Warrant records are public documents in Lewis County, Washington, pursuant to the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This legislation establishes that judicial records, including warrants, are subject to public disclosure with certain statutory exceptions. Members of the public may access these records as part of Washington's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple civic purposes. First, it enables individuals to verify their own legal status. Second, it allows community members to remain informed about law enforcement activities within their jurisdiction. Third, it provides a mechanism for oversight of the judicial system by allowing citizens to monitor warrant issuance patterns.
Lewis County maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as permitted under RCW 42.56.240.
Warrant records maintained by Lewis County typically contain the following standardized information:
The level of detail may vary depending on the type of warrant issued. For example, arrest warrants typically contain more comprehensive information than bench warrants issued for failure to appear.
Lewis County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The most direct approach involves contacting the Lewis County Sheriff's Office or visiting the Lewis County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Free warrant verification options include:
Pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 44-14-04004, agencies may not charge for the inspection of public records or for locating public documents and making them available for copying.
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes various types of warrants as authorized under Washington State law. These legal instruments are issued by judicial authorities and empower law enforcement to take specific actions against named individuals.
Categories of warrants executed by the Lewis County Sheriff include:
The Sheriff's Warrant Division, operating from the Lewis County Law Enforcement Center at 345 W. Main Street, Chehalis, WA 98532, coordinates warrant service throughout the county. This unit works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals with active warrants.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Lewis County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county authorities. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office maintains current warrant information accessible to the public through multiple platforms.
Methods to verify warrant status include:
Pursuant to RCW 10.31.030, warrants remain active until served or recalled by the issuing court, regardless of the year of issuance. Individuals with active warrants are advised to address the matter promptly through appropriate legal channels.
Lewis County provides multiple mechanisms for verifying outstanding warrant status in compliance with Washington's Public Records Act. These resources enable efficient access to warrant information while maintaining necessary security protocols.
Official methods for checking outstanding warrants include:
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide the full legal name and, if possible, the date of birth of the subject. This information helps ensure accurate results and reduces the possibility of misidentification.
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
345 W. Main Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
(360) 748-9286
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Lewis County Clerk's Office
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
(360) 740-1240
Court Records/Records Requests
Washington State Department of Corrections
7345 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 725-8213
Warrant Search Database