Washington County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonUTRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Washington County, Utah. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Jail roster and inmate status
- Charge and statute information
- Bond and release records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Washington County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster for individuals held at the Purgatory Correctional Facility. Members of the public may access the online inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website to view current custody status, booking date, charges, and bond information. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information. Historical booking records may require a formal records request submitted pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).
2. Local Police Departments
Washington County encompasses several incorporated municipalities, each maintaining its own police department with arrest and incident records. The St. George Police Department, the largest municipal agency in the county, publishes press releases and arrest information through its official communications channels. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to request arrest logs or incident reports. Requests are processed under Utah Code § 63G-2, which governs public access to government records statewide.
St. George Police Department
175 E 200 N
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 627-4300
St. George Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court case filings accessible through the Utah Courts system. Members of the public may use the Xchange public case search to locate court cases associated with an arrest by searching the defendant's name. Xchange provides case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information. A nominal fee applies for full case record access through the Xchange system.
Washington County Justice Court / Fifth District Court
206 W Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 986-5750
Utah Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Utah Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database accessible to the public for background screening purposes. Members of the public may submit a criminal history request through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The database includes arrest records, charges, and disposition information from law enforcement agencies across the state. A fee of $15.00 per subject applies for a standard public criminal history search. The BCI also processes GRAMA requests for accident reports and other law enforcement records.
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 W 5400 S
Taylorsville, UT 84129
Phone: (801) 965-4445
Utah Department of Public Safety
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
780 S Purgatory Rd
Hurricane, UT 84737
Phone: (435) 634-5730
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and booking number. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with GRAMA fee schedules.
Clerk of Court:
Washington County Clerk of Court – Fifth District Court
206 W Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 986-5750
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Utah Courts
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed at $0.25 per page for standard copies and $4.00 per page for certified copies.
By Mail:
Written records requests may be submitted by mail to the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 780 S Purgatory Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 10 business days from receipt.
By Phone:
Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (435) 634-5730 for general inmate status inquiries. Limited information is available by phone, and requestors may be directed to the online inmate search or an in-person visit for detailed records. The Utah Courts case information line is available at (801) 578-3800.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, St. George PD, etc.)
Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County
Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Utah law. The Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified at Utah Code § 63G-2-301, establishes that records created or maintained by government entities are presumed public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As stated by Washington County, "GRAMA states who has access to records and how the law is enforced. It is an attempt to balance the public's constitutional right of access to information." Arrest records are made public to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, enable background screening, and serve as foundational documents in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Utah law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 7, provides due process protections that inform the balance between public transparency and individual privacy in the context of arrest records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. GRAMA reflects this balance by designating arrest records as public while carving out specific exemptions for sensitive information.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Utah does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. An arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt, and the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant in all screening contexts.
What's in Washington County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, state agency)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Utah statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Fifth District Court or Justice Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following an arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?
Under GRAMA, Washington County and its agencies may charge fees for records requests. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (court records) | $4.00 per page |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| BCI criminal history search | $15.00 per subject |
| Xchange court case access | Subscription or per-search fee |
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies are requested. Utah Code § 63G-2-203 governs the fee structure applicable to GRAMA requests and limits fees to the actual cost of duplicating records. Agencies may not charge for the time spent locating records unless the request requires extraordinary search efforts.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest. Accepted payment methods vary by agency and include cash, check, and credit card at most offices. Electronic payment options may be available for online requests submitted through the Open Records Portal.
Members of the public may access the following at no cost:
- Online inmate roster (Washington County Sheriff's Office website)
- Basic case information through Utah Courts Xchange (limited free access)
- In-person record inspection at the clerk's office or Sheriff's records division
How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County
Utah law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the legal destruction or removal of arrest and court records from public access, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. Under current Utah law, expungement is the primary remedy available to eligible individuals.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Eligibility is governed by Utah Code § 77-40a, the Utah Expungement Act. An individual may petition for expungement of an arrest record if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- Charges were dismissed or not filed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- A conviction was later vacated
- The applicable waiting period following conviction has elapsed (varies by offense class)
Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including capital felonies, first-degree felonies involving violence, and sex offenses requiring registration.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) at 3888 W 5400 S, Taylorsville, UT 84129, Phone: (801) 965-4445.
- File a Petition for Expungement with the district court in the jurisdiction where the arrest or conviction occurred (Fifth District Court, 206 W Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770).
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting agency and any relevant law enforcement agencies.
- Attend the expungement hearing if one is scheduled.
- If the court grants the petition, the order is served on all agencies holding records, which are then required to seal or destroy the records.
The BCI charges a fee for the Certificate of Eligibility, and court filing fees apply. Individuals seeking expungement are encouraged to consult with a licensed Utah attorney. The Utah State Bar Lawyer Referral Service may be reached at (801) 531-9075.
Washington County Fifth District Court
206 W Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 986-5750
Utah Courts
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 W 5400 S
Taylorsville, UT 84129
Phone: (801) 965-4445
Utah Department of Public Safety
What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Washington County, the arrested individual is transported to the Purgatory Correctional Facility, the county's primary detention facility located at 780 S Purgatory Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at Purgatory Correctional Facility, the booking process begins. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Issuance of jail uniform
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Utah law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest for most offenses. The initial appearance serves to:
- Formally notify the defendant of charges
- Determine eligibility for appointed counsel
- Set bond or bail
- Advise the defendant of rights
Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules and procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Washington County Public Defender
197 E Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 634-5737
Washington County
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at Purgatory Correctional Facility by scheduling through the facility. All attorney-client consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Washington County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest depending on case complexity.
Washington County Attorney's Office
197 E Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 634-5723
Washington County
Arraignment occurs after formal charges are filed. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 12
Important Contacts:
Washington County Sheriff's Office / Purgatory Correctional Facility
780 S Purgatory Rd
Hurricane, UT 84737
Phone: (435) 634-5730
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Washington County Fifth District Court
206 W Tabernacle St
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: (435) 986-5750
Utah Courts
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than legal counsel
- Contact family or friends for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by state law and the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service retention schedules. The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service preserves records of permanent value and assists agencies with records management. Under Utah Code § 63A-12, government agencies are required to follow approved retention schedules for all public records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Utah BCI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Accessible on background checks indefinitely
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Utah BCI state repository
- Local law enforcement and court records retained for a minimum of seven years, with many records maintained permanently in electronic systems
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: Retained for a minimum of five years; electronic records often maintained permanently
- State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: Often maintained permanently in electronic systems
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition to the district court
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Electronic records management systems used by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Utah Courts maintain records for extended periods, often permanently, regardless of case outcome. Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to approved schedules. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely, independent of expungement orders.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for non-conviction arrests and permanently for felony conviction cases. Contact the records division at (435) 634-5730.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of seven years. Electronic court records are maintained permanently through the Utah Courts system.
Utah BCI State Repository: Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Utah jurisdictions. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records may be updated or sealed following a court-ordered expungement.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records permanently and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks
- Expungement: Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Utah does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records by statute. Third-party background check companies are required by the FCRA to maintain accurate records and update information when notified of expungements, though compliance varies.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrest records are available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate search and Utah Courts Xchange. Older records may require an in-person request or a formal GRAMA request submitted through the Open Records Portal. Records predating electronic systems may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and retrieval fees. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (435) 634-5730 or the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service.
Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:
Permanent retention is required for felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings.