Longview Criminal Records Search
Longview criminal history records are held by the Longview Municipal Court for misdemeanor cases, Cowlitz County Superior Court for felonies, and the Longview Police Department Records Division for police reports and arrest logs.
Longview Overview
Longview Municipal Court Records
The Longview Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations within Longview city limits. Cases include DUI first offense, simple assault, theft under $750, and most traffic charges. All records are public under Washington Court General Rule 31 unless sealed by a judge.
Case information can be searched through the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal at no cost. The portal shows party names, charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. Actual documents are not posted online. For copies, contact the Longview Municipal Court directly. Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies start at $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page.
The Longview Municipal Court is at 1525 Broadway, Longview, WA 98632. Hours run Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Written records requests by mail are accepted if you cannot visit in person. Include the case number or party name and the specific documents you need.
Cowlitz County Superior Court Felony Records
All felony criminal cases involving Longview residents are filed at Cowlitz County Superior Court. Because Longview is the county seat, the courthouse is right in the city at 312 SW 1st Ave, Kelso, WA 98626. The Cowlitz County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all felony records, including charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and judgment rolls.
Cowlitz County Superior Court case information is on the Odyssey Portal. The clerk's public counter is open Monday through Friday during standard hours. For document copies or certified records, contact the clerk directly or mail a written request. Include the case number or party name and list the specific documents needed. Having the courthouse nearby makes in-person requests convenient for Longview residents.
Longview Police Department Records
The Longview Police Department Records Division handles requests for police reports, incident records, and arrest logs. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Police Department. The department operates under the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, and must respond within five business days.
Conviction records are public. Non-conviction data, meaning arrests without a resulting conviction where the case is closed, is restricted under RCW 10.97. The Longview Police Department redacts non-conviction data before releasing records to the general public. Only the subject of the record or a criminal justice agency may access that information. Active investigation files are generally exempt from release until the case closes.
For a full statewide criminal history, the department will refer you to the Washington State Patrol WATCH system. The Longview Police Department works with the Cowlitz County Sheriff on regional law enforcement matters.
Cowlitz County Sheriff Records
The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement support to Longview and operates the Cowlitz County Jail. The Sheriff maintains arrest records and jail booking information for the county, including Longview. These are public records subject to the Washington Public Records Act and the privacy rules of RCW 10.97.
Conviction records held by the Sheriff are available to the public. Non-conviction data is restricted to criminal justice agencies and the subject of the record. Booking records show arrest charges at the time of custody, which may differ from the final charges or conviction. For complete conviction information, check court records or run a WATCH search through the Washington State Patrol.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is located at 312 SW 1st Ave, Kelso, WA 98626. Records requests can be submitted in person during business hours or by mail. For statewide criminal history, the Sheriff's Office will direct you to WSP WATCH.
Statewide Background Checks Through WSP WATCH
The most complete criminal history check for a Longview subject 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 pulls from a fingerprint-linked statewide database that covers all 39 Washington counties, not just Cowlitz.
Mail requests cost $32.00 for a name-based search or $58.00 with a fingerprint card. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Details are at the WSP Criminal History Records page. To review 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 a valid photo ID.
Note: WATCH results include conviction records and recent arrests with pending dispositions. Non-conviction data older than one year is not shown in public searches.
City of Longview Public Records Requests
For city agency records that are not court documents, use the City of Longview Public Records Request process. This covers city emails, council meeting minutes, budget records, and similar documents. Police reports must be requested from the Longview Police Department. Court records must go through the appropriate court clerk.
The city must respond to public records requests 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 state why you want the records. Fees are limited to actual copy costs. Electronic delivery is often faster and cheaper than paper.
Washington Criminal Records Privacy Act
Washington's Criminal Records Privacy Act, RCW 10.97, governs what gets released. Conviction records are public under RCW 10.97.050. Non-conviction data covers records from cases that ended without a conviction and are no longer active. Those records can only go to criminal justice agencies or the subject of the record.
If a record mixes conviction and non-conviction data, the agency must redact the non-conviction parts before releasing it to the public. Errors in your record can be challenged with a Request for Modification of Record Form submitted to the Washington State Patrol. RCW 10.97.060 sets 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 Longview currently in a Washington state prison, use 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.
For registered sex offenders in Longview and Cowlitz County, check the WASPC Sex Offender Information registry. Class A sex offense convictions require lifetime registration. Class B requires fifteen years. Class C requires ten years. Offenders register with the Cowlitz County Sheriff under RCW 9A.44.130.
Historical Court Records
For older Cowlitz County 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 southwestern Washington counties, including Cowlitz County criminal case files. Availability varies by year and record type. Contact the Digital Archives or Cowlitz County Clerk's Office for guidance on locating historical cases.
County Criminal Records
Longview criminal cases are filed and managed through Cowlitz County. Felonies go to Cowlitz County Superior Court in Kelso, which is adjacent to Longview. The Cowlitz County Sheriff and county prosecuting attorney handle county-level criminal matters.
Nearby Cities
Other Washington cities near Longview with criminal record pages include: