Criminal History: Pierce County WA Record Search & Lookup

Criminal history records provide a consolidated view of a person’s interactions with law enforcement and the courts. A criminal history report may include arrest dates, charge descriptions, conviction outcomes, and sentencing details. The public can search these records by name, date of birth, or case number. Searches may use county court records and the Washington State Patrol database to locate criminal case history and current arrest records. A typical report may also list pending cases, dismissed charges, and final dispositions. Because the system tracks misdemeanor and felony cases, these records provide an overview of past legal matters. Whether you need to review a criminal record for personal reference or verification, the available information can help clarify a person’s documented court history.

Criminal history reports serve as a useful resource for confirming identity and reviewing past legal proceedings. A criminal history lookup may show the sequence of events from the initial arrest to the final court judgment. Records can include criminal court filings, conviction details, and juvenile case information when legally accessible. The document may also identify the arresting agency, incident location, and whether the case resulted in a conviction, dismissal, or acquittal. When conducting a criminal case search, the file may contain the filing date, disposition code, and sentencing information imposed by the judge. Since each entry is associated with a specific case number, requesting case records can help distinguish between individuals with similar names. Whether reviewing personal records or conducting an authorized background check, official sources provide factual information about documented legal proceedings.

How to Search Criminal History

A Criminal History search in Pierce County WA gives you access to records held by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure Unit. The portal lets you look up arrests, charges, court outcomes, and dispositions tied to a specific person. You can search by full name, date of birth, case number, or location. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official criminal court reports resources. Records pull from county systems and the Washington State Patrol WATCH database, giving you both local and statewide visibility. Whether you need the data for personal verification, tenant screening, employment checks, or legal research, the search returns a structured report you can review on screen or save for later use.

Official Search Portal: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5243/Public-Records-Request

Steps to Search

• Visit the Pierce County Public Records Request page and select the criminal history request option from the menu.
• Enter the subject’s full legal name, date of birth, and any known alias to narrow the results.
• Add a case number, arrest date, or location if you want to refine the lookup further.
• Submit your contact details so the Public Disclosure Unit can reach you with a response or fee estimate.
• Wait for confirmation by email, then download or pick up the certified record once processing is complete.

Criminal History Information

A standard Pierce County WA criminal history report contains layered information that reflects the subject’s path through the justice system. Each section of the report answers a different question about identity, enforcement action, and judicial outcome. Understanding how these layers fit together helps you read a record correctly and avoid confusion between similar events.

Identity Information

The top of every report lists the subject’s verified identity. This includes the full legal name used at booking, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and a state identification number when available. The Public Disclosure Unit uses this section to confirm that the record matches the right person. If a name search returns several results, this block is what you compare against to pick the correct subject. Always cross-check the date of birth and any documented aliases before drawing conclusions from the rest of the file.

Arrest History

The arrest history section shows every time the subject was taken into custody by a law enforcement agency. Each entry lists the arrest date, the agency involved, the location of the arrest, and the booking number. You may see multiple arrests that later connect to one court case, or one arrest that led to several charges. Reviewing this section first gives you a timeline of police contact. The data here is drawn from arrest records held by the Sheriff’s Office and is current as of the last update by the booking system.

Criminal Charges

Under each arrest, the report lists the criminal charges filed by the prosecuting authority. Charges show the statute violated, the charge level (felony or misdemeanor), and a short description of the alleged conduct. The charges listed may differ from the original arrest reason because prosecutors can amend, add, or drop counts. A charge that was filed does not mean a conviction happened. You need to look at the court case section to find out how each charge was resolved.

Court Cases

Court cases link each arrest to a specific case number filed in Pierce County Superior Court or a municipal court. This section shows the court name, the case filing date, the assigned judge, and the type of case. When an arrest leads to multiple charges, you will see one case number that covers all of them. If the same person was arrested on separate occasions, you will see distinct case numbers for each event. This is the most reliable anchor when you need to pull a complete docket.

Convictions

The convictions subsection shows which charges ended in a guilty finding. It includes the plea type, the date of conviction, and the court that entered the judgment. A conviction can come from a guilty plea, a guilty verdict after trial, or a no contest plea treated as guilty for sentencing. The record separates each conviction by case, so you can see at a glance how many separate guilty findings exist on the file. Acquittals, dismissals, and diversions are listed separately and are not counted as convictions.

Case Dispositions

Case dispositions describe the final outcome of every court case linked to the subject. Common dispositions include dismissed, acquitted, convicted, deferred, or diverted. The disposition code and date tell you exactly how the court closed the case. This section is critical when you want to confirm that a case is fully resolved. A case with no disposition listed is still active and should be treated as pending until updated information is released.

Sentencing Information

For every conviction, the report shows the sentence imposed by the judge. This may include jail time, prison time, fines, probation, community service, or treatment programs. The sentencing section also lists any credit for time served before trial. If the sentence was modified on appeal, the new order appears in place of the original. This data is sourced from the clerk’s office and is verified against the court order that closed the case.

Criminal History Record Components

Every criminal history record in Pierce County follows a consistent structure. Knowing what each component represents helps you interpret the data accurately and locate specific facts without reading the full file. The components below are the building blocks of any report you receive from the Public Disclosure Unit.

Arrest Events

An arrest event records the moment law enforcement took the subject into custody. It includes the date and time of the arrest, the location, the arresting agency, and the officer’s report number. The event also notes whether the arrest was made on a warrant, during a traffic stop, or following an investigation. Some entries show a release after booking, while others show transfer to a holding facility. Reading arrest events in order gives you a clear view of the subject’s police contact history.

Filed Charges

Filed charges are the specific offenses the prosecutor chose to pursue after reviewing the arrest. They appear under the matching arrest event and include the charge code, a description, and the level of the offense. Charges can be added, dropped, or amended before the case is resolved, so the filed charges you see may not match the original arrest. This component is the link between the police report and the court file.

Court Proceedings

Court proceedings list every hearing held in the case, from arraignment through sentencing. Each entry shows the date, the type of hearing, the judge, and the outcome of that hearing. Motions, plea hearings, and trial dates are all captured here. If a case had many continuances or status conferences, you will see them in this section. Proceedings data is pulled from the court calendar and confirmed against the official docket.

Case Outcomes

Case outcomes summarize the final result of the legal action against the subject. This includes convictions, acquittals, dismissals, and diversions. The outcome is recorded with the date it became official. If the subject reached a plea agreement, the outcome reflects the terms of that agreement. Outcomes are the most commonly requested part of a record because they answer the core question of whether the subject was found responsible for the alleged conduct.

Sentences and Court Orders

Sentences and court orders detail the punishment or conditions attached to a conviction. This may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or treatment mandates. The report shows the length of any term, the start date, and the supervising agency. Court orders like no-contact directives or protective orders also appear in this section. When a sentence is later modified, the updated order replaces the original entry.

Case Closure Information

Case closure information confirms that the court has finished all active proceedings on a file. A closed case will show a final disposition and, when applicable, a sentence that has been entered. Cases that remain open are flagged so you know that new actions could still occur. Closure dates are tied to the last docket entry, so you can trace the moment the case stopped being active. This is a useful checkpoint when verifying the current status of a record.

Types of Criminal History Records

Pierce County categorizes criminal history records based on the severity and status of the underlying conduct. Each type serves a different screening need and pulls from a different layer of the county’s data systems. Reviewing the categories below helps you decide which records to request for your situation.

Felony History

Felony history covers the most serious criminal cases handled in Pierce County Superior Court. These records include charges like aggravated assault, robbery, major drug offenses, and homicide. A felony conviction can result in prison time, large fines, and long-term loss of civil rights. Because of the severity, felony records are tracked at the state level and often surface in background checks even when the case is years old. Always request the full case file if you need the sentencing details.

Misdemeanor History

Misdemeanor history covers lesser offenses like simple assault, petty theft, driving under the influence, and disorderly conduct. These cases are typically resolved in municipal or district courts within Pierce County. Misdemeanor sentences rarely exceed one year, and many cases end in fines, probation, or short jail terms. The records are still public, but they are filed separately from felonies and may be housed in different courthouse systems.

Arrest Records

Arrest records show every time the subject was booked into the Pierce County jail or released after a citation. They include booking photos, fingerprints, and personal property inventories. An arrest record does not show what happened after booking, so you need to pair it with court records to know the final outcome. Many background checks stop at the arrest stage, so reviewing the linked court file is the best way to confirm what the arrest led to.

Conviction Records

Conviction records capture every charge that ended in a guilty finding. They are the most useful records for employers, landlords, and licensing boards because they confirm responsibility. The conviction record shows the charge, the plea or verdict, the sentence, and any restitution ordered. These records are pulled from the clerk’s office and cross-referenced with state databases for accuracy.

