Cowlitz County Criminal Records

What Is Cowlitz County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Cowlitz County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Cowlitz County, Washington.

Criminal records typically fall into several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records contain booking information, charges, and arrest circumstances.
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas, representing the final judgment in a criminal proceeding.
• Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, as defined under Washington State law RCW 9A.20.021.
• Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.
• Active Warrants: Current orders issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual.
• Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions, including dismissed cases and completed sentences.

Pursuant to the Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act § 10.97, juvenile records are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections than adult records, with limited accessibility to the public.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Cowlitz County:

Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3092
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

Cowlitz County Superior Court
Hall of Justice
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Cowlitz County Superior Court

Cowlitz County District Court
Hall of Justice
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3102
Cowlitz County District Court

Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Washington State Patrol also maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information submitted by local agencies through the Criminal History Records Information System.

Are Criminal Records Public In Cowlitz County

Criminal records in Cowlitz County are generally considered public information under Washington State's Public Records Act, codified in RCW Chapter 42.56. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Washington Public Records Act states: "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." This foundational principle guides public access to criminal records in Cowlitz County.

While many criminal records are publicly accessible, certain categories have restricted access:

• Adult Conviction Records: Generally available to the public without restriction.
• Court Proceedings: Most hearings and trials are open to public observation, with corresponding records accessible through the court clerk.
• Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active investigations may be temporarily withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation, as permitted under RCW 42.56.240.
• Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not publicly accessible.
• Juvenile Records: Subject to confidentiality protections under the Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act, with limited public access except in specific circumstances outlined in RCW 13.50.050.
• Non-Conviction Data: Information relating to arrests not leading to conviction may have restricted access under the Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act.

The Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act specifically regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information, balancing public access rights with privacy protections. According to this act, conviction records may be disseminated without restriction, while non-conviction data has more limited accessibility.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Cowlitz County must follow established procedures for public records requests, which may vary depending on the custodial agency. Each agency maintains its own protocols for processing such requests in accordance with state law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cowlitz County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cowlitz County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Cowlitz County Courthouse:

1. Visit the Cowlitz County Clerk's Office located at the Hall of Justice, 312 SW 1st Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626.
2. Complete a public records request form, available at the clerk's counter.
3. Provide specific information about the records being sought, including the individual's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
5. Pay applicable fees for copies of records (currently $0.15 per page for standard copies).
6. For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $5.00 per document).

The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Written Requests by Mail:

1. Submit a written request to:
   Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
   312 SW 1st Avenue
   Kelso, WA 98626
2. Include a completed public records request form, which can be downloaded from the Cowlitz County website.
3. Provide specific information about the records being sought.
4. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
5. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.

Online Access:

1. Visit the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search portal.
2. Create a user account if required.
3. Enter search criteria, including the individual's name and other identifying information.
4. Review search results for relevant case information.
5. Note that online records may not include complete case files, which might require in-person inspection.

Criminal History Background Checks:

1. Access the Washington State Patrol's WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system at https://watch.wsp.wa.gov/.
2. Create an account and pay the required fee (currently $11 per name-based search).
3. Enter the subject's name and date of birth.
4. Receive instant results for conviction records and pending criminal charges.

For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may also submit fingerprint-based background check requests through the Washington State Patrol's Identification and Criminal History Section, which provides more complete criminal history information than name-based searches.

How To Find Criminal Records in Cowlitz County Online?

Cowlitz County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and local government agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to different types of criminal record information:

Washington Courts Case Search System: The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search portal provides access to court cases throughout Washington, including Cowlitz County. Users can:

• Search by name, case number, or attorney
• View case types, filing dates, and party information
• Access docket entries showing court actions and scheduled hearings
• View case status and disposition information
• No registration is required for basic searches, though some document access may be restricted

Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH): The Washington State Patrol maintains the WATCH system for criminal history background checks. This system:

• Requires creation of an account and payment of a fee (currently $11 per search)
• Provides conviction records and pending criminal charges
• Delivers instant results for name-based searches
• Includes records from all Washington counties, including Cowlitz
• Offers subscription services for frequent users

Cowlitz County Jail Roster: The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster showing current inmates:

• Updated daily with current custody status
• Searchable by name
• Includes booking date, charges, and bond information
• Available without registration or fees
• Does not include historical incarceration records

Washington State Sex Offender Registry: The Washington State Sex Offender Information Center provides information on registered sex offenders:

• Searchable by name, address, or geographic area
• Includes offender photos, conviction information, and risk level
• Shows registered addresses in Cowlitz County
• Available without registration or fees
• Updated regularly as offenders register or change addresses

Washington State Department of Corrections Offender Search: The Washington DOC Offender Search provides information on individuals under DOC jurisdiction:

• Includes current inmates and those under community supervision
• Provides conviction information and sentence details
• Shows custody location or supervising office
• Available without registration or fees
• Updated regularly with current status information

When using these online resources, users should note that:

• Not all criminal records are available online
• Some records may require in-person requests at the courthouse
• Historical records may have limited online availability
• Juvenile records generally have restricted access
• Case documents often require separate requests or fees

Can You Search Cowlitz County Criminal Records for Free?

