Klickitat County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Klickitat County in 2026
KlickitatRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Klickitat County, Washington. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, mugshots, and warrant data through this resource. Record categories accessible through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, and law enforcement press releases. Information presented reflects what agencies have made available and may not represent complete criminal histories.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Klickitat County.
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status, recent bookings, and associated charge information. The jail roster is subject to update as individuals are booked, released, or transferred.
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
228 West Main Street
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4411
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The City of White Salmon and the City of Goldendale maintain municipal police departments that handle arrests within their respective jurisdictions. Arrest information from these agencies may appear in local press releases or be accessible through public records requests submitted directly to each department.
Goldendale Police Department
1203 South Columbus Avenue
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4242
Goldendale Police Department
White Salmon Police Department
106 NE Estes Avenue
White Salmon, WA 98672
Phone: (509) 493-1133
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by name through the Washington Courts case search portal to identify court filings associated with a specific arrest.
Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk
205 South Columbus Avenue, MS-CH-22
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5744
Washington Courts Case Search
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Washington State Patrol maintains the Washington State Identification System (WASIS), which serves as the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol Criminal Records Division. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based searches, and results reflect statewide arrest and conviction data submitted by participating agencies.
Online Methods:
Members of the public may access arrest-related information through the following online resources:
- Washington Courts case search portal for court case filings linked to arrests
- Washington State Patrol Criminal Records for statewide criminal history requests
- Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search for active warrant and incarceration data
- Klickitat County Sheriff's Office direct contact for current jail roster inquiries
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 228 West Main Street, Goldendale, WA 98620
- Records division located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Phone: (509) 773-4411
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
- Fees for copies: Standard per-page fees apply per RCW 42.56.120
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 205 South Columbus Avenue, MS-CH-22, Goldendale, WA 98620
- Criminal records division located within the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Phone: (509) 773-5744
- Case file inspection available during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees additional
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office at 228 West Main Street, Goldendale, WA 98620. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (509) 773-4411
- Basic custody status inquiries may be handled by phone; detailed record information requires a written public records request or in-person visit
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal public records requests or obtain records through discovery in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court may compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Goldendale PD, White Salmon PD, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Klickitat County
Arrest records in Klickitat County are public records subject to disclosure under Washington's Public Records Act. Under RCW 42.56.070, all state and local agencies are required to make identifiable public records available for inspection and copying upon request, unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in government transparency, community safety, journalism, legal proceedings, and background screening.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Washington law
- Expunged or vacated arrest records are removed from public access
- Court-ordered sealed records are withheld from public inspection
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be redacted in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are shielded from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Washington's Public Records Act reflects the state's constitutional commitment to open government. As the Washington State Attorney General's Office has stated, "The Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's intent that agencies make records available to the public as a fundamental right." This framework balances transparency with individual privacy, and courts have consistently held that arrest records documenting official law enforcement action are presumptively public absent a specific statutory exemption.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Washington's RCW 49.94 addresses fair chance employment practices and limits the use of criminal history information in certain hiring contexts. An arrest that did not result in conviction carries no legal finding of guilt and must be distinguished from a conviction record in any screening context.
What's in Klickitat County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Klickitat County agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and updated as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Washington State Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
- Washington Revised Code statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where made public by the court
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (District Court or Superior Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Klickitat County?
Washington's Public Records Act governs the fees that agencies may charge for public records. Under RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records, and the Office of Financial Management has established default per-page rates that agencies may adopt without further cost justification.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies (letter/legal) | $0.15 per page |
| Color paper copies | Actual cost |
| Electronic records on physical media | Actual cost of media |
| Certified copies (court records) | $5.00 per document (plus per-page fee) |
| Criminal history record check (WSP, name-based) | $10.00–$17.00 per request |
- Inspection of records at the agency is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
- Electronic delivery of records may be provided at no cost or at reduced cost depending on agency policy
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is primarily in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
- Accepted payment methods at the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency
Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court during business hours at no charge. Copies of court case documents may be obtained through the Washington Courts case search portal, with fees varying by document type.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Klickitat County
Washington law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: vacation of a conviction (which functions similarly to expungement in other states) and sealing of court records. These are distinct legal remedies. Vacation removes the legal effect of a conviction and allows the individual to state they have not been convicted of that offense; sealing restricts public access to the court file without necessarily vacating the underlying record.
Vacation of Conviction:
Under RCW 9.96.060, individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses may petition the sentencing court to vacate the conviction after completing all sentence conditions and satisfying a waiting period. Felony vacation is governed by RCW 9.94A.640 and carries more restrictive eligibility criteria. Offenses involving domestic violence, sex offenses, and certain violent crimes are not eligible for vacation.
