Arrest records in Washington County, Utah are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout Utah, including Washington County. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities and ensure transparency in the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information needs. The accessibility of these records serves the public interest by promoting accountability within the criminal justice system and providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities within their community.
Washington County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Washington County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-201, which governs the right to inspect public records.
The online availability of these records is subject to specific limitations established by state law to protect privacy interests while maintaining public access. Certain information may be redacted from online records pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-305, which identifies protected records categories. The Utah Warrants Search system provides access to active warrant information that may be associated with arrests in Washington County.
Additionally, the Utah Courts' Xchange public case search system provides online access to court cases that may contain information about arrests. This system operates under the Utah Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.02, which governs public access to court records.
Washington County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records, each designed to accommodate different public needs. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a GRAMA Records Request to the Washington County Clerk's Office. Requests must comply with Utah Code § 63G-2-204, which establishes procedures for requesting records.
Visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest record information:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
620 South 5300 West
Hurricane, UT 84737
(435) 656-6500
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Fifth District Court records for cases resulting from arrests:
Fifth District Court - St. George
206 West Tabernacle Street
St. George, UT 84770
(435) 986-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilize the Utah State Bureau of Criminal Identification for statewide arrest record searches:
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Taylorsville, UT 84129
(801) 965-4445
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees may apply for record searches and copies pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-203, which authorizes reasonable fees for record retrieval and duplication.
Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Utah Code § 77-7-20, which governs booking procedures. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking, including citation of applicable Utah Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken during the intake process
Fingerprint records collected during booking procedures
Case number and booking identification information
Initial bail or bond information, if applicable
Preliminary court appearance details
These records are maintained in accordance with Utah Code § 77-7-21, which establishes requirements for documenting arrests and bookings. The comprehensiveness of these records serves both law enforcement needs and public transparency interests while adhering to legal standards for criminal justice documentation.
Washington County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records pursuant to Utah Code § 77-40-101 et seq., the Utah Expungement Act. This legal process allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances, effectively removing them from public access. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Justice Court or the Fifth District Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case:
Washington County Justice Court
197 East Tabernacle Street
St. George, UT 84770
(435) 634-5728
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Petitioners must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification before filing for expungement. Upon approval by the court, all agencies maintaining the arrest records will be ordered to seal them from public view pursuant to Utah Code § 77-40-108.
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute, but are otherwise removed from public databases and cannot be disclosed. This process provides eligible individuals with an opportunity to mitigate the collateral consequences of an arrest record.