Federal Way Criminal Records Search

Federal Way criminal history records are split across several offices depending on the type of case. Misdemeanors go to Federal Way Municipal Court, felonies go to King County Superior Court, and police reports come from the Federal Way Police Department Records Unit. This guide covers each source, how to request records, and how to run a full statewide background check through the Washington State Patrol.

Federal Way Municipal Court Records

The Federal Way Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations within Federal Way city limits. This includes offenses like DUI first offense, theft under $750, simple assault, and most traffic crimes. All cases filed here are public records unless a judge has ordered them sealed.

Court records can be searched online through the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal. The portal shows party names, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions at no cost. It does not give you the actual documents. For certified copies or complete case files, you need to contact the court directly.

The Municipal Court is located at 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. Business hours run Monday through Friday. Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that. If you know the case number or the defendant's name, bring that with you to speed things up.

The Federal Way Municipal Court site lists current court schedules, forms for self-represented litigants, and contact information for the clerk's office.

Use the Odyssey Portal to check whether a case exists before requesting paper copies from the clerk's office.

King County Superior Court Felony Records

Felony criminal cases involving Federal Way residents are filed at King County Superior Court, not at Federal Way Municipal Court. The King County Superior Court Clerk maintains records for all felony charges, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses. These records are held at the King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

King County Superior Court case information is also searchable through the Odyssey Portal and through the King County District Court public access system. The King County Clerk's public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees follow the same state schedule: $0.50 per page for regular copies, $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies.

If you need records for a Federal Way felony case but cannot travel to Seattle, you can submit a written records request by mail. Include the case number, party name, and the specific documents you need. The clerk will respond with a cost estimate before pulling the records.

Federal Way Police Department Records

The Federal Way Police Department Records Unit handles requests for police reports, incident records, and arrest logs. You can submit a request online, by mail, or in person at the Police Department. The department responds under the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, and must provide an initial response within five business days.

Conviction records from police cases are public. Non-conviction data, meaning arrests that did not result in a conviction and where the case has closed, is restricted under RCW 10.97. Only the subject of the record or criminal justice agencies can get that data. If your request turns up an arrest without a conviction, the department will redact that portion before releasing the record.

For records related to open investigations, those files are generally exempt until the investigation closes. The Police Department is at 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. Phone requests are not processed; all requests must be in writing. For general crime statistics, the department publishes data through the crime prevention section of its website.

Statewide Background Checks Through WSP WATCH

The most complete criminal history check for a Federal Way subject is through the Washington State Patrol. The WATCH system (Washington Access to Criminal History) gives online results in minutes for $11.00 per search. You pay by credit or debit card and see results right away. WATCH pulls from a statewide fingerprint-linked database, so it catches records from all 39 counties, not just King County.

Mail requests also work. The fee is $32.00 for a name-based search or $58.00 with a fingerprint card for a more precise match. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. More details are at the WSP Criminal History Records page. If you want to check your own record in person, you can do so at no charge at the WSP office at 106 11th Ave SW Suite 1300, Olympia, WA 98501, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID.

City of Federal Way Public Records Requests

For city agency records that are not court documents, use the City of Federal Way Public Records request process. This covers city emails, meeting minutes, budget documents, and similar records held by city departments. Police reports and court records must be requested separately from the police department or the courts.

Federal Way must respond to any public records request within five business days under RCW 42.56.520. The response will deliver the records, give an estimated timeline, or deny the request with a specific statutory reason. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Fees cover only actual reproduction costs, not staff search time. Electronic delivery is often faster and cheaper than paper copies.

Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act

Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act, RCW 10.97, sets the rules for what gets released. Conviction records are public and can go to anyone under RCW 10.97.050. Non-conviction data is different. Cases that ended without a conviction and are no longer active can only go to criminal justice agencies, the person whose record it is, or others specifically allowed by law.

If a record mixes conviction and non-conviction data, the agency must redact the non-conviction parts before public release. If you think your record has errors, you can file a Request for Modification of Record Form with the Washington State Patrol. The Criminal History Records Section reviews the challenge and makes corrections if the claim is valid. RCW 10.97.060 sets conditions for deleting old non-conviction records, including no prior convictions and specified waiting periods.

DOC Inmate Search and Sex Offender Registry

If someone from Federal Way is in a Washington state prison, check the Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search. The database shows name, DOC number, age, and current facility. For release dates or supervision conditions, contact DOC directly. Federal inmates are not in this database; use the Federal Bureau of Prisons site for those.

For registered sex offenders in Federal Way, the statewide registry is at WASPC Sex Offender Information. Adults with Class A sex offense convictions register for life. Class B offenses require fifteen years of registration. Class C offenses require ten years. All offenders register in person at the Sheriff's Office in their county of residence under RCW 9A.44.130. King County Sheriff handles registration for Federal Way residents.

Historical Court Records

For older Federal Way criminal cases that predate the Odyssey Portal, the Washington State Digital Archives may hold what you need. The archives have Superior Court records from various counties, including older King County criminal case files. Some records go back decades, though availability varies. Federal Way was incorporated in 1990, so older cases involving that area would be under King County records prior to that date.

King County also has its own records archive for older case files. Contact the King County Clerk's Office directly for guidance on locating historical criminal cases from the Federal Way area.

County Criminal Records

Federal Way criminal cases are filed and managed through King County. All felony cases go to King County Superior Court. The King County Sheriff and county prosecuting attorney handle county-level criminal matters.

Nearby Cities

Other King County and nearby cities with their own criminal record offices include: