Chelan County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chelan County
Arrest records in Chelan County are considered public information under Washington State law. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act, codified in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 42.56, government agencies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless specifically exempted by statute.
Law enforcement records, including arrest records, are generally accessible to the public with certain limitations. The Washington State Legislature has established that transparency in government operations is essential to a functioning democracy, as stated in RCW § 42.56.030, which mandates that the Public Records Act "shall be liberally construed" to promote public access to government records.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction records indicate that an individual has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings in a court of law.
Certain information within arrest records may be exempt from disclosure under RCW § 42.56.240, which protects specific investigative records compiled by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different disclosure rules under RCW § 13.50.050, providing greater confidentiality protections.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and makes non-exempt portions available through formal public records requests.
Chelan County Sheriff's Office
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6851
Chelan County Sheriff's Office
What's in Chelan County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Chelan County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest event and generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and other physical descriptors
- Home address
- Identification numbers (driver's license, state ID)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- 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 facility
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bail was posted
- Date of release if bail was posted
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known aliases
- Gang affiliations (if documented)
- Probation/parole status
- Special custody considerations
- Property inventory taken during booking
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Washington State records retention requirements as specified in RCW § 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Chelan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chelan County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures outline the current process for accessing arrest records through official channels:
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Submit a Public Records Request to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official public records request form available on the Chelan County Sheriff's website
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the individual's full name, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person at the Sheriff's Office
- Allow 5-10 business days for initial response pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520
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Contact the Chelan County Jail
- The jail maintains booking and custody records for current inmates
- Call the jail's non-emergency line to inquire about an individual's custody status
- Basic information about current inmates may be provided over the phone
Chelan County Regional Justice Center
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6462
Chelan County Regional Justice Center
- Visit the Chelan County Clerk's Office
- Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained by the Clerk
- Request case files in person at the public counter during business hours
- Provide the defendant's name and, if possible, the case number
Chelan County Clerk's Office
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6380
Chelan County Clerk
- Request Records from the Wenatchee Police Department
- For arrests made by city police within Wenatchee city limits
- Submit a public records request directly to the department
Wenatchee Police Department
140 South Mission Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 888-4200
Wenatchee Police Department
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to:
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies (typically $0.15 per page for paper copies)
- Provide a signed release from the subject of the records if requesting on behalf of another person
- Specify the format in which records are requested (paper or electronic)
Agencies typically respond to requests within five business days, either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating time needed, or denying the request with specific statutory exemptions cited.
How To Find Chelan County Arrest Records Online
Chelan County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. Members of the public may utilize these electronic systems to locate information about arrests and related court proceedings:
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Chelan County Inmate Roster
- The Chelan County Regional Justice Center maintains an online inmate lookup system
- This database provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody
- Search by name to view booking date, charges, and custody status
- Access the roster through the Chelan County Regional Justice Center website
-
Washington Courts Case Search
- The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides access to court records related to arrests
- Search by name to locate case information, including charges, court dates, and case disposition
- This system includes records from Chelan County Superior Court and District Court
- Users must accept the terms of use before conducting searches
-
Odyssey Portal
- Washington State's court management system provides public access to court records
- Search for cases by name, case number, or attorney
- View case details, scheduled hearings, and document lists
- Access at Washington Courts Odyssey Portal
-
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records
- Request official criminal history information, which includes arrest data
- Submit requests through the Washington State Patrol website
- Requires payment of a fee for each record search
- Provides conviction data and arrest information less than one year old without disposition
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Chelan County Sheriff's Office Daily Activity Log
- The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily activity log that includes recent arrests
- This information is typically updated within 24-48 hours
- Available on the Sheriff's Office website
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note:
- Information obtained online should be verified through official channels before taking action
- Some records may be subject to redaction based on privacy laws
- Court records may not reflect the most recent case developments
- Online systems may experience occasional maintenance downtime
For comprehensive arrest record searches, combining online research with formal public records requests often yields the most complete results.
