Adams County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Adams County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Adams County, Washington, may access publicly available information through AdamsWARecords.us as well as through official government repositories maintained at the county and state level. Criminal records accessible through public channels may include information related to arrests, court case filings, criminal charges, dispositions, sentencing outcomes, and incarceration history. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the originating agency, the nature of the case, and applicable state law governing disclosure.
Records that members of the public may encounter through official channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Court case filings and docket entries
- Criminal charge information and case dispositions
- Conviction records and sentencing details
- Jail inmate rosters and custody status
- Sex offender registration information
- Warrant information (where publicly disclosed)
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Adams County and the State of Washington.
1. County Court Records
The Adams County Superior Court maintains criminal case files for felony matters originating within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. Requestors should bring the full legal name of the subject, an approximate date of birth or case number if available, and a valid government-issued photo identification. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for self-service case lookups.
Adams County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
210 W Broadway Ave
Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-3257
Adams County Superior Court
2. Sheriff's Office
The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and inmate custody information. Members of the public may submit public records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the agency's online portal. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with state fee schedules.
Adams County Sheriff's Office
210 W Broadway Ave, Suite 106
Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-1122
Adams County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Washington Courts system provides a statewide online case search tool that includes records from Adams County Superior Court and Adams County District Court. Users may search by party name, case number, or business name. The Washington Courts Case Search portal returns case numbers, filing dates, charge descriptions, and case status. Users should note that not all case documents are available online; full document access may require registration through the Odyssey Portal or an in-person visit to the clerk's office.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) serves as the state's central repository for criminal history record information. Individuals and authorized entities may submit fingerprint-based background check requests through the WSP. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request. At present, the standard fee for a name-based background check is $10–$17, while fingerprint-based checks carry higher fees. Requests are submitted through the WSP's WATCH (Washington Access To Criminal History) system.
Washington State Patrol – Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
Phone: (360) 534-2000
WSP Criminal History
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written public records requests to the Adams County Clerk's Office or the Adams County Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth, the specific records sought, and the requestor's contact information. Under RCW § 42.56.520, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days of receipt, either by providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing an estimated response date, or denying the request with a written explanation.
What Is Adams County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Adams County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction of Washington State and its subdivisions. Under Washington law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the lifecycle of a criminal case, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through prosecution, adjudication, and any period of supervision.
The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant. An arrest record documents that law enforcement took an individual into custody on suspicion of a criminal offense; it does not establish guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, whether through a guilty plea, a no-contest plea, or a jury or bench verdict. Employers and licensing boards are subject to specific statutory limitations on how arrest records without convictions may be used.
Felony records involve offenses classified as Class A, B, or C felonies under Washington law and carry potential sentences of more than one year of incarceration. Misdemeanor records involve gross misdemeanors and simple misdemeanors, which carry lesser penalties. Juvenile records are subject to separate handling under RCW § 13.50.050, which governs the confidentiality and disclosure of juvenile court records; such records are not routinely available to the general public.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Adams County include:
- Adams County Sheriff's Office – arrest records, booking records, jail records
- Adams County Superior Court Clerk – felony case files, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Adams County District Court – misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor case files
- Washington State Patrol – statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments – incident reports and arrest records within municipal jurisdictions
Records are created when law enforcement submits arrest data to the court and to the WSP repository. They are updated as cases progress through arraignment, pretrial hearings, plea agreements, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or modifications. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment dates, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and warrant history.
Are Criminal Records Public In Adams County
Criminal records in Adams County are subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, which establishes a broad presumption in favor of public access to government records. As stated in the statute, "The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know."
Adult conviction records, court case filings, and criminal docket information are publicly accessible. Members of the public may inspect these records at the courthouse or through online portals without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Court proceedings in criminal matters are presumptively open to the public under both state law and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile court records (restricted under RCW § 13.50.050)
- Sealed court records (access requires a court order)
- Expunged or vacated conviction records
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Mental health and competency evaluation records
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Washington State Attorney General's Office publishes guidance on the Public Records Act, clarifying the scope of permissible disclosure and the procedures agencies must follow when responding to records requests. Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Washington's Public Records Act.
