Clark County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Clark County in 2026
ClarkWARecords.us provides publicly available information related to criminal records in Clark County, Washington. Members of the public seeking criminal record data may access a range of documents and entries derived from official government sources, subject to applicable state and federal disclosure laws. The information available through such resources may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest records and booking logs
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Warrant records
- Sex offender registration data
- Pending charges and arraignment records
Records can be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain criminal record information in Clark County.
1. County Court Records
The Clark County Superior Court maintains criminal case files for felony matters, while the Clark County District Court handles misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse.
Clark County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (360) 397-2292
Clark County Clerk
Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should bring the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and case number if known. Photo identification is not required to view public records, though it may be requested for certain certified copy transactions.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Clark County Sheriff's Office, established in 1849 as the oldest law enforcement agency in Washington State, maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail-related documentation.
Clark County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 410
Vancouver, WA 98666
Phone: (360) 397-2211
Clark County Sheriff
Members of the public may submit public records requests to the Sheriff's Office for arrest reports and incident records. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the county's online public records portal. Standard fees apply for copies of records, consistent with RCW § 42.56.120.
3. Online Court Search
The Clark County Clerk's Office provides access to official recorded documents through the Clark County Official Records Search portal. Users may search by name, document type, or recording date. This tool is particularly useful for locating court judgments and recorded legal instruments. For criminal case status, the Washington Courts case search system provides statewide access to case information by party name or case number.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Washington State Patrol maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Fingerprint-based background checks are available to both individuals and authorized entities.
Washington State Patrol – Identification and Criminal History Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
Phone: (360) 534-2000
Criminal History – Washington State Patrol
As noted by the Washington State Patrol, "Records, or background checks, consist of fingerprint-based records and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout" the state. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request. Fingerprint-based checks require submission through an approved LiveScan provider or by ink card.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for criminal records may be submitted by mail to the Clark County Clerk's Office at 1200 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, or to the Clark County Sheriff's Office at P.O. Box 410, Vancouver, WA 98666. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under RCW § 42.56.520, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Clark County Criminal Records
A criminal record is a documented history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. In Washington State, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant under Washington law:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict. An arrest without a subsequent conviction does not constitute a criminal conviction.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the most serious classification of criminal offense under Washington law and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of incarceration. Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are adjudicated in district or municipal courts.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals who were under age 18 at the time of the offense are subject to sealing provisions under RCW § 13.50.260 and are not accessible to the general public in most circumstances.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current judicial orders for arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies. Historical records document past criminal justice activity regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Clark County include the Clark County Sheriff's Office (arrest records and jail records), the Clark County Superior and District Courts (case files and dispositions), the Washington State Patrol (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments such as the Vancouver Police Department. Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of prosecution, and finalized upon sentencing or dismissal. A complete criminal record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Clark County
Criminal records in Clark County are subject to public disclosure under Washington's Public Records Act, codified at RCW § 42.56. This statute establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts. Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to members of the public absent a specific statutory exemption.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure under current law:
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure would jeopardize the investigation
- Sealed court records, including those sealed by judicial order
- Expunged or vacated conviction records, which are treated as if the underlying event did not occur
- Juvenile records, which are protected under RCW § 13.50.260
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Mental health and medical records incorporated into criminal proceedings
The Washington State Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Public Records Act, noting that "the people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them" and affirming the public's right to access government records. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate disclosure frameworks, including the Privacy Act of 1974, and are not subject to Washington's Public Records Act.
How To Find Criminal Records in Clark County Online
Official County Resources
The Clark County Clerk's Office provides online access to official recorded documents through the Clark County Official Records Search portal. Users may search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date range. The Clark County jail roster provides current information on individuals held at the Clark County Jail, including booking dates, charges, and bail status. No registration is required to access these public-facing tools.
State-Level Resources
The Washington State Patrol's criminal history background check system provides statewide criminal history information. The Washington Courts case search portal allows users to search for case information by party name, case number, or attorney across all Washington State courts.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations
- Case number searches yield the most precise results and eliminate false matches
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all record types
- Be aware that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public-facing search tools
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating the digitization of county systems may require in-person requests. Online access does not substitute for a certified official background check for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Clark County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Washington law mandates that members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Under RCW § 42.56.080, agencies must provide reasonable access to public records for inspection. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at the Clark County Clerk's Office and the Clark County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following county and state portals are available at no cost:
| Resource | What It Contains | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Clark County Official Records Search | Recorded documents, court instruments | Search Portal |
| Clark County Jail Roster | Current inmates, charges, booking dates | Jail Roster |
| Washington Courts Case Search | Statewide case filings and dispositions | WA Courts |
3. Sheriff's Logs: The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking logs that are available as public records upon request at no charge for inspection.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the Clark County Clerk's Office per page
- Official state criminal history background checks through the Washington State Patrol: fees vary by request type
- Staff-assisted record searches requiring extensive research
- Electronic copies provided on physical media
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records, including staff time for requests requiring more than five hours of compilation. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the responding agency.
What's Included in a Clark County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Clark County criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, Washington State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the jail facility where the individual was held. Current booking information is reflected in the Clark County jail roster.
Court Case Information
Court records maintained by the Clark County Clerk include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date if applicable, sentencing details (including incarceration length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or no-contact orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI or DWI adjudications
- Pending charges awaiting resolution
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under RCW § 13.50.260)
- Expunged or vacated conviction records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs where charges were dismissed
- Confidential victim or witness information
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain clerical errors or incomplete disposition information. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their own records may petition the originating agency or court for correction. Employers and others relying on criminal records for decision-making are advised to obtain certified copies from official sources.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Washington State establishes records retention schedules through the Secretary of State's Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE). Courts and law enforcement agencies are required to adhere to these schedules, which vary by record type and disposition.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 6 years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per RCW § 13.50.260 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County courts retain criminal case files permanently in accordance with Washington State court records retention rules. The Clark County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records pursuant to the state retention schedule. The Washington State Patrol retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository, as reflected in the criminal history program documentation.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for the full statutory period and in many cases indefinitely. Physical paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it; the record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized entities.
- Expungement (referred to in Washington as vacation of a conviction) removes the conviction from public view and treats the underlying event as if it did not occur for most purposes. Eligibility and procedures are governed by RCW § 9.94A.640 for felony convictions and RCW § 9.96.060 for misdemeanor convictions.
Old Records Access
Records predating digital systems may require special in-person requests at the Clark County Clerk's Office or may be located in the Washington State Archives. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the records have been legally expunged or vacated.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and are separate from Washington State records. Federal records are not subject to state expungement orders and follow distinct retention and disclosure rules.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that have not been vacated remain accessible on background checks indefinitely under Washington law. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act may report criminal convictions without a time limitation, though many employers apply a practical review window of seven to ten years. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age or disposition.