How To Search Chelan County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Chelan County arrest records without incurring fees. Washington State law supports public access to government records, and several no-cost resources are available:
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Chelan County Inmate Lookup
- The Chelan County Regional Justice Center provides a free online inmate roster
- Search by name to view current inmates and their booking information
- This resource is updated regularly and accessible 24/7
- No registration or fees required to access basic custody information
-
In-Person Record Inspection
- Visit the Chelan County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request to inspect specific arrest records without obtaining copies
- Under RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may not charge for the inspection of public records
- Take notes on the information without requesting physical copies
Chelan County Sheriff's Office Records Division
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6875
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Chelan County Sheriff's Office
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Washington Courts Public Access
- Use the Washington Courts Name Search system
- Search for court cases related to arrests in Chelan County
- View case summaries, charges, and court dates at no cost
- Detailed case documents may require fees, but basic information is free
-
Local Public Library Resources
- Chelan County public libraries offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Some libraries maintain archives of local newspapers that report on arrests
Wenatchee Public Library
310 Douglas Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-5021
North Central Regional Library
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Local Newspaper Archives
- The Wenatchee World and other local publications report on significant arrests
- Many newspapers maintain searchable online archives
- Public libraries often provide free access to newspaper database subscriptions
-
Chelan County Clerk's Office Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to court records
- Search cases related to arrests without paying search fees
- Staff assistance is available for navigating the system
Chelan County Clerk's Office
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6380
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Chelan County Clerk
While basic searches are free, requestors should be aware that:
- Fees may apply for obtaining physical copies of records ($0.15 per page is standard)
- Extensive research requiring staff time may incur charges after a certain threshold
- Certified copies of official records typically involve a fee
- Electronic records may be provided free of charge if readily available in electronic format
How To Delete Arrest Records in Chelan County
In Washington State, including Chelan County, individuals cannot technically "delete" arrest records, but may pursue legal remedies to limit their accessibility through processes known as expungement, vacating convictions, or sealing records. These procedures are governed by specific statutes and require court approval.
Vacating Criminal Convictions
Under RCW § 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) and RCW § 9.94A.640 (felonies), eligible individuals may petition the court to vacate certain convictions. When a conviction is vacated:
- The court dismisses the charges
- The person is released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense
- The conviction is removed from criminal history records available to the public
- The person may legally state they were not convicted of that crime
Eligibility requirements include:
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- No pending criminal charges in any court
- No new convictions since completing the sentence
- Waiting periods ranging from 3-10 years depending on the offense
- Certain offenses (violent crimes, sex offenses, DUIs) are generally ineligible
Sealing Court Records
Court records may be sealed under General Rule 15 of the Washington Court Rules when:
- The court finds compelling privacy or safety concerns that outweigh the public interest
- The requirements of GR 15(c) are satisfied
- The individual demonstrates that sealing is justified by identified compelling circumstances
Juvenile Record Sealing
Juvenile records have distinct sealing provisions under RCW § 13.50.260, with more accessible pathways to limiting public access.
Process for Vacating/Sealing Records in Chelan County:
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Determine Eligibility
- Review the relevant statutes to confirm eligibility
- Obtain a complete criminal history report from the Washington State Patrol
- Consult with an attorney to assess eligibility
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File a Petition with Chelan County Superior Court
- Complete the appropriate petition forms (available from the court clerk)
- Include all required supporting documentation
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Chelan County Superior Court
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6600
Chelan County Superior Court
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Attend the Court Hearing
- Present your case before a judge
- Explain why vacating or sealing is appropriate
- Address any objections from the prosecutor
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If Granted, Notify Agencies
- Provide copies of the court order to relevant agencies
- Request updates to criminal history databases
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order
It is important to note that even when records are vacated or sealed:
- Federal agencies may still have access to the information
- Certain employers (law enforcement, schools) may have statutory access
- Complete elimination of all digital traces is not guaranteed
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating these complex procedures. The Northwest Justice Project and Chelan County Volunteer Attorney Services offer resources for low-income individuals seeking to address criminal records issues.
What Happens After Arrest in Chelan County?
Following an arrest in Chelan County, individuals enter a structured legal process governed by Washington State law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several defined stages:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
- The arrestee is transported to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center
- Law enforcement officers complete the booking process, including:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Recording personal information
- Conducting a search of the person
- Inventorying and securing personal property
- Health screening and classification for housing
- The arrest is documented in law enforcement records systems
2. Initial Appearance and Bail Determination
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Takes place in Chelan County District Court or Superior Court, depending on the severity of charges
- The judge:
- Informs the defendant of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines probable cause for detention
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies financially
Chelan County District Court
350 Orondo Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6600
Chelan County District Court
3. Formal Charging
- The Chelan County Prosecutor's Office reviews the case and determines formal charges
- For misdemeanors, charges are filed via complaint in District Court
- For felonies, the prosecutor may:
- File an information in Superior Court
- Present the case to a grand jury (rare in Washington State)
- Charging decisions typically occur within 72 hours for in-custody defendants
Chelan County Prosecutor's Office
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6202
Chelan County Prosecutor
4. Arraignment
- Defendant appears in court to be formally charged
- Judge reads the charges and possible penalties
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court confirms or revisits bail and release conditions
- Preliminary hearing dates are scheduled
5. Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations between defense counsel and prosecutors
- Diversion program consideration for eligible cases
6. Trial or Plea Resolution
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If proceeding to trial:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- Trials are conducted according to Washington Criminal Rules of Procedure
7. Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Washington State Sentencing Guidelines
- Statutory requirements
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Victim impact statements
- Sentencing options may include:
- Incarceration (jail or prison)
- Probation/community supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Treatment programs
- Community service
8. Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days of judgment
- Department of Corrections supervision for eligible sentences
- Compliance with court-ordered conditions
- Potential early release for good behavior
Throughout this process, arrest records are updated to reflect the current status of the case, including court appearances, plea entries, trial outcomes, and sentencing information. These records become part of the individual's criminal history maintained by Chelan County and Washington State law enforcement agencies.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Chelan County?