Washington State law provides for public inspection of most criminal records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual costs of providing copies but cannot charge for inspection of records or for locating public documents.

Members of the public may inspect criminal records free of charge at the following locations:

Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
Hall of Justice
312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cowlitz County Law Library
Hall of Justice
312 SW 1st Avenue, Room 103
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3086
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Several free online resources are available for searching Cowlitz County criminal records:

• Washington Courts Case Search: The Washington State Courts public portal provides free access to basic case information, including criminal cases filed in Cowlitz County courts. Users can search by name or case number to view docket information, hearing dates, and case status.

• Cowlitz County Jail Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online jail roster showing current inmates, charges, and booking information. This resource is updated daily and requires no registration.

• Washington State Sex Offender Registry: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs maintains a free searchable database of registered sex offenders, including those residing in Cowlitz County.

• Washington Department of Corrections Offender Search: The DOC provides a free online database of individuals currently incarcerated or under community supervision, including those from Cowlitz County.

While these resources are available at no cost, users should be aware of certain limitations:

• Free online searches typically provide only basic information
• Detailed case documents generally require payment of copy fees
• Certified copies always incur fees (currently $5.00 per document plus copy costs)
• Background checks through the Washington State Patrol's WATCH system require payment
• Fingerprint-based background checks involve processing fees

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Washington State Patrol's Identification and Criminal History Section provides services for a fee, as authorized under RCW 10.97.100.

What's Included in a Cowlitz County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Cowlitz County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in standardized formats to ensure consistency across agencies and jurisdictions. A complete criminal record generally includes the following components:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and place of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest (including statute numbers)
• Bail or bond amount
• Pre-trial detention information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number
• Court of jurisdiction (Superior or District)
• Filing date
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea information
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
• Judge assigned to the case
• Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
  • Probation conditions and duration
  • Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment program mandates
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and violations
• Completion of sentence information

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or bench warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations related to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Diversion program participation
• Modifications to original sentences

Criminal records in Cowlitz County are maintained in accordance with the Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act and other applicable state laws. The level of detail available may vary depending on the age of the record, the maintaining agency, and whether the record pertains to an adult or juvenile offender.

It should be noted that juvenile records contain similar information but are subject to different confidentiality and access restrictions under RCW 13.50.

How Long Does Cowlitz County Keep Criminal Records?

Cowlitz County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case.

The following retention periods generally apply to criminal records in Cowlitz County:

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 50 years for Class A felonies; 20 years for Class B felonies; 10 years for Class C felonies after case closure
• Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after case closure for most misdemeanors
• DUI/DWI case files: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic violence cases: 10 years after case closure
• Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
• Judgments and sentences: Permanent retention for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
• Exhibits: Retained until appeals exhausted, then returned or destroyed according to court order

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest reports: 10 years for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
• Investigation reports: Permanent retention for homicide and unresolved felonies; 10 years for resolved felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors
• Booking records: 5 years after release from custody
• Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention by Washington State Patrol
• Mugshot photographs: 5 years after release from custody for misdemeanors; 10 years for felonies

Corrections Records:

• Inmate files: 6 years after release from custody
• Jail registers: Permanent retention
• Probation records: 3 years after completion of probation

Juvenile Records:

• Subject to special sealing provisions under RCW 13.50.050
• Most juvenile records eligible for sealing after completion of disposition requirements
• Serious violent offenses and sex offenses have extended retention periods

The Washington State Archives' Local Government Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on the retention of criminal records. This schedule is periodically updated, and agencies must comply with the most current retention requirements.

It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, many historical criminal records are preserved for their archival value. Additionally, electronic records systems have expanded the practical retention of criminal history information beyond the minimum required periods.

Individuals seeking to determine if specific criminal records still exist should contact the Cowlitz County Clerk's Office or the Washington State Archives, Southwest Regional Branch, which serves as the repository for archived Cowlitz County records.

Lookup Criminal Records in Cowlitz County

Criminal History information through the Washington State Patrol

Washington State Patrol official website for law enforcement services

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search for court records

WATCH system for Washington Access to Criminal History

Cowlitz County Court Directory for local court contact information