Cowlitz County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cowlitz County
Arrest records in Cowlitz County are considered public records under Washington State law. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act (RCW § 42.56), government agencies, including law enforcement departments, must make records available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency requirement applies to arrest records maintained by the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Washington law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, privacy interests, or other statutory considerations.
The Washington State Patrol, which maintains the central repository of criminal history record information for the state, provides access to conviction records and arrests less than one year old that have not yet been adjudicated. This policy is established under RCW § 10.97.050, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3092
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
What's in Cowlitz County Arrest Records
Cowlitz County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Charge description
- Applicable statutes or ordinances
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking agency
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Release information (if released)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Property inventory
- Emergency contact information
The Cowlitz County Jail Roster provides a subset of this information to the public, focusing primarily on current inmates, their charges, and custody status.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cowlitz County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cowlitz County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Records Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record search and copying services. The current fee schedule includes $0.15 per page for photocopies and $0.10 per page for scanned records.
- Allow time for processing. Simple requests may be fulfilled while you wait, while more complex requests may take additional time.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Cowlitz County website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Mail the completed form to:
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Records Department
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3092
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Records
To request arrest records electronically:
- Visit the Cowlitz County website.
- Navigate to the Public Records Request portal.
- Complete the online form with all required information.
- Submit the request electronically.
- Monitor your email for correspondence regarding your request status.
Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days by either providing the records, acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated time for response, or denying the request with a specific explanation.
How To Find Cowlitz County Arrest Records Online
Cowlitz County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital tools allow members of the public to search for current and historical arrest data without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for Cowlitz County arrest records include:
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Cowlitz County Jail Roster: The county maintains an online inmate roster that provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at the Cowlitz County Jail. This searchable database includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when applicable)
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Cowlitz County Bookings Database: For recent arrest information, the county bookings database provides details about individuals who have been processed into the county jail system. This resource is updated regularly and includes:
- Name of arrestee
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Charges
- Custody status
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Washington Courts Search: The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search allows users to search for court cases associated with arrests in Cowlitz County. This system provides:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Charge information
- Court dates
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information (when applicable)
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Washington Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction, the DOC Incarcerated Search provides custody information and status updates.
To conduct an effective online search for Cowlitz County arrest records:
- Gather as much identifying information as possible about the subject, including full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Navigate to the appropriate online resource based on the type of information needed.
- Enter the search criteria in the designated fields.
- Review the results, noting that some systems may require exact name matches while others allow partial name searches.
- For comprehensive searches, check multiple databases as information may be distributed across different systems.
Users should be aware that online records may not include complete arrest histories, particularly for older cases that have not been digitized. Additionally, some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws and statutory exemptions.
How To Search Cowlitz County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access Cowlitz County arrest records without cost through several available resources. Washington State law supports public access to government records while minimizing financial barriers to transparency.
Free options for searching Cowlitz County arrest records include:
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Online Jail Roster: The Cowlitz County Jail Roster is available online at no cost. This resource provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody, including their charges and booking dates. The system allows searches by name and is updated continuously as individuals are booked into or released from custody.
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Recent Bookings Database: The county maintains a free online database of recent bookings that can be searched without charge. This resource is particularly useful for finding information about arrests that have occurred within the past several days.
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Public Access Terminals: Cowlitz County provides public access computer terminals at the following locations where records can be searched at no cost:
- Cowlitz County Law and Justice Center lobby
- Cowlitz County Hall of Justice
- Cowlitz County Library branches
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Washington Courts Public Access: The Washington State Courts public access portal allows free searches of court cases, which often contain information about associated arrests. This system provides case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information.
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Court Date Finder: The Washington Courts Find My Court Date tool allows individuals to search for upcoming court appearances related to arrests in Cowlitz County and throughout Washington State.
When conducting free searches, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Online systems may not include complete historical records
- Some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
- Complex searches may require assistance from records staff
- Records that require extensive redaction or research may incur fees if copies are requested
For in-person inspection of records, visitors may examine documents at no cost during regular business hours at:
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Records Department
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3092
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Records
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cowlitz County
Washington State law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes include expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access), each with distinct eligibility requirements and legal effects.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement refers to the complete removal of arrest and conviction records from public view and, in some cases, from government databases. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes. In Washington State, the process is more accurately described as "vacating" a conviction rather than expungement.
Eligibility for Vacating/Sealing Records in Cowlitz County:
Under RCW § 9.96.060 (misdemeanors) and RCW § 9.94A.640 (felonies), individuals may be eligible to vacate their conviction records if:
- They have completed all terms of their sentence, including financial obligations
- A specified waiting period has elapsed since completion of the sentence:
- Misdemeanors: 3 years for most offenses, 5 years for domestic violence
- Felonies: 5-10 years depending on the offense class
- They have no pending criminal charges in any court
- They have not been convicted of a new crime during the waiting period
- The offense is not excluded by statute (certain violent offenses, sex offenses, and DUIs cannot be vacated)
For arrests that did not lead to conviction, RCW § 10.97.060 provides a process for removing non-conviction data from criminal history records.
Steps to Vacate/Seal Records in Cowlitz County:
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Obtain complete copies of your criminal history records from:
- Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section
- Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
- Cowlitz County Clerk's Office for court records
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Determine eligibility based on offense type, completion date, and subsequent criminal history.
