>Washington County Arrest Records Online

Washington County, Maine Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Maine?

Arrest records in Washington County, Maine are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S. §§ 400-414. This legislation, Maine's version of the Freedom of Information Act, establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Washington County.

The Maine Freedom of Access Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest logs, booking information, and related documentation, as public records subject to disclosure. This legislative framework supports governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring that citizens can monitor law enforcement activities within their communities.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions outlined in 1 M.R.S. § 402(3). These exemptions typically protect confidential personal information, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records that are subject to special protections under Maine law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Maine's public records laws. The Maine State Bureau of Identification, operating under the Department of Public Safety, maintains the central repository for criminal history information, including arrest data from Washington County law enforcement agencies.

Citizens seeking arrest records may access the Maine Criminal History Record Information portal, which provides electronic access to criminal history data maintained by state authorities. This system allows for the retrieval of arrest information, though fees may apply for certain searches as authorized by 25 M.R.S. § 1541.

Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains limited online resources that may include recent arrest information. The Maine Judicial Branch has also implemented electronic court records systems that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Washington County cases.

It should be noted that online access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations. Not all historical records have been digitized, and some information may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Furthermore, pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 703, certain confidential criminal history record information is excluded from public disclosure, even in online formats.

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Washington County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:

Washington County Sheriff's Office: Citizens may submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office, which maintains records of arrests conducted by county deputies.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
83 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-4422
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Maine State Police: For arrests conducted by state troopers in Washington County, requests may be directed to the Maine State Police.

Maine State Police - Troop J
180 Bangor Road
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 973-3700
Hours: 24 hours daily
State Bureau of Identification: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest data, citizens may submit requests through the Maine Criminal History Record Information Request system.
Washington County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the clerk's office at the Washington County Superior Court.

Washington County Superior Court
85 Court Street
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-3326
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maine Department of Corrections: For information regarding individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated, the Maine Adult Corrections Information System provides searchable records.

Pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 705, requestors seeking arrest records must provide proper identification and may be required to pay statutory fees for record searches and copies. Fees are established in accordance with 25 M.R.S. § 1541 and may vary based on the type and scope of the request.

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Maine statute and administrative regulations governing law enforcement record-keeping. These records typically include the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in public versions)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Maine Criminal Code citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint classification data
Bail or bond information, including amounts set and conditions imposed
Case disposition information, if available
Warrant information, if applicable

In accordance with 16 M.R.S. § 703, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information. Additionally, pursuant to 15 M.R.S. § 3308, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions and may not be included in standard arrest record disclosures.

The Washington County Court Records system maintains documentation of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests, which may provide additional context regarding case outcomes and dispositions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

Under Maine law, certain arrest records in Washington County may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. The process for removing arrest information from public access is governed by several statutory provisions that establish eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Pursuant to 15 M.R.S. § 2251-2259, individuals may petition for the sealing of criminal history record information under the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Certain non-violent Class E misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of four years
Certain marijuana possession offenses that have been decriminalized or legalized subsequent to conviction
Cases where a pardon has been granted by the Governor

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Superior Court or the Machias District Court, depending on where the original case was adjudicated. Petitioners must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility under the applicable statutory provisions.

It should be noted that even when records are sealed or expunged from public access, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain access to these records for official purposes as permitted under 16 M.R.S. § 709.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict compliance with statutory requirements and may benefit from legal consultation. The Maine Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, which must be completed accurately and filed with the appropriate court.