Criminal records in Walla Walla County, Washington, are available through several channels. WallaWallaCourt.us allows you to search for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system, the county Superior Court clerk's office, and law enforcement agencies, including the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office.
How to Search Criminal Records in Walla Walla
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county. Each is suitable for different situations — from a quick check to an official request.
Online Search
- WallaWallaCourt.us — enter the person's full name or case number to find public information on county court cases.
- Washington State Courts — Name and Case Search — a state portal for searching by name or case number in Washington's Superior Courts, including Walla Walla County. Note: results are for reference and do not replace the official court record.
- Find My Court Date — a tool for checking scheduled court hearings in the state's Superior Courts.
- Department of Corrections Warrant Search — allows you to check for active arrest warrants, including in Walla Walla County.
- Inmate Search — a database of individuals currently under the supervision of the Washington Department of Corrections.
In-Person Visit
The Superior Court Clerk accepts visitors to view public and confidential records from Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. You can review case materials directly at the courthouse.
Walla Walla County Superior Court Clerk — Kathy Martin
Written Request
A request for criminal records can be sent by mail to the Superior Court Clerk's Office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. For records from law enforcement agencies, contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division following the public records processing procedure under RCW 42.56.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Walla Walla Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Washington State, Superior Court case numbers have a standard format. Here's how to decipher it:
| Element | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two-digit year | Year the case was filed | 24 |
| Case type code | Case category (criminal — usually "1" for felonies) | 1 |
| Sequential number | Sequential number within the year and category | 00123 |
For example, the number 24-1-00123-36 indicates a criminal case (felony) filed in 2024 in a county with code 36 (Walla Walla). Code "2" usually denotes misdemeanors, and "4" denotes civil cases.
If you have the exact case number, searching through the state portal or the clerk's office will yield the fastest result. Without the number, you will have to search by name, which may return multiple records.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Walla Walla
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), e.g., RCW 9A.36.021 (Assault 2nd Degree)
- Severity Level: felony (the most serious crimes), misdemeanor (less serious), or infraction
- Amended Charges — the prosecutor may change or drop some charges during the case; updated information is reflected in the case materials
Case Status
| Status | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made |
| Active | The case is under court consideration |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | All procedures are completed, and the case is closed |
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Superior Court:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial
- Trial — the case is heard on its merits
- Sentencing — punishment is determined after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — monitoring compliance with the sentence conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — the case is closed (charges dropped)
- Acquitted — acquitted by the court
- Withheld judgment — the court postpones sentencing; if conditions are met, charges may be dropped
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Walla Walla
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Superior Court Clerk's Office. These documents bear the official court seal and are legally significant — unlike reference information from online portals.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-person — visit the clerk's office at the courthouse. Record hours: Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM–1:30 PM.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the name, case number, and type of document needed to the address below.
For identification, prepare a valid photo ID. Sealed or confidential documents are not provided — the state digital archive also does not display such materials.
If you need a statewide criminal history check, contact the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section (WATCH). This is a separate procedure from requesting court documents.
Law Enforcement Records
The Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office processes requests for public law enforcement records in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). The Sheriff's Office is not required to maintain a comprehensive index of all records.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Walla Walla
Below are the main fees charged for copies and certification of criminal records. Exact amounts are determined according to RCW 36.18.016 and the local clerk's fee schedule.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard rate according to RCW 36.18.016(4) |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check via WATCH (WSP) | $11.00 – $50.00 | Depends on the type of check; submitted through the Washington State Patrol |
Processing Time
- In-person visit — copies are usually prepared during the visit if documents are available
- Mail request — from a few business days to two weeks, depending on the volume of the request
- Requests to the Sheriff's Office — processed in order; complex requests may require additional time according to the procedure described on the county public records page
Payment is accepted at the clerk's office. Confirm available payment methods (cash, check, card) directly at 509-524-2780 before visiting.