Franklin County Public Records / Franklin County Arrest Records

Franklin County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Franklin County in 2026

FranklinWARecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Franklin County, Washington. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:

Booking records and mugshots
Criminal charge information
Custody and bond status
Court case numbers linked to arrests
Arrest history within the county

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains current jail roster and booking information accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the Franklin County jail roster through the Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with new bookings reflected within hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

The Pasco Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Franklin County. Press releases containing arrest information are published periodically through the department's official channels. Members of the public may contact the Pasco Police Department for arrest log inquiries specific to incidents occurring within Pasco city limits.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Franklin County Superior Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Washington Courts case search portal, which allows searches by defendant name and returns associated case numbers, charge information, and hearing dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Washington State Patrol maintains the Washington State Identification System (WASIS), which serves as the statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a Washington State criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol. Fees apply for third-party record requests, and the standard fee for a name-based check is currently $12.00 for electronic submissions.

In-Person Access:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 628-0333
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification. Fees for copies are assessed at the standard rate established under Washington law.

Pasco Police Department
525 N 3rd Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3421
Pasco Police Department

Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
1016 N 4th Ave, Room 203
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County Superior Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with applicable state fee schedules.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301. 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 copies must accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (509) 628-0333 during regular business hours. Callers should have available the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Pasco PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County

Arrest records in Franklin County are public records subject to disclosure under the Washington Public Records Act, codified at RCW § 42.56. Under current law, records of arrests, bookings, and associated charges are presumptively open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Public Records Act reflects the legislature's declaration that "free and open examination of public records is in the public interest."

Arrest records serve multiple recognized public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and 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 (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Washington law)
Expunged or vacated arrest records
Sealed records subject to court order
Information pertaining to active investigations
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section 10, provides that "justice in all cases shall be administered openly." This provision, combined with the Public Records Act, establishes the legal framework for public access to arrest records. Courts have recognized the balance between transparency interests and individual privacy rights, particularly where arrests have not resulted in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Washington State's fair chance hiring laws restrict when employers may inquire about criminal history. Employers and landlords are advised that arrests not resulting in conviction carry significant legal limitations on permissible use in adverse decision-making.

What's in Franklin County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Washington State Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information (if applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony class, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, bonded out)
Bond amount set by court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (District Court or Superior Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment (if available)

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records: Document legal proceedings occurring after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Franklin County?

Under the Washington Public Records Act, agencies may charge fees for providing copies of public records. Current standard fees applicable to Franklin County arrest record requests are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Black-and-white paper copies	$0.15 per page
Color paper copies	$0.15 per page (standard)
Electronic records (scanning)	$0.10 per page
Certified copies (court records)	$5.00 per document
USB drive (if agency provides)	Actual cost of media

Inspection of records at the agency's office is available at no charge. Members of the public may review records in person without incurring copy fees unless they request reproductions. Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective agency.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in circumstances where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

Washington State Patrol criminal history record checks carry a separate fee schedule: name-based checks are currently $12.00 for electronic requests, and fingerprint-based checks are $26.50. These fees are established by the Washington State Patrol and are subject to change.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Franklin County

Washington law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: vacation of a conviction (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes). These remedies are distinct, and eligibility depends on the nature of the arrest, the disposition of the case, and the time elapsed since the event.

Vacation of Conviction:

Under RCW § 9.96.060, individuals who have completed all terms of their sentence may petition the sentencing court to vacate a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction. Felony vacation is governed by RCW § 9.94A.640. Upon vacation, the court withdraws the guilty plea or verdict and dismisses the charges. The record is then treated as if the arrest and conviction did not occur for most purposes, though law enforcement retains access.

Eligibility requirements for vacation include:

Completion of all sentence conditions, including probation, fines, and restitution
No pending criminal charges
Specified waiting periods (three years for most misdemeanors; five or more years for felonies, depending on class)
The offense must not be among those categorically excluded from vacation (e.g., sex offenses, domestic violence offenses with certain conditions)

Sealing of Juvenile Records:

Juvenile arrest and court records may be sealed under Washington law upon application to the juvenile court. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and the individual's age and record since the juvenile adjudication.

Arrests Without Conviction:

Where charges were dismissed, not filed, or resulted in acquittal, members of the public may petition for destruction of non-conviction records under applicable Washington law. The Washington State Patrol's criminal history records unit processes requests related to state repository records.

Steps to Petition for Vacation:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Washington State Patrol or the sentencing court
Confirm eligibility under the applicable statute
File a petition for vacation with the court that entered the original judgment
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, provide certified copies of the vacation order to all agencies holding the record

Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
1016 N 4th Ave, Room 203
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County Superior Court Clerk

Franklin County District Court
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County District Court

Washington State Patrol Criminal History Records
PO Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 534-2000
Washington State Patrol Criminal History

What Happens After Arrest in Franklin County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Franklin County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county.

Franklin County Jail
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 628-0333
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
Medical screening completed
Mental health screening (brief intake assessment)
Housing classification determined

The booking process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Washington law, individuals in custody must be brought before a judicial officer within 72 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. At the first appearance:

Charges are formally communicated
The right to appointed counsel is addressed
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. Court schedules are available through the Washington Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount paid in cash to the court or jail
Refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by judicial officer or bond schedule

Surety Bond:

Bail bondsman posts the full amount
Defendant pays a non-refundable premium (typically 10%)
Bondsman assumes financial responsibility for appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted: Processing time following bond payment is typically one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If Bond Not Posted: The individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on financial circumstances.

Franklin County Public Defender
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County

Private Attorney:

Individuals may retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Washington State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking representation.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges.

Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney

Arraignment:

At arraignment, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery.

Plea Negotiations may result in an offer of reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no-contest plea; sentencing hearing scheduled
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; if guilty, sentencing hearing follows

Sentencing (if convicted):

Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May extend to a year or more
Right to speedy trial: Governed by Washington court rules

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative
Do not resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent (politely invoke this right)
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Franklin County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Franklin County is governed by Washington State law and the Washington State Archives records retention schedules. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record, the disposition of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Washington State Patrol, and the FBI
Maintained indefinitely in state and federal criminal history databases

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most state and local databases
Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of 10 years under Washington State Archives schedules, with many retained permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of six years under standard schedules
Court records: Retained for a minimum of 10 years
State repository: Records remain unless vacated or subject to a destruction order
May remain in databases unless the individual petitions for removal

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Retained per standard schedule
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
May be eligible for vacation or sealing upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of six years
May be eligible for earlier removal upon petition to the court

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records retained per standard schedule
Often eligible for petition for destruction of non-conviction records

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable schedule (minimum six years for non-conviction records)
Fingerprint cards: Retained per state and FBI policy
Photographs: Retained per agency policy

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Vary by agency policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated following expungement or vacation
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer reporting

Retention by Agency:

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 628-0333
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Washington State Archives common records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case disposition and offense classification.

Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
1016 N 4th Ave, Room 203
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3535
Franklin County Superior Court Clerk

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of 10 years. Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances.

Washington State Patrol (State Repository): The Washington State Patrol maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements. Records from all jurisdictions within Washington are included.

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain unless vacated; often not reported on standard background checks
Vacation/Expungement: Physical records sealed or destroyed at local level; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal timeframe varies by agency
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after minimum retention period; petition for earlier removal available in some circumstances

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for positions paying under a specified salary threshold, with no time limit for higher-paying positions. Washington State law provides additional protections limiting the use of non-conviction records in employment decisions. Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Records Division at (509) 628-0333 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.