Pending Criminal Cases

Pending criminal cases are matters where the court has not yet issued a final disposition. They are the most time-sensitive records because the outcome is unknown. A pending case may end in a conviction, a dismissal, or a plea deal, so the data alone is not enough to assess risk. Always note the next hearing date when you see a pending case so you can request an update at a later time.

Historical Criminal Records

Historical criminal records cover older cases that have been archived. These records may be stored on microfilm, in physical files, or in legacy digital systems. The Public Disclosure Unit can retrieve archived records, but processing times can be longer because the data must be pulled from older storage. Historical records are useful when you need to confirm an event from many years ago or trace a long pattern of conduct.

Criminal History by Case Status

Case status tells you where each case sits in the legal process. A case can move through several stages before reaching a final closure, and each stage carries a different meaning. Use the table below to match a status to the right interpretation.

Active Cases

Active cases are matters where the court is still handling motions, hearings, or trials. These cases appear on the current docket and may have scheduled dates in the near future. You can view filings, motions, and orders while the case is active. Active status means the subject is still subject to court authority, and the outcome is not yet final.

Pending Cases

Pending cases are in queue for a hearing or decision but have not been actively argued. They can sit in pending status for weeks or months depending on the court calendar. The next action date tells you when something is expected to move forward. Pending status is common between arraignment and pre-trial hearings, and it can also describe cases awaiting sentencing after a guilty plea.

Dismissed Cases

Dismissed cases ended because the prosecutor dropped the charges, the court granted a motion to dismiss, or the statute of limitations expired. A dismissal can happen at any stage, even before trial. Dismissed cases are still part of the public record, and the dismissal reason is usually noted. A dismissal does not always mean the subject was found innocent; it often reflects a legal or procedural decision.

Convicted Cases

Convicted cases ended with a guilty finding on at least one charge. The record will show the plea, the verdict, the sentence, and any conditions imposed by the judge. Convicted cases are public unless sealed by court order. The conviction data is the most stable part of a record and is unlikely to change after sentencing, except in the case of an appeal or pardon.

Acquitted Cases

Acquitted cases ended with a not guilty verdict after trial. The record shows the verdict date and the court that entered the finding. Acquittal means the state did not prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The record stays public, but the outcome favors the subject. An acquittal on one charge does not prevent conviction on a different charge in the same case.

Closed Cases

Closed cases are fully resolved and have no pending actions left. Closure happens after sentencing, dismissal, acquittal, or other final order. A closed case will not receive new docket entries unless it is reopened. The closure date marks the moment the court stopped active work on the file, and the record is then transferred to the closed case archive.

Expunged or Sealed Records

Expunged or sealed records are hidden from public view by a court order. Most misdemeanor and some felony records can be sealed if the subject meets the legal requirements. Once sealed, the record does not show up in standard background checks. Limited access may be granted to law enforcement, the courts, or the subject themselves. The existence of a sealed case is usually not visible without a separate court order.

Criminal History and Court Records

Court records and criminal history records work together to give you the full picture of a case. The criminal history record summarizes the events, while the court record provides the supporting documents. Reviewing both sources helps you verify accuracy and understand the legal reasoning behind each outcome.

Criminal Court Case Information

Criminal court case information covers the official file maintained by the clerk of court. It includes the case caption, the parties involved, the charges, the assigned judge, and the final judgment. The clerk’s office is the official custodian of these records, and you can request certified copies directly. Court case information is the most authoritative source for any legal proceeding in Pierce County.

Case Filing History

Case filing history shows every document submitted to the court in a case. This includes the complaint, motions, orders, briefs, and exhibits. The filing history is timestamped so you can see the exact order of events. Filings are public unless a judge has issued a protective order. Reviewing the filing history is a good way to understand how a case developed and which legal arguments were raised.

Court Dispositions

Court dispositions are the official outcomes entered by the judge. They match the case dispositions shown in the criminal history report but are sourced from the court’s own records. The disposition entry includes the date, the judge, the code, and any associated orders. Court dispositions are the final word on how a case ended, and they override any earlier informal resolutions.

Judgment Information

Judgment information records the court’s final ruling on a case. For criminal matters, the judgment includes the verdict, the sentence, and any restitution or fines ordered. The judgment document is signed by the judge and filed with the clerk. You can request a certified copy of the judgment if you need proof of the outcome for legal or employment purposes.

Sentencing Information

Sentencing information details the specific terms imposed after a conviction. This includes the type of sentence, the length, any credit for time served, and the conditions of supervision. Sentences can be modified later, so the most recent order is the one in effect. Sentencing information is critical when assessing ongoing risk because it shows what the subject is currently required to do or avoid.

Court Record Verification

Court record verification is the process of confirming that a criminal history report matches the official court file. This step is important when you receive a summary report and need to confirm the data. You can verify by pulling the matching case from the court system and comparing the entries. Verification protects you from acting on outdated or incorrect information.

Criminal History and Arrest Records

Arrest records are the starting point of most criminal history files. They document the moment law enforcement took the subject into custody and the circumstances around that event. Pairing arrest records with court records gives you a complete timeline from police contact to final resolution.

Arrest Dates

Arrest dates show when the subject was taken into custody. Each arrest event is recorded with the exact date and time, which helps you build a clear timeline. If the subject was arrested multiple times, you will see separate entries for each event. The arrest date is the anchor used to locate the matching court case and to verify the booking record.

Arresting Agency

The arresting agency is the law enforcement body that made the arrest. In Pierce County, this can be the Sheriff’s Office, a municipal police department, the Washington State Patrol, or a federal agency acting locally. The agency name appears in the arrest record and is tied to the agency’s report number. Knowing the arresting agency helps you request additional records from the right source.

Arrest Location

The arrest location records where the subject was taken into custody. Locations can be a street address, an intersection, a business, or a public facility. The location data is useful when you need to confirm jurisdiction or match the arrest to a specific incident. Some records also note the county or city where the arrest occurred, which matters when you are comparing records from different regions.

Booking Information

Booking information is created when the subject enters the jail. It includes the booking number, the date and time of intake, the housing assignment, and the personal property inventory. Booking data is stored in the jail management system and is updated as the subject moves through custody. You can use the booking number to cross-check the arrest record with jail records.

Charges at Arrest

Charges at arrest are the offenses the officer believed the subject committed at the time of the arrest. These are the initial charges listed on the police report. They may change after the prosecutor reviews the file. Comparing the arrest charges to the filed charges helps you see how the case evolved before it reached the courtroom.

Difference Between Arrests and Convictions

An arrest shows that law enforcement believed there was probable cause to take the subject into custody. A conviction shows that the court found the subject guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Many arrests never lead to a conviction, and some convictions follow charges that were not part of the original arrest. Always read both sections before forming a final opinion about a record.

Criminal History Public Access

Washington State law makes most criminal history records public. Pierce County follows the same rules and uses the Public Records Act to provide access. Some records are restricted by law or court order, so you should know what is open and what is sealed before you request a search.

Publicly Available Criminal History

Publicly available criminal history includes arrest data, court filings, dispositions, and sentences for most adult cases. You can request these records by submitting a public records request or by accessing them through the court portal. Public records can be used for any lawful purpose, including employment screening, tenant evaluation, and personal verification. The only restriction is that you must follow the agency’s rules on how the data is used.

Online Criminal Records

Online criminal records are available through the Pierce County court system and the Public Disclosure portal. The online portal lets you search by name, case number, or court calendar date. Some online records show only summaries, while others link to scanned documents. You may need to request certified copies separately if you need the record for legal proceedings.

Restricted Criminal Information

Restricted criminal information includes data that is closed by law. This can include juvenile records, sealed cases, and certain victim identifying information. You cannot access restricted records without a specific court order or statutory exception. The Public Disclosure Unit will deny requests for restricted data and explain the legal basis for the denial.

Sealed and Expunged Records

Sealed and expunged records are removed from public view after a court order. Once a record is sealed, the clerk’s office no longer produces the file in response to a standard public records request. Law enforcement and certain agencies can still access sealed records for legitimate purposes. The subject of the record can petition the court to seal eligible cases after meeting the legal conditions.

Juvenile Records

Juvenile records are handled separately from adult records. They are generally not open to the public and are subject to additional protections under Washington State law. Some juvenile records become public if the case was transferred to adult court or if the juvenile was charged with a serious offense. Most juvenile histories are only available to the courts, law enforcement, and the juvenile’s legal guardian.

Records Available by Request

Records available by request include any criminal history file that is public and not available through the online portal. You can submit a public records request by mail, email, or in person. The agency will respond with the records or an estimate of the time needed to gather them. Some requests require a fee to cover the cost of locating, copying, and redacting the files.

Obtaining Official Criminal History Records

Official criminal history records are the certified versions you can use for legal, employment, or licensing purposes. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure Unit handles these requests, and several channels are available depending on how quickly you need the data.

Online Record Requests

Online record requests are submitted through the Pierce County public records portal. You fill out the request form, describe the records you need, and provide your contact information. The agency will acknowledge your request and provide a response or fee estimate. Online requests are tracked, so you can follow up using the reference number issued at submission.