How To Find Criminal Records in Adams County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online tools for locating Adams County criminal records include the Washington Courts statewide case search system and the Adams County Sheriff's Office public records portal. The Washington Courts Case Search allows users to search Adams County Superior Court and District Court records by party name or case number. The Odyssey Portal provides access to court documents for registered users; elevated access for attorneys and other authorized roles is granted through the County Clerk's Office. The Adams County Sheriff's Office website provides information on inmate services, public records requests, and booking information.
State-Level Resources
The Washington State Patrol's WATCH system provides name-based criminal history background checks accessible to the public online. The Find My Court Date portal serves as a search engine for cases filed in municipal and district courts statewide, including Adams County.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Note that records predating electronic filing may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public online databases
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating the implementation of electronic case management systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report from the Washington State Patrol.
Can You Search Adams County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Washington law mandates that members of the public may inspect public records free of charge. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.080, agencies may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records. Copying fees apply only when the requestor seeks physical or electronic copies. In-person inspection is available at the Adams County Superior Court Clerk's Office and the Adams County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The Washington Courts Case Search and the Find My Court Date portal are available to the public at no charge. These tools provide case-level information including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions without requiring payment or registration.
3. Sheriff's Logs: The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains publicly accessible booking and inmate information. Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the agency's public records process at no cost for inspection.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document (plus per-page fees) |
| Standard copy (paper) | $0.15 per page |
| Electronic copy (scanned on request) | $0.10 per page |
| Name-based state background check (WATCH) | $10.00–$17.00 |
| Fingerprint-based background check | Varies by submission method |
| Staff-assisted research | Varies by agency |
Fee schedules are established pursuant to RCW § 42.56.120, which limits fees to the actual cost of copying and prohibits agencies from charging for the time spent locating or reviewing records. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the responding agency.
What's Included in an Adams County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record maintained by Adams County agencies and the Washington State Patrol may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records include the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the name of the detention facility.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, the court and jurisdiction, the filing date, a description of each charge including the applicable statute and offense class (felony or misdemeanor), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition information includes the verdict or outcome, conviction date if applicable, sentencing details (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, community service, probation or parole conditions), and any appeals filed or decided.
Additional Record Elements
A complete criminal record may also reflect active or recalled warrants, protective or no-contact orders, sex offender registration status, DUI or DWI adjudications, and pending charges not yet resolved.
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under state law)
- Expunged or vacated convictions
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed diversion programs
- Confidential law enforcement intelligence files
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal record may submit a challenge to the originating agency or to the Washington State Patrol's Identification and Criminal History Section. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and housing purposes, and individuals have a legal right to review and contest inaccurate information.
How Long Does Adams 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 offense classification.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony conviction records | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor conviction records | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 6 years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; destruction eligibility varies |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County courts retain criminal case files permanently in accordance with Washington's court records retention rules. The Adams County Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule. The Washington State Patrol retains conviction records permanently in the statewide criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards. Members of the public seeking older records should inquire with the clerk's office regarding the format in which records are available.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record in accordance with a retention schedule. Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it; sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies. Expungement, referred to in Washington as vacation of a conviction under RCW § 9.96.060, removes the conviction from the individual's public criminal history and restores certain civil rights. Eligibility for vacation depends on the offense type, the time elapsed since sentencing, and the individual's compliance with all sentence conditions.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic case management systems may exist only in paper form and may require special requests to the clerk's office or the Washington State Archives. Some historical records have been transferred to the Washington State Archives and may be accessible through that agency.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal records are not subject to Washington's Public Records Act and follow different retention and disclosure rules.
Practical Implications
Permanent felony convictions appear on background checks indefinitely unless vacated. Standard employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically report criminal history for seven to ten years, though convictions may be reported without a time limit for positions above certain salary thresholds. Professional licensing boards in Washington may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the conviction. Even if a county agency destroys physical records pursuant to a retention schedule, electronic copies may persist in state databases unless the conviction has been legally vacated.