Washington County Public Records / Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

WashingtonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Washington County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case numbers. Record availability and completeness vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, clerk of court, public access terminals at government facilities, and authorized online tools. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access the current inmate roster and recent booking records through the Washington County Sheriff's Office online portal. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with recent bookings reflected within 24 hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

Washington County encompasses multiple incorporated municipalities, each maintaining its own police department with independent arrest records. The City of Hillsboro Police Department publishes press releases and arrest information through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city agencies may submit public records requests directly to the relevant department. The Hillsboro Police Department maintains records for arrests occurring within city limits.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Washington County Circuit Court. Members of the public may search court case records by name through the Oregon Judicial Department's case search system. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Court records provide a secondary means of confirming arrest and charging information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Oregon State Police maintains the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which administers the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request an Oregon criminal history record check through the Oregon State Police background check unit. The state repository includes arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee applies to third-party criminal history requests; current fees are listed on the Oregon State Police website.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Washington County Sheriff's Office
215 SW Adams Ave, MS 32
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Washington County Sheriff's Office

The Records Division accepts in-person requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply to printed records.

Police Departments:

Hillsboro Police Department
250 SE 10th Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 681-6190
Hillsboro Police Department

Beaverton Police Department
4755 SW Griffith Dr
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: (503) 629-0111
Beaverton Police Department

Records requests at city police departments follow procedures established under Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311–192.478, Oregon's Public Records Law. Requestors should submit written requests identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought.

Clerk of Court:

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

The clerk's office maintains criminal case files and accepts in-person inspection requests during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page for printed documents.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 215 SW Adams Ave, MS 32, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Washington County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (503) 846-2700 for general inquiries. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm basic custody status but will direct requestors to online systems or in-person visits for detailed record information. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings or by submitting written public records requests. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.

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, city police department, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Oregon law. Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 192.311, public records are broadly defined to include any document, regardless of form, prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body in connection with the transaction of public business. Law enforcement booking records, arrest logs, and associated documentation fall within this definition and are subject to public disclosure absent a specific statutory exemption.

The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
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 Oregon law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records subject to court-ordered sealing are withheld from public disclosure
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Records pertaining to witness protection participants are exempt

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Oregon's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The Oregon Constitution and the state's public records statutes recognize the public's right to access government information while preserving limited exemptions for sensitive categories of data. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern, and due process principles inform the procedures governing record disclosure and correction.

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 restrictions
Licensing agencies
Authorized background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Oregon law further addresses the use of criminal history information in employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and reliance on arrest records without conviction may give rise to legal liability in certain circumstances.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during subsequent processing.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
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 including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, city police department, Oregon State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (included in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Oregon Revised Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount 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 publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following charging
Court jurisdiction
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 and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public records)
Financial account information

Arrest records are distinct from police reports, which contain more detailed incident narratives; court records, which document legal proceedings following arrest; criminal records, which reflect convictions and sentences; and comprehensive background checks, which aggregate information from multiple sources.

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Washington County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Oregon's public records law, codified at § 192.324, permits public bodies to charge fees for the actual cost of making records available, including staff time for search and review and the cost of duplication.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Printed copies (per page)	$0.25 per page (standard)
Certification of records	Varies by office
Electronic records	May be provided at no charge or at cost of production
Search fee (staff time)	Actual cost; may be waived for simple requests
Oregon State Police criminal history	$33.00 per request (third-party)

Inspection of public records at a government office is available at no charge in most circumstances; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Certification fees vary by office and are assessed when an official seal or attestation is required.
Electronic records may be provided without charge when no significant staff time is required for production.
The Washington County Circuit Court assesses per-page copy fees consistent with Oregon Judicial Department fee schedules.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request to the relevant agency.
Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or credit card.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost at the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

Oregon law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the setting aside of a conviction or arrest record, and sealing, which restricts access to certain records by court order. The distinction is significant: expungement under Oregon law results in the record being set aside and treated as if it did not occur for most purposes, while sealing restricts access without full legal erasure.

Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 137.225, individuals may petition the court to set aside certain arrests and convictions. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time elapsed since the arrest or conviction.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Set Aside:

Arrest with no charges filed: Eligible for set-aside immediately or after a waiting period
Charges filed but dismissed: Eligible for set-aside after the case is resolved
Acquittal (not guilty verdict): Eligible for set-aside
Conviction of certain misdemeanors: Eligible after a waiting period, subject to offense type
Conviction of certain Class C felonies: Eligible after a longer waiting period, subject to restrictions
Convictions for serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other categories are not eligible for set-aside

Steps to Petition for Set-Aside:

Obtain a copy of the arrest or court record from the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Confirm eligibility under § 137.225 based on offense type and waiting period.
Complete the Motion and Order to Set Aside, available from the court clerk.
File the motion with the Washington County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
Serve the motion on the district attorney's office.
Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court.
If the order is granted, the court will notify the Oregon State Police and other relevant agencies to update their records.

Washington County Circuit Court – Criminal Division
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County District Attorney's Office
150 N First Ave, Suite 300
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8671
Washington County District Attorney

Oregon Legal Aid and the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service may assist individuals who cannot afford private counsel in navigating the set-aside process. The Oregon State Bar maintains a referral directory for members of the public seeking legal representation.

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Washington County, the arrested individual is transported to the Washington County Jail for booking and processing.

Washington County Jail
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in custody during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, completing a medical screening, and assigning housing classification. The booking process at the Washington County Jail takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Oregon law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and at present this occurs within 36 to 48 hours of arrest for most cases. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, and sets bond or bail. Hearings may be conducted in person or by video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in most cases. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant 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 may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the defendant is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody and is assigned to a housing unit pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance.

Washington County Public Defender's Office
146 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-2959
Washington County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys practicing in Washington County.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Washington County District 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.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving their right to contest the charges. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

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 Oregon's Pretrial Intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Oregon offers diversion programs for eligible defendants, including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, completion of which may result in dismissal of charges.

If the defendant is convicted following a plea or trial, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 36–48 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: May extend to a year or longer
Oregon's right to speedy trial is governed by Oregon Revised Statutes and constitutional provisions

Rights Throughout the Process:

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

Important Contacts:

Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County District Attorney's Office
150 N First Ave, Suite 300
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8671
Washington County District Attorney

Washington County Public Defender's Office
146 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-2959
Washington County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Oregon state law and the records retention schedules established by the Oregon Secretary of State's Archives Division. Public bodies are required to retain records in accordance with approved schedules and may not destroy records outside of those schedules. The Oregon Secretary of State's records retention schedules provide the authoritative framework for retention periods applicable to law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Oregon State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Permanent retention applies regardless of the passage of time

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the state repository
Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained for a minimum of ten years and in many cases permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of several years following dismissal
Court records may be retained permanently in electronic case management systems
Records remain accessible unless set aside under § 137.225

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a defined period following acquittal
Court records are often retained permanently
Individuals may petition for set-aside following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period following the arrest
Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible for immediate set-aside petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Oregon records retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.

Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for periods specified in the Oregon retention schedule, with many electronic records maintained on a permanent basis due to storage capacity. Court electronic records are at present retained permanently in the Oregon Judicial Department's case management system.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement or set-aside. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement against individual websites varies.

Retention by Agency:

Washington County Sheriff's Office
215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with Oregon's law enforcement records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome.

Washington County Circuit Court – Clerk's Office
145 NE 2nd Ave
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Washington County Circuit Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in the Oregon Judicial Department's case management system.

Oregon State Police – CJIS Division
3565 Trelstad Ave SE
Salem, OR 97317
Phone: (503) 378-3070
Oregon State Police CJIS

The Oregon State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Oregon. Retention at the state level follows Oregon administrative rules governing criminal history records.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index maintain federal records of arrests and dispositions reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is at present permanent for most categories of criminal history data. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless a set-aside is granted. An expungement or set-aside under Oregon law results in the local record being sealed and the state repository being updated; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an indication of the set-aside. The timeframe for removal from various systems following a court order varies by agency.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through the Washington County Sheriff's online roster and the Oregon Judicial Department's case search system. Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Records Division or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Records that predate electronic systems may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and retrieval fees. Records that have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule are no longer available.

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. Oregon law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions, and certain jurisdictions within the state have adopted fair chance hiring policies that limit when and how arrest records may be considered. Arrests without conviction are legally distinct from convictions, and their use in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal claims under applicable state and 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 Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (503) 846-2700 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.