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Complete the appropriate court forms:
- For misdemeanors: Motion and Declaration for Order Vacating Misdemeanor Conviction
- For felonies: Petition for Vacation of Conviction and related documents
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File the completed forms with the court where the conviction occurred:
Cowlitz County Superior Court
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Cowlitz County Courts
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Pay the required filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
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Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge who will determine whether to grant the petition.
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If granted, obtain certified copies of the order and distribute to relevant agencies, including:
- Washington State Patrol
- Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
- Prosecuting Attorney's Office
- Department of Corrections (if applicable)
For non-conviction records, individuals may submit a request directly to the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to remove arrest information from public criminal history records after two years have elapsed since the arrest (or three years for cases where charges were filed but later dismissed).
What Happens After Arrest in Cowlitz County?
Following an arrest in Cowlitz County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Washington State law and local court rules. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition.
Booking and Initial Detention:
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Cowlitz County Jail for booking. This process includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
The Cowlitz County Jail is located at:
Cowlitz County Jail
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3094
Cowlitz County Jail Division
Initial Appearance and Bail Determination:
Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judicial officer who:
- Informs them of the charges
- Advises them of their constitutional rights
- Determines probable cause for continued detention
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
Bail amounts are determined based on:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties and flight risk
- Public safety considerations
- Likelihood of appearing for future court dates
Charging Decision:
The Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews arrest reports and evidence to determine appropriate charges. This may result in:
- Filing formal charges
- Declining to file charges
- Referring the case for additional investigation
- Diverting the case to alternative programs
Arraignment:
If formal charges are filed, defendants appear for arraignment where they:
- Receive the formal charging document
- Enter an initial plea (typically not guilty)
- Have counsel appointed if not already done
- Receive future court dates
Pretrial Proceedings:
The pretrial phase includes:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
- Trial preparation
Case Resolution:
Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement: Defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges or with sentencing recommendations
- Trial: Cases proceed to bench or jury trial where guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt
- Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed for various reasons including insufficient evidence
- Diversion: Some defendants may qualify for specialty courts or diversion programs
Sentencing:
If convicted through plea or trial, sentencing follows based on:
- Washington State Sentencing Guidelines
- Statutory requirements
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
- Criminal history
- Victim impact
- Recommendations from prosecution and defense
Sentences may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation or community supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Treatment or educational requirements
- Community service
Throughout this process, case information is recorded in the Washington Courts database and may be accessed by the public with certain limitations for confidential information.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cowlitz County?
Arrest records in Cowlitz County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Washington State law. The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedule governs how long different types of records must be preserved by county agencies.
Under RCW § 40.14.070, which establishes the legal framework for records retention, law enforcement agencies must maintain arrest records for specific periods based on the type of record and its significance:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Juvenile arrests: Until the individual reaches age 23, or longer for serious offenses
Investigative Records:
- Homicide/major felony cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony investigations: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor investigations: 5 years after case closure
Fingerprint Records:
- Adult fingerprints: Maintained permanently by the Washington State Patrol
- Juvenile fingerprints: May be destroyed when the subject reaches age 18, except for serious offenses
Photographs/Mugshots:
- Follow the same retention schedule as the associated case files
- May be retained longer for identification purposes
Jail Records:
- Booking and custody records: 6 years after release from custody
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Visitor logs and inmate mail records: 3 years
It is important to note that different agencies within Cowlitz County may have varying retention practices within these guidelines:
- The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the law enforcement schedule
- The Cowlitz County Jail maintains custody records according to the corrections schedule
- The Cowlitz County Clerk maintains court records according to the judicial records schedule
Digital records are increasingly replacing paper records, but retention requirements remain the same regardless of format. The county's records management system ensures that electronic records are preserved for the required periods with appropriate security and backup protocols.
Even after the mandatory retention period expires, some records may be preserved for historical or archival purposes, particularly those related to significant cases or events. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed may continue to exist in various formats even after official copies have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
How to Find Mugshots in Cowlitz County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Cowlitz County, these photographs serve several law enforcement purposes:
- Documenting the physical appearance of arrested individuals at the time of booking
- Assisting in identification of individuals in custody
- Creating a visual record associated with the arrest
- Enabling identification by witnesses or victims when necessary
Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Cowlitz County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Records Department
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3092
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Records
Cowlitz County Jail
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3094
Cowlitz County Jail Division
These photographs are stored in the county's records management system and are associated with the corresponding arrest and booking records.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Cowlitz County official sources, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Department in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a request.
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Mail a written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Department at the address provided above.
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Submit an online public records request through the Cowlitz County website.
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Cowlitz County does not currently publish a comprehensive online database of mugshots for public browsing. While the Cowlitz County Jail Roster provides information about current inmates, it does not typically include booking photographs.
Some mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets reporting on arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
- Court records that occasionally include booking photographs
However, these sources are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot information is through an official public records request to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. Standard fees apply for copies of photographs, typically:
- $0.15 per printed page
- Actual cost for digital media
- Additional fees may apply for research time exceeding standard request processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records under Washington's Public Records Act, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records are subject to greater confidentiality protections
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
- Images that would violate privacy interests protected by specific exemptions
- Photographs related to cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Requesters should be aware that commercial use of mugshots, particularly for "mugshot websites" that charge removal fees, has been subject to increasing regulation in many states, though Washington has not enacted specific legislation addressing this practice as of the current date.
Lookup Arrest Records in Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County Sheriff Records
Cowlitz County Bookings Database
Commonly Requested Records in Cowlitz County
Washington State Department of Corrections Public Records Request
Washington State Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search
Washington State Department of Corrections Records