Arrest records in Chelan County are maintained according to Washington State's records retention schedules established under RCW § 40.14.070, which governs the preservation and destruction of local government records. These retention periods ensure accountability while balancing administrative needs and historical value.
The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedule (CORE) establishes the following retention periods for arrest-related records:
Adult Arrest Records
- Basic arrest information: Minimum of 10 years after the arrest date
- Arrest reports with no charges filed: 5 years after the arrest date
- Arrest reports resulting in charges: 10 years after case closure
- Arrest records for serious violent offenses: 75 years after creation
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: 75 years after creation
- Booking logs and jail registers: Permanent retention
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Subject to special handling under RCW § 13.50.050
- Records may be sealed after eligibility requirements are met
- If not sealed, generally retained until the individual turns 23
- Serious violent offense records: 75 years after creation
Digital Records Systems
- Electronic booking and arrest databases: Follow the same retention schedules
- Legacy systems may contain older records beyond standard retention periods
- System backups may preserve records even after primary systems are purged
Factors Affecting Retention
- The severity of the alleged offense
- Whether charges were filed
- Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Legal holds due to pending litigation
- Historical significance determination
It is important to note that different agencies maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention practices:
-
Chelan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation records according to law enforcement retention schedules.
-
Chelan County Prosecutor's Office retains case files according to prosecutorial records schedules, typically 10 years after case closure for most matters.
-
Chelan County Courts maintain court records related to arrests according to judicial retention schedules:
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Felony cases: 75 years after case closure
- Capital offense cases: Permanent retention
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Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, with records typically kept for the lifetime of the individual.
Even after local retention periods expire, arrest information may remain in state and federal criminal history databases maintained by the Washington State Patrol and the FBI. These systems often retain records indefinitely unless specifically expunged or sealed by court order.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes, including:
- Providing complete criminal history information for law enforcement investigations
- Informing charging and sentencing decisions in subsequent cases
- Supporting background checks for sensitive employment positions
- Maintaining statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system
How to Find Mugshots in Chelan County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Chelan County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of two photographs:
- A front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee's face and upper body
- A profile (side) view showing the same area from a 90-degree angle
- Modern booking systems often capture digital images rather than traditional photographs
- The images include identifying information such as a booking number and date
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Chelan County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The Chelan County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- The Chelan County Regional Justice Center
- Local police departments that conduct bookings (e.g., Wenatchee Police Department)
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshot photographs in Chelan County have several options:
- Submit a Public Records Request
- File a formal request under the Washington Public Records Act
- Specify the individual's name and approximate booking date
- Submit requests to the agency that conducted the booking
Chelan County Sheriff's Office Records Division
401 Washington Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 667-6875
Chelan County Sheriff's Office
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Check the Inmate Roster
- The Chelan County Regional Justice Center maintains an online inmate roster
- Current inmates' booking photos may be displayed with their custody information
- This resource only includes individuals currently in custody
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Review Court Case Files
- In some instances, booking photographs become part of court records
- Request to view case files at the Chelan County Clerk's Office
- Note that not all case files include booking photographs
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Unlike some jurisdictions, Chelan County law enforcement agencies do not maintain a public-facing database of all booking photographs. Online access is generally limited to:
- Current inmate information through the jail roster
- Occasional press releases for significant cases
- Wanted persons bulletins
Commercial mugshot websites that aggregate booking photos may include Chelan County arrests, but these sites:
- May not be comprehensive or current
- Often charge fees for access or removal
- Are not officially affiliated with Chelan County agencies
- May violate Washington State law regarding commercial use of mugshots (RCW § 10.97.130)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (protected under RCW § 13.50)
- Cases involving sexual assault victims
- Ongoing sensitive investigations
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Cases where charges were not filed or were dismissed
When requesting mugshots, individuals should be prepared to:
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $0.15 per page for paper copies)
- Present identification if requesting records in person
- Specify the intended use of the photographs
Law enforcement agencies evaluate mugshot requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing public disclosure requirements with privacy considerations and applicable exemptions under Washington's Public Records Act.
Lookup Arrest Records in Chelan County
Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
Washington State Court Records Search