Pierce County Criminal Records

What Is Pierce County Criminal Records

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

Criminal records in Pierce County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Pierce County Sheriff's Department or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing final judgments by the courts.
• Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
• Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.
• Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by minors (under 18). These records are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under RCW 13.50.050.
• Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest, failure to appear in court, or other judicial directives.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Pierce County, each responsible for different aspects of the criminal justice process:

Pierce County Sheriff's Department
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7530
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7455
Pierce County Superior Court

Pierce County District Court
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7487
Pierce County District Court

Washington State Patrol
Criminal Records Division
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol

A comprehensive criminal record typically includes documentation of arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Pierce County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Pierce County

Criminal records in Pierce County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Act, codified in RCW 42.56, specifically 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."

Under current Washington law, most adult criminal records maintained by Pierce County agencies are accessible to the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act (RCW 10.97.050) specifically authorizes the dissemination of conviction records and criminal history information concerning offenses committed by adults without restriction.

Public criminal records in Pierce County typically include:

• Court records of criminal proceedings in Pierce County Superior and District Courts
• Conviction records for adult offenders
• Booking information and jail records
• Sex offender registry information
• Criminal history information available through the Washington State Patrol

However, several categories of criminal records are subject to restrictions or exemptions from public disclosure:

• Records pertaining to active criminal investigations
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
• Non-conviction data older than one year
• Records where disclosure would violate personal privacy or vital government interests
• Records protected by other statutes, such as certain domestic violence information

The Washington State Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records while balancing privacy concerns. In Nast v. Michels, the court affirmed that court case records are presumptively open to public inspection, though this presumption may be overcome in specific circumstances where privacy interests or safety concerns outweigh the public interest in disclosure.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Pierce County must follow established procedures for records requests, which may vary by agency. While many records are readily available through online portals, others may require formal written requests under the Public Records Act.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Pierce County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Pierce County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit the following locations:

Pierce County Clerk's Office
930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7455
Pierce County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Pierce County Sheriff's Department Records Division
930 Tacoma Avenue S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-7530
Pierce County Sheriff's Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

To conduct a criminal records search in Pierce County, follow these steps:

1. Determine the appropriate agency: Identify which agency maintains the records you seek (courts for case information, sheriff for arrest records, etc.).

2. Gather necessary information: Prepare the following details about the subject of your search:

   • Full legal name (including aliases or maiden names)
   • Date of birth
   • Case number (if known)
   • Approximate date of incident (if known)

3. Submit your request:

   • For court records: Use the Pierce County Superior Court Records Portal or visit the Clerk's Office
   • For arrest records: Contact the Sheriff's Department Records Division
   • For statewide criminal history: Submit a request to the Washington State Patrol

4. Pay applicable fees:

   • Court record copies: $0.50 per page
   • Certified copies: $5.00 per document
   • Criminal history reports: $10.00-$55.00 depending on type

5. Receive your records:

   • Electronic records may be delivered immediately
   • Paper records may require 5-10 business days for processing
   • Certified copies may require additional processing time

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. The response will either provide the records, acknowledge receipt and estimate time needed, or deny the request with specific statutory citation.

For third-party background checks, requestors must ensure compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and obtain proper authorization from the subject of the search.

How To Find Criminal Records in Pierce County Online?

Pierce County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

The primary online resources for criminal records in Pierce County include:

1. LINX (Legal Information Network Exchange): The LINX system serves as the official case management system for Pierce County Superior Court. Users may search for:

   • Criminal case information
   • Case status and proceedings
   • Scheduled court dates
   • Party information
   • Case documents (some may require fees)

   To use LINX, navigate to the search page, select the appropriate search type (name, case number, etc.), enter the required information, and review the results.

2. Washington Courts Search Portal: The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides access to court records across Washington, including Pierce County. This system allows searches by:

   • Name
   • Case number
   • Attorney
   • Judicial officer

3. Pierce County Corrections Inmate Search: The Pierce County Jail Roster provides current information about individuals in custody, including:

   • Booking information
   • Charges
   • Bond amounts
   • Scheduled release dates

4. Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records: The Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history record information. Their online system allows:

   • Name-based criminal history searches
   • Fingerprint-based background checks
   • Sex and kidnapping offender information

5. Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH): This statewide database provides conviction information, pending charges, and arrests less than one year old with dispositions pending.

When using these online systems, users should note:

• Some systems require registration or account creation
• Certain detailed records may only be available through in-person requests
• Fees may apply for comprehensive searches or document copies
• Name-based searches should include variations and aliases for complete results
• Case numbers provide the most accurate search results when available

Online access to criminal records is governed by the same laws and regulations that apply to physical records, including the Washington Public Records Act and the Criminal Records Privacy Act. Users should be aware that while these systems provide convenient access, they may not contain complete criminal history information.