Agency Record Requests

Agency record requests go directly to the law enforcement or court agency that holds the file. This method is useful when you know which agency created the record. You can contact the agency by phone, email, or mail to ask about the specific records you need. Each agency sets its own fees and processing times for record requests.

Court Record Requests

Court record requests are submitted to the clerk of the court where the case was filed. You can request certified copies of judgments, orders, and dockets directly from the clerk’s office. Court records are often the most authoritative source for case outcomes. You can submit the request in person or through the court’s online system.

In-Person Requests

In-person requests are handled at the Public Disclosure office. You can bring your identification, describe the records you need, and pay any required fees on the spot. In-person requests are useful when you need the data quickly or when you want to review the records before they are released. The office staff can also guide you through the process if you are unfamiliar with public records law.

Certified Criminal History Copies

Certified criminal history copies are official records stamped and signed by the issuing agency. A certified copy proves the record is a true and accurate version of the original file. Many employers, licensing boards, and courts require certified copies rather than standard printouts. You can request certification when you submit your record request, though certified copies usually cost more than regular copies.

Request Fees and Processing Times

Request fees cover the cost of locating, copying, and redacting records. The Public Disclosure Unit charges a base fee plus a per-page copying fee. Processing times depend on the volume of the request and the complexity of the redactions. Simple requests can be completed in a few business days, while large or archived requests may take several weeks. The agency will provide a fee estimate before fulfilling the request.

Criminal History Accuracy and Limitations

Criminal history data is collected from many sources, and errors can occur. Knowing the common limitations helps you interpret a record correctly and avoid acting on inaccurate information. Always verify the data before relying on it for any major decision.

Confirming the Correct Person

Confirming the correct person is the first step in any record review. Name searches can return results for unrelated individuals, especially when the name is common. When conducting a bankruptcy search check the date of birth, aliases, and case details against the subject you are researching. If you cannot confirm the match, request additional identifying information before drawing conclusions.

Common Name Matches

Common name matches happen when several people share the same first and last name. A basic search can return dozens of unrelated records. The Public Disclosure Unit uses date of birth and other identifiers to narrow the list, but the requester should also review the results carefully. When in doubt, ask for a records search that uses the full date of birth and any known aliases.

Date of Birth Verification

Date of birth verification is the most reliable way to confirm a subject’s identity. A complete date of birth will filter out most unrelated results and leave only the records tied to the right person. If the date of birth is not available, you can still search, but you will need to review the results more carefully. Always provide the full date of birth when you submit your request.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records can appear when the same case is logged in more than one system. For example, an arrest may be reported by both the Sheriff’s Office and a municipal police department, or a court case may be linked to multiple arrest events. Duplicates do not change the underlying facts, but they can make the record look longer than it is. The Public Disclosure Unit can help identify which entries are duplicates.

Outdated Information

Outdated information happens when the data has not been updated since a recent court action. Court dispositions and sentencing orders can take days or weeks to flow from the clerk’s office to the sheriff’s database. If you see an old disposition on a recent case, request a follow-up check to see if the record has been refreshed. The agency can run a manual update if the data is confirmed to be stale.

Missing Records

Missing records can appear when an event was never reported, when the data was lost, or when the record is still being processed. Older cases and out-of-state events are more likely to be missing from the local database. If you believe a record should exist but cannot find it, contact the Public Disclosure Unit for a manual search of the archives.

Differences Between Criminal History Sources

Differences between criminal history sources are common because each system collects data for a different purpose. The Sheriff’s Office records emphasize arrests, the court records emphasize case outcomes, and the state database pulls from both. Comparing the sources gives you the most complete view. When sources conflict, the court record is usually the most accurate for case outcomes, while the sheriff’s record is the most accurate for arrests.

Search Problems

Search problems can show up even when the data exists. Some issues are caused by the requester, some by the database, and some by the legal restrictions on certain records. Knowing what can go wrong helps you troubleshoot quickly and find the right path to the data you need.

No Criminal History Found

No criminal history found means the search returned an empty result. This can happen when the subject has no record in Pierce County, when the search criteria were too narrow, or when the data is in a different jurisdiction. Try expanding the search by removing the date of birth or adding aliases. You can also run a statewide check through the Washington State Patrol to see if the subject has records in another county.

Incorrect Name

An incorrect name entry will return no results even if a record exists. The Public Disclosure Unit searches by the name used at booking or filing, which may differ from the subject’s current legal name. Try searching with the full legal name, any known aliases, and the date of birth. A small spelling variation can be enough to miss a record.

