Kitsap County Criminal Records
What Is Kitsap County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kitsap County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Washington State's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which establishes the framework for public access to government records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or conviction
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
Adult criminal records in Kitsap County are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records are typically sealed pursuant to RCW 13.50.050, which protects the confidentiality of juvenile justice records except under specific circumstances.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Kitsap County:
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7101
Kitsap County Sheriff
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through the county jail system.
Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7164
Kitsap County Clerk
The Clerk's Office serves as the custodian of Superior Court records, including criminal case files, court proceedings, and dispositions.
Washington State Patrol
Criminal Records Division
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol Criminal History Section
The State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information for Washington State, including records from Kitsap County.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Kitsap County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Kitsap County
Criminal records in Kitsap County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Washington State law. The Washington Public Records Act (PRA) establishes the legal framework governing access to these records. Specifically, RCW 42.56.070 states that "each agency shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records" unless specifically exempted by statute.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest and booking information
- Court case records for adult criminal proceedings
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are subject to restrictions or exemptions under state law:
- Active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld under RCW 42.56.240, which exempts "specific intelligence information and specific investigative records compiled by investigative, law enforcement, and penology agencies" when disclosure would compromise an active investigation
- Juvenile records are generally sealed and not publicly accessible pursuant to RCW 13.50.050
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Information that would violate personal privacy protections under state law
- Records related to victims of crimes, particularly in sensitive cases
The Kitsap County Public Records Center processes requests for criminal records maintained by county agencies, while the Kitsap County Clerk's Office handles requests for court records. Each agency has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records in accordance with state law.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the county must balance transparency with privacy considerations and legal protections for certain categories of information. Requestors seeking criminal records should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to facilitate accurate record retrieval.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kitsap County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kitsap County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing specific types of criminal justice information.
To obtain criminal records from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a public records request through the Kitsap County Public Records Center
- Select "Sheriff's Office" as the department holding the records
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of the incident
- Case number (if known)
- Type of record requested (arrest report, incident report, etc.)
- Submit the request electronically through the portal
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction as outlined in the Sheriff's Office public records information
To access court records related to criminal cases:
-
Visit the Kitsap County Clerk's Office in person or submit a request through their online system
-
For in-person requests, visit:
Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(360) 337-7164 -
For electronic court records, use the Washington State Courts Records Portal
-
Select "Superior Court Records" under the Record Series dropdown
-
Choose "Kitsap County" from the County dropdown
-
Enter the case number or name of the individual
-
Pay any applicable fees for certified copies or extensive record searches
For current jail custody information:
- Access the Kitsap County Web Jail Viewer
- Search by name to view booking information for currently incarcerated individuals
- Note that this system only displays current inmates, not historical incarceration records
For comprehensive criminal history background checks:
- Submit a request to the Washington State Patrol through their WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system
- Provide the required identifying information
- Pay the state-mandated fee for background check services
- Receive results electronically or by mail
Individuals seeking their own criminal records may request a copy of their criminal history from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office by appearing in person with valid government-issued photo identification at:
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Records Division
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(360) 337-7101
How To Find Criminal Records in Kitsap County Online?
Kitsap County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Kitsap County include:
-
Kitsap County Public Records Portal
- Access the county's public records request system
- Create an account or submit as a guest
- Select the appropriate department (Sheriff, Prosecutor, etc.)
- Provide specific details about the records being requested
- Track request status through the online portal
- Receive electronic copies of approved records
-
Kitsap County Web Jail Viewer
- Visit the Web Jail Viewer portal
- Search by name to view current inmates
- Access booking information, charges, and custody status
- Note that this system only displays individuals currently in custody
- Information updates daily but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases
-
Washington Courts Search Portal
- Access the Washington Courts Case Records Search
- Select "Kitsap County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name or case number
- View case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions
- Access documents filed with the court (some may require fees)
-
Kitsap County Clerk's Electronic Records
- Visit the Clerk's records request page
- Follow instructions for requesting electronic court records
- Select "Superior Court Records" from the Record Series dropdown
- Choose "Kitsap County" from the jurisdiction options
- Enter case number or name information
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval
-
Kitsap County District Court ePortal
- Access the District Court electronic filing portal
- Search for case information by name or case number
- View case status, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Access publicly available court documents
-
Washington State Digital Archives
- Visit the Washington State Digital Archives
- Search for historical Kitsap County Superior Court records
- Access digitized court documents dating back to 1973
- View case information and selected court filings
When searching online, users should note that certain information may be restricted or require additional verification steps to access. Some systems may require registration or payment of fees for comprehensive searches or document retrieval. For the most complete criminal record information, users may need to utilize multiple online resources or supplement online searches with in-person requests.