Steps to Petition for Vacation:
- Confirm eligibility based on offense type, sentence completion, and waiting period
- Obtain a copy of the criminal case file from the Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk
- Complete the petition for vacation of conviction (Washington Courts form CrRLJ 09.0100 for misdemeanors or CrR 09.0100 for felonies)
- File the petition with the court that entered the original conviction
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition
Sealing of Court Records:
Sealing is available in limited circumstances, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the arrest did not result in prosecution. A motion to seal must be filed with the court, and the court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the public's right of access.
Klickitat County Superior Court
205 South Columbus Avenue
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5744
Washington Courts Self-Help Resources
Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
205 South Columbus Avenue, MS-CH-7
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5765
Individuals seeking to vacate or seal records are encouraged to review the Washington Courts self-help center for current forms and procedural guidance. Low-income individuals may qualify for assistance through the Washington State Bar Association's lawyer referral service.
What Happens After Arrest in Klickitat County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest anywhere in Klickitat County, the arrested individual is transported to the Klickitat County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility in Goldendale. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest, as Klickitat County covers a large geographic area. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.
Klickitat County Jail
228 West Main Street
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4411
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins and typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:
- Personal identification information is recorded
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks are conducted
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Jail clothing is issued
- Medical and brief mental health screening is completed
- Housing classification is assigned
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Washington court rules, an arrested individual must appear before a judicial officer within 48 to 72 hours of arrest for a first appearance hearing. This hearing serves to formally notify the individual of the charges, determine bond or bail, appoint a public defender if the individual is indigent, and advise the individual of their rights. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the total bond in Washington. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court releases the individual on a written promise to appear, without requiring payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed by the court may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the county's pretrial services program.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned to a housing unit, receives an inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Klickitat County Public Defender's Office
205 South Columbus Avenue
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5744 (via Superior Court Clerk)
Washington State Office of Public Defense
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel may retain private counsel. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges, and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets dates for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Washington offers several specialty court programs that, upon successful completion, result in dismissal of charges.
If the defendant is convicted at trial or through a plea, sentencing follows. The judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these sanctions. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felony cases: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Washington's speedy trial rule requires trial within 60 days for in-custody defendants and 90 days for out-of-custody defendants on most charges
Important Contacts:
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
228 West Main Street
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4411
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office
Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk
205 South Columbus Avenue, MS-CH-22
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5744
Washington Courts Case Search
Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
205 South Columbus Avenue, MS-CH-7
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-5765
Washington State Office of Public Defense
711 Capitol Way South, Suite 106
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 586-3164
Washington State Office of Public Defense
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend every scheduled court date without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Klickitat County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Klickitat County is governed by Washington's Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule and applicable state statutes. The Washington Secretary of State's Office publishes the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. Agencies may retain records longer than the minimum period but may not destroy records before the minimum period expires.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Washington State Patrol's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court for court case files
- Law enforcement booking records retained for a minimum of six years under the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule
- State repository retains records permanently
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement booking records retained for a minimum of six years
- Court records retained permanently unless sealed by court order
- State repository retains the record unless the individual successfully petitions for vacation or sealing
- Records may remain in databases unless the individual takes affirmative legal action
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records retained permanently
- Law enforcement booking records retained for a minimum of six years
- State repository retains the arrest record; the individual may petition for sealing
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of six years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for sealing of the arrest record
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per the Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule minimum periods
- Digital records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Washington Courts electronic filing system
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are required to maintain accuracy under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, but they may not automatically update records when a conviction is vacated or a record is sealed. Individuals who have successfully vacated a conviction or sealed a record may need to contact third-party database operators separately to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum six years per state retention schedule
- Arrest reports: Minimum six years
- Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense classification; serious violent offense files may be retained permanently
- Contact: (509) 773-4411
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
- Electronic court records: Permanent
- Contact: (509) 773-5744
Washington State Patrol Criminal Records Division:
- Maintains the Washington State Identification System (WASIS) with statewide arrest and conviction data
- Retention: Permanent for most records
- Washington State Patrol Criminal Records
FBI Database:
- NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement nationwide
- Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history records
- Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw on these federal databases
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for sealing; local law enforcement records subject to minimum retention periods before destruction
- Vacation of conviction: State repository updates the record; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party databases may not update automatically
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; booking records subject to minimum six-year retention before authorized destruction
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Washington's fair chance employment law limits the use of criminal history information in certain hiring contexts, and employers subject to that law may not consider arrests that did not result in conviction.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Klickitat County Sheriff's Records Division at (509) 773-4411 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.