Jefferson County Arrest Records

Jefferson County arrests occur when law enforcement establishes probable reason that an individual has committed an offense. These situations may range from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. Arrests are also necessary for individuals with outstanding warrants or those apprehended while violating the law (RCW Chapter 10.31).

Once arrested, individuals are typically held at the Jefferson County Jail, the primary detention facility in the area, pending court hearings or the posting of bail. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the Port Townsend Police Department generate county arrest records, documenting the arrest process, charges filed, and related incidents. These records often intersect with other public records, such as Jefferson County court records, which include criminal case filings, trial outcomes, and legal proceedings.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County?

Yes. Arrest records are generally public in Jefferson County under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This law allows the public access to government documents, including arrest files.

However, some information may be exempt from disclosure, such as details of active investigations, juvenile arrest records, or records sealed by court order. Access to these restricted records typically requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as being directly involved in the case or obtaining a court's authorization.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A public Jefferson County arrest record typically includes the following information:

• Arrestee’s full name
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Charges filed
• Booking details
• Arresting agency
• Bail or bond information (if applicable).

Jefferson County Arrest Statistics

Per the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), Jefferson County recorded 351 arrests over the past two years. Among these, 57 arrests (16%) were for violent crimes, including aggravated assault and simple assault. Property crimes accounted for 53 arrests (15%), with burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism being the most common offenses. Drug-related arrests totaled 8 (2%), highlighting a relatively lower incidence compared to other categories.

The majority of arrests, 86 (24%), were for “all other offenses”. Driving under the influence (DUI) arrests comprised 76 (22%) of the total, representing a significant portion. Weapons-related offenses accounted for 8 arrests (2%), while fraud, counterfeiting, and liquor law violations made up smaller fractions.

Find Jefferson County Arrest Records

To assess Jefferson County arrest records, inquiries should be directed to the County Sheriff’s Office or the Port Townsend Police Department, as these agencies handle most arrests in the county. Both departments accommodate in-person and mail inquiries, and requesters typically need to provide the following when seeking records:

• Arrestee’s full name
• Date of birth (if available)
• Incident date and location
• The requester's contact information
• Nonpublic records require a valid government-issued ID for eligibility verification
• A $5.00 fee per record.

For arrests resulting in detention before a court appearance, interested parties should contact the arresting department or the Jefferson County Jail. For example, inquiries about arrests by the Sheriff's Office can be made at (360) 385-3831 or through the jail division at (360) 385-3831 ext. 2.

The County Jail's online inmate roster is an essential resource if the individual was jailed post-arraignment. To access records, requesters should take the following steps:

• Open the inmate roster.
• Search by name, subject number, booking number, booking date, or other relevant fields.

Alternatively, the county jail can also be contacted via phone at (360) 385-3831 ext. 2 for further assistance.

Free Arrest Record Search in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Jail's online inmate roster offers a free resource for accessing arrest records. Requesters can search records by taking the following steps:

• Open the inmate roster.
• Search using the individual’s name, subject number, booking number, booking date, or other relevant fields.

Alternatively, third-party websites may provide access to county arrest records at no cost. These platforms aggregate publicly available information, but the accuracy and completeness of the data may vary. It is essential to verify the credibility of these sources before use, as official government platforms remain the most reliable.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Forever. Jefferson County arrests remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless expunged or sealed, as permitted under RCW 10.97.060. Even after expungement or sealing, access to arrest records may still be restricted under public disclosure laws.

Expunge Jefferson County Arrest Records

Expunging Jefferson County arrest records means removing or sealing records from public access, offering a fresh start to eligible individuals. Eligibility for expunging non-conviction arrest data per RCW 10.97.060 includes the following conditions:

• At least two years have passed since a disposition favorable to the defendant was entered.
• At least three years have elapsed since the arrest, citation, or warrant issuance without a resulting conviction.
• The individual is not a fugitive or subject to an active prosecution, as certified by the prosecuting attorney.
• The individual requests the deletion of the non-conviction data.

Exceptions where expungement of non-conviction arrest data may be denied:

• The case involved deferred prosecution or a similar diversion program.
• The individual has a prior felony or gross misdemeanor conviction.
• The individual has been arrested or charged with another crime during the intervening period.

Eligibility for expunging arrest records for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses includes the following criteria (RCW 9.96.060):

• No new criminal convictions since the date of discharge.
• Fulfillment of all court-ordered conditions, including payment of fines, restitution, and other financial obligations.
• Successful completion of any required probation period.
• At least three years have passed since the date of discharge.
• The conviction does not involve a violent offense, a DUI, or specific other disqualifying crimes.

Eligible parties can start the expungement process by filing a petition with the court where the arrest or conviction occurred, and providing detailed information about the case, including the arrest date and charges. Supporting documents, such as proof of sentence completion, are often required. A court hearing may also be held to determine if expungement is warranted.

Once granted, expungement orders direct law enforcement and relevant agencies to remove the record from public databases. Sealed records remain accessible only to specific criminal justice agencies.

Jefferson County Arrest Warrants

Jefferson County arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a court that authorizes law enforcement to apprehend an individual accused of committing a crime (RCW Chapter 10.31). These warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause to believe that the person named in the warrant committed the offense. Probable cause is often established through police investigation, witness statements, or other evidence presented to a judge or magistrate.

Circumstances necessitating an arrest warrant include failure to appear in court, evasion of law enforcement, or involvement in criminal activity requiring immediate apprehension. Warrants are also issued when obtaining the individual's presence is necessary to prevent further harm or disruption.

A Jefferson County arrest warrant generally includes the following information:

• The defendant’s name
• The defendant’s alleged offense
• Date of issuance
• Directives for the arresting officers
• Judge’s signature.

Do Jefferson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. An arrest warrant issued in Jefferson County remains active until the individual surrenders, is apprehended, or passes away. However, the court may quash or recall a warrant if a motion demonstrates its illegality or invalidity. Courts maintain discretion over warrant enforcement and cancellation.