Can You Search Kitsap County Criminal Records for Free?
Kitsap County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56.120) permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and electronic transmission of records, but also requires that records be available for inspection at no cost.
Free options for accessing criminal records in Kitsap County include:
In-Person Inspection
-
Visit the Kitsap County Clerk's Office during regular business hours:
Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(360) 337-7164 -
Request to inspect specific case files
-
Use public access terminals to view court records
-
Note that while inspection is free, printing or copying documents incurs fees
Online Resources with Free Access Components
- Kitsap County Web Jail Viewer - Free access to current inmate information
- Washington Courts Search Portal - Basic case information available at no cost
- Kitsap County Superior Court website - Free access to court calendars and general case status
- Washington State Digital Archives - Free access to historical court records
Free Public Records Requests
- Submit initial requests through the Kitsap County Public Records Center at no cost
- Receive electronic copies of small record sets without charge
- Review the first installment of records before deciding whether to pay for additional copies
It is important to note the following limitations on free access:
-
While initial requests are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $0.15 per page)
- Electronic copies of large document sets
- Certified copies of court documents
- Staff time for extensive searches or redaction
-
Some specialized criminal record searches, particularly those requiring fingerprint verification or comprehensive background checks, always incur fees
-
Commercial requestors or those seeking records for commercial purposes may be subject to different fee structures
-
Records requiring extensive redaction to protect confidential information may incur charges for staff time
The Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office also provides information about public records requests related to criminal cases, including guidance on which records may be available without charge and which may require payment of fees.
What's Included in a Kitsap County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Kitsap County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained by various agencies and may include different elements depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining authority.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed at booking
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations for charged offenses
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Degree of offense (1st degree, 2nd degree, etc.)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
- Corrections department information
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and jail information, while the Kitsap County Clerk serves as the custodian of court records containing case proceedings, judgments, and dispositions. The Washington State Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information that integrates data from multiple agencies.
Criminal records are subject to various retention schedules and may be archived or destroyed according to state records retention laws. Some information, particularly regarding juvenile offenders or expunged records, may be restricted from public access pursuant to state statutes.
How Long Does Kitsap County Keep Criminal Records?
Kitsap 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 schedules vary by record type and maintaining agency.
Sheriff's Office Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Typically retained for 10 years after case closure for most felonies
- Homicide and Class A felony investigations: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Generally retained for 5 years after case closure
- Arrest records: Maintained for 3 years after the arrest date
- Booking records: Retained for 3 years after release from custody
- Jail records: Kept for 6 years after inmate release
- Sex offender registration records: Maintained for 15 years after the offender's death or 99 years from registration
Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Retained for 10 years after case completion for most felonies
- Murder and Class A felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for 3 years after case completion
- Domestic violence cases: Kept for 10 years after case completion
- DUI/DWI cases: Retained for 10 years after case completion
- Judgments and sentences: Permanent retention
- Warrants: Maintained until served plus 3 years
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
Prosecutor's Office Records:
- Felony prosecution files: Retained for 10 years after case closure
- Homicide and sexual assault cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor prosecution files: Kept for 5 years after case closure
- Declined prosecutions: Maintained for 3 years after decision
The Washington State Digital Archives serves as the repository for historical Kitsap County Superior Court records dating back to 1973, providing long-term preservation of significant court documents. Additionally, the Washington State Patrol maintains criminal history information in the state's central repository according to state-mandated retention schedules.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indexes and basic case information may be maintained for longer periods. Furthermore, records that have been digitized or microfilmed may be preserved indefinitely, even after the destruction of original paper documents.
Individuals seeking older criminal records should contact the Kitsap County Clerk's Office for court records or the Washington State Archives for historical documents that may have been transferred to state custody.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kitsap County
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff's Office Records Request Information
Prosecutor's Office Public Records Requests
Court Records Request Information
Washington State Digital Archives - Kitsap County Court Records