Can You Search Pierce County Criminal Records for Free?

Pierce County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56.070), which states that agencies shall make records available for inspection at no charge. However, fees may apply for copies, specialized searches, or certified documents.

Free criminal record search options in Pierce County include:

1. In-person inspection: Members of the public may visit the following locations to view criminal records at no cost:

   Pierce County Clerk's Office
   930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 110
   Tacoma, WA 98402
   (253) 798-7455
   Pierce County Clerk
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

   Pierce County Law Library
   930 Tacoma Avenue S, Room 100
   Tacoma, WA 98402
   (253) 798-3250
   Pierce County Law Library
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Free online resources:

   • LINX Basic Search: Provides free access to basic case information, including party names, case types, filing dates, and case status.

   • Pierce County Jail Roster: Offers free access to current inmate information, including booking data and charges.

   • Pierce County Superior Court Calendar: Provides free access to upcoming court proceedings, searchable by date, courtroom, or case type.

3. Public access terminals: Computer terminals available at the Pierce County Courthouse provide free access to court records databases. These terminals offer more comprehensive search capabilities than some online options.

While basic record searches are available at no cost, fees apply in the following circumstances:

• Paper copies of documents: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document
• Electronic document copies: $0.25 per page
• Research fees for extensive searches: $30.00 per hour after first hour
• Specialized criminal history reports: $10.00-$55.00

The Washington State Patrol charges fees for official criminal history background checks through their WATCH system, with standard searches costing $11.00 per name.

Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may waive fees when they determine that doing so would be in the public interest. Fee waiver requests should be submitted in writing with the initial records request.

What's Included in a Pierce County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Pierce County agencies contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
• Booking photographs (mugshots)
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer information
• Booking number and facility
• Initial charges filed by law enforcement
• Bail or bond information
• Detention status and facility
• Arrest circumstances and incident reports

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Superior or District)
• Assigned judge or judicial officer
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Hearing dates and proceedings
• Motions filed and court orders

Disposition Information:

• Final verdict or case outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Treatment requirements
  • Community service
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations
• Completion of sentence information

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protection or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history summary

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the maintaining agency and the age of the records. Court records typically contain the most detailed information regarding case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus more on arrest circumstances and initial charges.

Criminal records in Pierce County are maintained in accordance with the Washington State Records Retention Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for various document types.

How Long Does Pierce County Keep Criminal Records?

Pierce 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 based on record type, offense severity, and maintaining agency.

The following retention periods apply to criminal records in Pierce County:

Superior Court Criminal Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention for Class A felonies
• Class B felony cases: Retained for 20 years after case closure
• Class C felony cases: Retained for 10 years after case closure
• Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
• Judgment and sentencing documents: Permanent retention
• Exhibits: Retained until appeals exhausted plus 60 days

District Court Criminal Records:

• Misdemeanor case files: Retained for 10 years after case closure
• Gross misdemeanor cases: Retained for 10 years after case closure
• DUI/DWI cases: Retained for 10 years after case closure
• Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
• Judgment documents: Permanent retention

Sheriff's Department Records:

• Arrest reports for felonies: Retained for 10 years after creation
• Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Retained for 5 years after creation
• Booking photographs: Retained for 10 years after creation
• Fingerprint cards: Retained until death of subject
• Incident reports: Retained for 5 years after case closure
• Investigation files for major crimes: Permanent retention

Prosecuting Attorney Records:

• Felony case files: Retained for 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor case files: Retained for 5 years after case closure
• Declined cases: Retained for 3 years after decision

Corrections Department Records:

• Inmate files: Retained for 6 years after release
• Booking records: Retained for 6 years after creation
• Jail visitor logs: Retained for 3 years after creation

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records—particularly those related to serious offenses—are retained for longer periods or permanently. Digital conversion has enabled longer retention of many record types that previously would have been destroyed due to storage limitations.

It is important to note that retention does not necessarily equate to public accessibility. Some records may be retained by agencies but sealed from public view by court order or statute. Additionally, certain juvenile records may be sealed or destroyed upon petition after specific waiting periods, pursuant to RCW 13.50.260.

The Washington State Archives' Local Government Records Retention Schedules provide comprehensive guidance on retention requirements for all county records, including those related to criminal justice.

Lookup Criminal Records in Pierce County

LINX Search

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search

Criminal History - Washington State Patrol