Graham Criminal History Lookup
Graham criminal history records are maintained by Pierce County because Graham is an unincorporated community without its own city government. The Pierce County Sheriff handles law enforcement, Pierce County Superior Court handles felony cases, and Pierce County District Court handles misdemeanor cases. All criminal records for this area can be found through county channels, and statewide checks go through the Washington State Patrol.
Graham Overview
Pierce County Superior Court Felony Records
All felony cases from the Graham area are filed at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. The Pierce County Clerk of Superior Court holds charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and judgment rolls for every felony filed in Pierce County. The courthouse is at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402.
You can search case information online through the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal. The portal is free and shows party names, charge details, hearing dates, and how a case ended. It does not give you actual documents. For certified copies or full case files, you must contact the clerk's office directly. Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies start at $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page.
The clerk's public counter is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Include the case number or party name and list the specific documents you need. The clerk will provide a cost estimate before pulling records.
Pierce County District Court Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases from Graham go to Pierce County District Court. This includes DUI, simple assault, theft under $750, and traffic crimes. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge. Use the Odyssey Portal to search for case summaries at no cost.
For document copies, the Pierce County District Court public records request page explains the process. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Pierce County District Court operates several locations around the county to serve different areas. The Tacoma branch handles Graham area cases.
Note: Graham has no city government and no Municipal Court. All criminal matters are handled through Pierce County courts and the Pierce County Sheriff.
Pierce County Sheriff Records for Graham
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is the sole law enforcement agency serving Graham. The Sheriff maintains arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information for the area. Records requests go to the Sheriff's Records Division under the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW.
Conviction records are public and available to anyone. Non-conviction data, meaning arrests that did not result in a conviction where the case is closed, is restricted under RCW 10.97. The Sheriff will redact non-conviction data from public releases. Only the subject of the record or criminal justice agencies may receive that information.
Records for active investigations are generally exempt from public release until the case closes. The Sheriff's main office is at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402. Submit records requests in writing, by mail, or in person at the Records Division. For a complete statewide check, the Sheriff will point you to the Washington State Patrol WATCH system.
Statewide Background Checks Through WSP WATCH
The most thorough criminal history check for a Graham resident is through the Washington State Patrol. The WATCH system (Washington Access to Criminal History) delivers results online for $11.00 per search. Pay by credit or debit card and get results immediately. WATCH uses a statewide fingerprint-linked database that covers records from all 39 Washington counties, not just Pierce.
Mail requests cost $32.00 for a name-based search or $58.00 with a fingerprint card for better precision. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Full details are at the WSP Criminal History Records page. To check your own record in person at no cost, visit 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 valid government-issued photo ID.
Note: WATCH includes conviction records and recent arrests with pending dispositions. Non-conviction data older than one year is not shown to the general public.
Pierce County Public Records Requests
For records from non-court county agencies, use the Pierce County Public Records Request portal. This covers Sheriff incident reports, county department emails, and other government documents. Court records must still be requested directly from the Pierce County Clerk or District Court.
Pierce County must respond to any public records request within five business days under RCW 42.56.520. The response will provide records, give an estimated timeline, or deny the request with a statutory reason. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Fees cover only actual reproduction costs. Electronic copies are often faster and cheaper than paper.
Washington Criminal Records Privacy Rules
Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act, RCW 10.97, draws the line between public and restricted data. Conviction records are public under RCW 10.97.050. Non-conviction data, meaning cases that ended without a conviction and are no longer active, can only go to criminal justice agencies or the person whose record it is.
When a record mixes both types, the agency must redact the non-conviction portions before releasing it publicly. If you believe your record has errors, submit a Request for Modification of Record Form to the Washington State Patrol. The Criminal History Records Section reviews the challenge and corrects errors that are verified. RCW 10.97.060 outlines conditions for deleting old non-conviction records, including waiting periods and no prior convictions.
DOC Inmate Search and Sex Offender Registry
To find someone from the Graham area currently in a Washington state prison, use the Department of Corrections Incarcerated Search. The database lists name, DOC number, age, and current facility. Contact DOC directly for release dates or supervision conditions. The DOC database does not cover federal inmates; use the Federal Bureau of Prisons site for those.
For registered sex offenders in Pierce County, check the WASPC Sex Offender Information registry. Class A sex offense convictions require lifetime registration. Class B requires fifteen years of registration. Class C requires ten years. Offenders in the Graham area register with the Pierce County Sheriff under RCW 9A.44.130.
Historical Records
Older Pierce County criminal cases that predate the Odyssey Portal may be available at the Washington State Digital Archives. The archives hold Superior Court records from many counties, including historical Pierce County criminal case files. The Western regional branch serves Pierce County. Availability varies by year and record type.
County Criminal Records
All Graham criminal cases are filed through Pierce County. Felonies go to Pierce County Superior Court and misdemeanors go to Pierce County District Court. The Pierce County Sheriff provides all law enforcement in the unincorporated Graham area.
Nearby Cities
Other Pierce County and surrounding cities with criminal record offices include: