide specific identifying information about the subject.
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Washington Courts Search: The Washington Courts website offers a searchable database of court cases, which often contain information about arrests that led to court proceedings.
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Department of Corrections Warrant Search: The Washington Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database of active warrants, which can provide information about individuals with outstanding arrest warrants in Snohomish County.
When using these online resources, users should be aware that:
- Some information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Complete arrest records may require a formal public records request
- Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval
How To Search Snohomish County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Snohomish County arrest records without incurring fees. While some specialized searches or document reproduction may involve costs, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:
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Snohomish County Jail Inmate Search: The Snohomish County Jail Register is available online at no cost and provides current information about individuals in custody, including those held at municipal jails in Lynnwood and Marysville. This resource is updated regularly and includes:
- Inmate name and booking information
- Charges
- Bail amounts
- Scheduled court dates
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In-Person Terminal Access: The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office provides public terminals at their main office where visitors can search basic arrest information at no charge during regular business hours:
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3393
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
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Public Library Resources: Several public libraries in Snohomish County offer free access to public records databases that may include arrest information. Library staff can assist with navigating these resources.
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Online Crime Reports: The Snohomish County Sheriff's Online Crime Report system provides information about reported crimes, which may include arrest data in some cases.
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Police Department Records: The Snohomish Police Department maintains records that can be accessed through their Police Records division. Basic information may be available without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.
It is important to note that while basic searches are free, pursuant to RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Photocopies of physical records
- Electronic copies requiring specialized formatting
- Staff time for extensive searches or redaction
- Storage media for large electronic files
Additionally, certain specialized criminal history searches conducted through the Washington State Patrol always incur statutory fees, even when the information relates to Snohomish County arrests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Snohomish County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Snohomish County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These procedures are governed by Washington state law and require specific legal actions.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement legally destroys or removes arrest records from public view
- Sealing restricts access to records but does not destroy them
- Law enforcement and courts may still access sealed records in certain circumstances
Under Washington law, specifically RCW 10.97.060 and RCW 9.94A.640, arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing in the following circumstances:
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Arrests Not Leading to Charges: If an individual was arrested but never charged with a crime, they may petition for expungement after two years from the date of arrest.
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Charges Dismissed or Acquitted: If charges were filed but later dismissed or the individual was acquitted at trial, they may petition for expungement.
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Deferred Sentences or Diversion Programs: Upon successful completion of court-ordered programs, individuals may be eligible to have records sealed.
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Vacated Convictions: In some cases, after completing all sentencing requirements and waiting periods, individuals may petition to have convictions vacated, which can lead to sealing of associated arrest records.
The process for requesting expungement or sealing typically involves:
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the case
- Providing documentation of eligibility
- Attending a hearing before a judge
- If granted, obtaining a court order directing agencies to expunge or seal records
For juvenile records, different rules apply under RCW 13.50.260, which provides broader opportunities for sealing or destruction of records.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records should be aware that:
- The process can be legally complex
- Success is not guaranteed
- Legal assistance is strongly recommended
- Even if county records are expunged, federal databases or private companies may still maintain information
- Some professional licensing boards and government agencies may have access to sealed records
The Snohomish County Clerk's Office can provide forms and information about the expungement process, though they cannot offer legal advice.
What Happens After Arrest in Snohomish County?
Following an arrest in Snohomish County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. Understanding this sequence helps contextualize how arrest records are generated and utilized throughout the system.
Initial Custody and Booking: The process begins when law enforcement takes an individual into custody. The arrestee is transported to a detention facility where they undergo booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Documentation of alleged offenses
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
Initial Appearance and Bail Determination: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of their rights
- Determines conditions of release
- Sets bail amount if applicable
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
The Snohomish County Jail Register maintains current information about custody status and bail amounts.
Charging Decision: The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Decline to prosecute
- Request additional investigation
- Refer to diversion programs
Arraignment: If charges are filed, the defendant appears for arraignment where they:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter an initial plea (typically not guilty)
- Receive trial dates
- Have conditions of release reviewed
Pre-Trial Phase: This period involves:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Diversion program participation if applicable
Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through:
- Guilty plea agreements
- Bench or jury trials
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion program completion
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may:
- Serve jail or prison sentences
- Complete probation requirements
- Appeal convictions
- Eventually seek expungement or record sealing
Throughout this process, multiple agencies generate and maintain records, including the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, courts, prosecutor's office, and probation departments. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible through public records requests, subject to applicable exemptions.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Snohomish County?
Arrest records in Snohomish County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Washington state law, specifically the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule administered by the Washington State Archives.
Under RCW § 40.14.070, government agencies must retain records for specific periods before they may be destroyed or archived. For arrest records, the following retention periods generally apply:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Arrests not leading to charges: 3 years after date of arrest
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs:
- Retained by the Washington State Patrol indefinitely for individuals convicted of crimes
- May be returned or destroyed for non-conviction records after applicable waiting periods
Investigation Reports:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Unfounded cases: 3 years after determination
Jail Records:
- Booking and custody records: 6 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after last contact
- Visitor logs: 3 years after last entry
It is important to note that different agencies within Snohomish County may have varying retention requirements based on their specific functions:
- The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to law enforcement schedules
- The Snohomish County Clerk maintains court records, which may be permanent for felony cases
- Municipal police departments like the Snohomish Police Department follow the same state retention schedules
Even after the minimum retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archives for historical preservation
- Maintained longer due to ongoing legal proceedings
- Kept as part of aggregate statistical data
- Preserved due to historical significance
Digital records systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond minimum requirements, as electronic storage has reduced the physical constraints that previously limited record retention.
How to Find Mugshots in Snohomish County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Snohomish County with certain limitations. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile photographs of arrested individuals, taken during the booking process. These images are accompanied by identifying information and are used by law enforcement for identification purposes throughout the criminal justice process.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Snohomish County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office for county-wide arrests
- Municipal police departments like the Snohomish Police Department for arrests within city limits
- The Washington State Patrol for statewide criminal history records
Finding Mugshots: To obtain mugshots from official sources, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Public Records Unit, specifying the mugshot is being requested
- Provide identifying information about the subject, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records
Can They Be Found Online: While some mugshots may appear online, Snohomish County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. Limited booking information is available through the Snohomish County Jail Register, but this typically does not include photographs. Third-party websites may publish mugshots, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal public records request to:
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S #606
Everett, WA 98201
425-388-3699
Sheriff's Public Records
Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, via email to PDR@snoco.org, or through the online portal.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Juvenile arrests (protected under RCW § 13.50.050)
- Active investigations where release could impede law enforcement
- Cases where charges were not filed or were dismissed
- Situations where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests
Recent legislative changes in Washington have also placed additional restrictions on the commercial use of mugshots, particularly by websites that charge fees for removal of booking photos.
Lookup Arrest Records in Snohomish County
Jail Register & Bail Information