Too Many Matching Records

Too many matching records can happen when the name is common or the date of birth is missing. Each result will need to be reviewed to find the right subject. Add more details like a middle name, an address, or a specific case number to narrow the list. The agency can also run a manual search if you provide enough identifying data.

Missing Case Information

Missing case information can show up when a case is still being entered into the system or when the file is in the archives. Older cases may need a manual pull from physical storage. If the basic search returns no case detail but you believe a case exists, request a manual search by date and party name. The agency can locate archived files within a reasonable timeframe.

Sealed or Restricted Records

Sealed or restricted records will not show up in a public search. The Public Disclosure Unit will confirm that a record exists only if you have legal authority to access it. If you believe a record is sealed incorrectly, you can petition the court to review the order. Restricted records are protected by law and cannot be released without a court order or statutory exception.

Delayed Record Updates

Delayed record updates can leave a record looking incomplete. Court orders, dispositions, and sentence modifications can take time to reach the sheriff’s database. If you see a recent arrest without a matching case outcome, the case may still be active. The agency can run a manual update if you can show that the court has already issued a final order.

Conflicting Criminal History Information

Conflicting criminal history information can come from different sources reporting different data. This often happens when one system has been updated and another has not. When you see a conflict, check the court record first, because the court is the official source for outcomes. You can also contact the Public Disclosure Unit to clarify the discrepancy and request a corrected report.

Contact Details

For questions about a specific record, fee estimates, or the status of an open request, contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure Unit using the details below. The unit handles all criminal history requests submitted through the county’s public records process.

• Department: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office / Public Disclosure
• Official URL: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5243/Public-Records-Request
• Phone: 253-798-4800
• Email: SHRpublicrecords@piercecountywa.gov
• Address: 3602 Pacific Ave. S. #100, Tacoma, WA 98418

Frequently Asked Questions

Public records in Pierce County WA give access to criminal history details. Knowing how to search, request, and verify these records helps employers, landlords, and individuals keep their information accurate. The county Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure Unit handles requests and offers online, phone, and in‑person options.

How can I search Pierce County WA criminal history online?

Visit the Pierce County Public Records Request portal. First, choose the criminal history option. Next, enter the full name, date of birth, case number, or location. Then pay the $11 fee with a credit or debit card. The system pulls data from the sheriff’s office and the Washington State Patrol WATCH database, so results include arrests, charges, and court outcomes. However, if the name matches multiple people, the portal lists each match for you to review. So you receive the record instantly and can download a PDF copy.

What information does a Pierce County WA criminal history record include?

A criminal history record shows each arrest, the date it occurred, the agency that made the arrest, and the charge filed. It lists the disposition, such as guilty, dismissed, or pending, plus any sentencing or fine details. The record adds whether the case involved a felony or misdemeanor and shows if the person is listed as a registered sex or kidnapping offender. If the search uses a fingerprint, the report confirms identity, reducing the chance of a duplicate match. Therefore the document gives a clear picture of a person’s court interactions in Pierce County.

How do I request a Pierce County WA criminal record by mail?

Download the Conviction Criminal History Request form from the county website. Fill in the subject’s name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Include a check or money order for $32 (or $58 if you submit fingerprints). Mail the completed form and payment to 3602 Pacific Ave. S. #100, Tacoma, WA 98418. The sheriff’s office processes the request in 2‑3 weeks and returns the report by mail. If you need to add fingerprints, attach a fingerprint card and the $58 fee; the office then matches the prints to the state database.

How can I find arrest dates and charges in Pierce County?

Start the search on the online portal and select the “case search” filter. Then enter the person’s name and, if known, the case number or date of birth. The results display a list of arrests with the arrest date, the charging agency, and the specific charge code. Next, click each entry to see the full charge description and the case disposition. If a record has multiple arrests, the portal groups them by date, making it easy to trace a timeline. So you can quickly see when and why each arrest happened.

What should I do if my Pierce County WA criminal history report has an error?

Contact the Public Disclosure Unit at 253‑798‑4800 or email SHRpublicrecords@piercecountywa.gov. First, gather supporting documents such as court orders or fingerprint cards that prove the correct information. Then complete the Request for Modification of Record form available on the county site. Attach the supporting documents and a brief letter describing the error. Finally, mail the package to the address listed in the intro paragraph. The sheriff’s office reviews the request and updates the record if the evidence is clear. If the error remains, you may file a formal appeal with the court.