Chelan County

Chelan County is located in the heart of north-central Washington State, spanning approximately 2,994 square miles of diverse terrain that includes the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River valley, and portions of the high desert plateau. Chelan County seat is Wenatchee, often called the 'Apple Capital of the World,' which is the commercial and governmental hub for Chelan County. As of recent census estimates, Chelan County has a population of approximately 79,000 residents. Chelan County was established on March 13, 1899, carved from parts of Okanogan and Kittitas counties, and named after Lake Chelan, which derives from the Native American word 'Tsi-Laan' meaning 'deep water.' Major landmarks include the spectacular Lake Wenatchee area, one of the deepest lakes in the United States at 1,486 feet, stretching 50.5 miles through pristine wilderness; the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, a major tourist destination; and the Wenatchee National Forest. Chelan County is renowned for its fruit production, particularly apples, cherries, and pears, supported by an extensive irrigation system. Key government offices include Chelan County Recorder at 350 Orondo Avenue, Suite 5, Wenatchee, WA 98801; Chelan County Clerk at Chelan County Courthouse, 350 Orondo Avenue, Wenatchee; and Chelan County Assessor at 350 Orondo Avenue, Suite 9. Chelan County's economy balances agriculture, tourism, outdoor recreation, and increasingly, technology and remote workers drawn to Chelan County's natural beauty and quality of life. Chelan County includes several incorporated cities including Wenatchee, Chelan County, Leavenworth, Entiat, and Cashmere, each contributing to Chelan County's unique cultural and economic scene.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the online inmate roster for current detainees; historical booking photos may require a formal public records request.
• Processing fees may apply for extensive requests requiring staff time exceeding the initial free hour provided under Washington law.
• Response times for public records requests typically range from several days to weeks depending on the complexity and volume of records sought.

Arrest Records

• The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and, in some cases, paying a nominal fee.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Washington allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with information on bond amounts and conditions available through the Justice Center.

• Chelan County District Court, sharing the same courthouse address at 350 Orondo Avenue (phone 509-667-6370), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $100,000, protection orders, and traffic infractions.
• Chelan County Superior Court provides online case search capabilities through the Washington Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov, where users can search by party name, case number, or attorney.
• Fees for court records include $5 per page for uncertified copies and $6 per document plus $1 per page for certified copies.
• In-person record requests can be made during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
• The court system also maintains specialized calendars for family law, criminal, civil, and juvenile matters, with case schedules available online or by contacting the court clerk's office directly.

Property records for Chelan County, Washington are maintained by the Chelan County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Chelan County.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be requested through the health district or the state office.
• Eligible requestors include the subject of the record (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, spouses, children, siblings, grandparents, or authorized legal representatives with proper documentation.
• Couples must apply in person with valid identification, pay the marriage license fee (approximately $64), and observe a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Auditor for $5 for the first copy.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This free online system provides business formation dates, registered agent information, principal office addresses, annual report filing status, and good standing verification.