Pierce County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Pierce County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Pierce County may access publicly available information through PierceCountyRecords.us, which aggregates data related to arrests, court proceedings, and other criminal justice records. Criminal records in Pierce County, Washington, may include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, conviction histories, sentencing details, and active warrant information. Access to these records is subject to applicable state and federal law, and not all records are available to the general public in every circumstance.
Records that may be found through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail and inmate records
- Sex offender registration information
- Active and recalled warrants
- Protective orders
1. County Court Records
The Pierce County Superior Court and Pierce County District Court maintain criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor matters, respectively. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse.
Pierce County Superior Court Clerk
930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Pierce County Clerk
Visitors should bring the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and, if available, a case number. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for self-service case lookups at no charge.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail roster information.
Pierce County Sheriff's Department
930 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7530
Pierce County Sheriff
Arrest and booking records may be requested in person or by mail. Fees apply for copies of records. The current jail roster is available online through the sheriff's website.
3. Online Court Search
The Washington State Courts system provides a public case search portal. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name across all Washington courts, including Pierce County Superior and District Courts.
- Navigate to the Washington Courts Case Search
- Select the court type and county
- Enter the subject's name or case number
- Review results, noting that not all case details are available online
Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records do not appear in public online searches.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Formal background check requests, including fingerprint-based searches, are processed through WSP.
Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
Phone: (360) 534-2000
WSP Criminal History
Fingerprint-based requests require submission of a completed form, fingerprint card, and applicable fee. Processing times vary. Name-based checks are available for certain purposes.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Pierce County Clerk's office at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the type of record sought. Under RCW 42.56, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days.
What Is Pierce County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing outcomes. In Washington State, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process.
Key distinctions include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential sentences exceeding one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Juvenile records are confidential under Washington law and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current court orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings.
Agencies that maintain criminal records in Pierce County include:
- Pierce County Sheriff's Department — arrest records, jail and booking records
- Pierce County Superior Court and District Court — case filings, dispositions, sentencing records
- Washington State Patrol — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of prosecution, and finalized upon disposition. A complete criminal record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, probation or parole status, and appeals. Under RCW 10.97, Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act, criminal history record information is defined and regulated at the state level.
Are Criminal Records Public In Pierce County
Criminal records in Pierce County are subject to Washington's Public Records Act, codified at RCW 42.56, which establishes a strong presumption in favor of public disclosure. 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 most arrest records are available to the public. However, certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from disclosure:
- Juvenile records (confidential under RCW 13.50)
- Sealed or expunged records
- Records subject to court-ordered protection
- Ongoing investigation materials
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Washington State Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records access and exemptions through its Public Records Act resources. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate rules and are not subject to Washington's Public Records Act.
How To Find Criminal Records in Pierce County Online?
Official County Resources
The following online portals provide access to Pierce County criminal records:
- Pierce County Clerk Case Search — court case filings, dispositions, and case history for Superior Court matters
- Washington Courts Case Search — statewide case lookup including Pierce County Superior and District Courts
- Pierce County Sheriff's jail roster — current inmate and booking information available through the sheriff's website
Each portal contains different data. The court case search reflects filed cases and dispositions; the jail roster reflects current custody status.
State-Level Resources
- Washington Courts Case Search — statewide portal covering all Washington courts
- WSP Criminal History Background Checks — official state background check system
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
- Understand that records older than the digital era may not appear online
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating electronic filing may not be digitized. Online searches do not replace certified background checks for employment or licensing purposes, and sealed or expunged records will not appear in public searches.
Can You Search Pierce 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 access to public records for inspection and copying. In-person inspection of court records is available at the Pierce County Clerk's office, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402, during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases
| Resource | Cost | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Courts Case Search | Free | Online |
| Pierce County Clerk Case Search | Free | Online |
| Pierce County Jail Roster | Free | Online |
| WSP Name-Based Check (self) | Free (limited) | Online |
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports are available through the Pierce County Sheriff's Department at no charge for inspection purposes.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the Pierce County Clerk (contact office for current schedule)
- Official state fingerprint-based background checks: fee required through WSP
- Staff-assisted record searches: fees may apply
- Copies of physical records: per-page fees apply under RCW 42.56
What's Included in a Pierce County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, hair, eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and jail facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
Court Case Information
- Case number and court jurisdiction
- Filing date and assigned judge
- Charges and applicable statutes (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
Disposition
- Verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions
- Probation or parole status
- Appeals filed or resolved
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or no-contact orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Washington State Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI/DWI notations
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under RCW 13.50)
- Expunged or vacated records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records (in most circumstances)
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain errors resulting from data entry, name similarities, or incomplete updates. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their own records may petition the originating agency or court for correction. The Washington State Patrol provides a process for challenging criminal history record information through its identification section.
How Long Does Pierce County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Washington State establishes records retention schedules through the Secretary of State's office. Courts and law enforcement agencies are required to follow the Washington State Records Retention Schedules.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; subject to vacation/expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; destruction timelines vary under RCW 13.50 |
| Pending cases | Retained until resolution |
Agency Differences
- Pierce County Superior Court: Permanent retention for criminal case files per court rules
- Pierce County Sheriff's Department: Retention schedules vary by record type; booking records retained per state schedule
- Washington State Patrol: Permanent retention for conviction records in the statewide repository
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed after scanning and verification, but electronic copies remain in agency databases.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record.
- Sealing restricts public access but preserves the record for law enforcement use.
- Expungement (referred to as "vacation" in Washington) removes the conviction from public view under RCW 9.94A.640, though the record may remain accessible to law enforcement.
Individuals seeking to vacate a conviction may obtain forms and eligibility information through the Washington Courts self-help center. Eligibility depends on the offense type, time elapsed since conviction, and compliance with all sentence conditions.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county systems.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that have not been vacated appear on background checks indefinitely. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically report convictions for seven to ten years, though Washington employers may be subject to additional restrictions. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally vacated or expunged.