Criminal records in Yakima County, Washington, are available through several channels. YakimaCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Superior Court's office. Below are specific steps for searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records in Yakima County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Yakima
There are several ways to find criminal records in Yakima County — online, in person, or by mail.
Online Search
- YakimaCourt.us — start here to quickly find publicly available information about county court criminal cases.
- Washington State Courts Case Search Portal — allows you to search Yakima County Superior Court cases by name or case number. Select the case type "Criminal" and specify the court "Yakima County Superior Court." Note: search results are for reference and do not replace the official court record.
- Washington State Patrol — Criminal History — for obtaining an official criminal history check based on fingerprints. Requests are processed by the Identification and Criminal History Section (ICHS).
- Yakima County Jail Inmate Lookup — check current inmates in the county correctional facility.
- Department of Corrections Warrant Search — can be filtered by Yakima County to find active Secretary's Warrants.
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
- DOC number (for state inmates)
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of Superior Court's office provides access to paper court records. Visit during business hours with valid identification.
Request by Mail or in Writing
A written request for copies of court records can be sent to the Clerk's office at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, case number (if known), date of birth, and type of document requested. For Yakima city police reports, use the Yakima city RecordsApp portal.
An official state-level criminal history check can be ordered by mail through the Washington State Patrol by sending a completed request form and fingerprints to ICHS.
Search Yakima Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal record. In Washington State, Superior Court case numbers follow a standard format:
XX-X-XXXXX-XX
- The first two digits represent the year the case was filed (e.g., "24" for the year 2024)
- The letter after the first dash indicates the case type: 1 means a criminal case
- The five-digit number is the sequential case number within the year
- The last two digits are the county code (for Yakima County, it's "39")
For example, the number 24-1-01234-39 indicates a 2024 criminal case with a sequential number of 01234, filed in Yakima County Superior Court. Enter this number in the search field on the state courts portal to go directly to the case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Yakima
Charges
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code (RCW) | Reference to the Revised Code of Washington — for example, RCW 9A.36.021 (second-degree assault). Criminal procedures are governed by Title 10 RCW. |
| Severity Level | Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings — the record will show "Amended" |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, proceedings are ongoing
- Active — hearings are scheduled or court action is awaited
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns of the charges and enters a plea (guilty / not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — procedural hearing before the trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking compliance with the sentence conditions (probation, fines)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted by a jury or judge |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without conviction — initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after trial |
| Deferred Sentence | The sentence is postponed; if conditions are met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Yakima
Certified copies of criminal court records are issued by the Yakima County Clerk of Superior Court. These are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office at the address below with valid identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or the defendant's full name.
- By Mail — send a written request including the name, case number, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Through the Yakima County Public Records page — contact information for various types of records is listed here.
For an official state-level criminal history check, contact the Washington State Patrol. This process requires fingerprint submission.
Yakima city police reports are requested separately — through RecordsApp or via email at ypd@yakimawa.gov.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Yakima
Fees for copies of court records in Washington State are regulated by RCW 36.18.016. Below are the main rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Criminal History Check through WSP (name-based) | $32.00 |
| Criminal History Check through WSP (fingerprint-based) | $32.00 (state) + additional for FBI if needed |
Processing Time
- Copies of Court Documents (in person) — usually the same day or within a few business days
- Mail Requests — 5 to 10 business days depending on volume
- Criminal History Check through WSP — 10 to 15 business days for mail requests; electronic requests may be faster
Payment at the Clerk's office is typically accepted by check, money order, or cash. Confirm acceptable payment forms by calling 509-574-1430 before visiting.