Garfield County

Garfield County, Washington, is located in the southeastern corner of the state, bordering the Snake River and the Idaho state line. Established on November 29, 1881, from a portion of Columbia County, it was named after President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated earlier that year. Garfield County seat and only incorporated town is Pomeroy, which is the governmental and commercial center. With an estimated population of approximately 2,300 residents spread across 711 square miles, Garfield County is one of Washington's least populated counties. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills of the Palouse wheat-farming region, with elevations ranging from 700 feet along the Snake River to over 3,000 feet in the higher elevations. Major landmarks include the Blue Mountains foothills, Palouse Falls State Park (near Garfield County boundary), and the historic Garfield County Courthouse, built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Garfield County's economy has historically centered on dryland wheat farming and livestock production. Key county agencies include Garfield County Auditor's Office, which handles recording and elections; Garfield County Assessor's Office at the same address, responsible for property valuations; and Garfield County Clerk's Office within the courthouse at 789 Main Street, Suite 2. What makes Garfield County unique is its dramatic population decline from historical peaks, its status as one of Washington's most rural counties, and its preservation of historic architecture and small-town character amid the expansive wheat fields of the Palouse.

• The terrain is characterized by rolling hills of the Palouse wheat-farming region, with elevations ranging from 700 feet along the Snake River to over 3,000 feet in the higher elevations.

The Garfield County Superior Court serves Garfield County and is located at 205 8th Street in Pomeroy. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Washington online court portal.

The Garfield County Superior Court, located at 205 8th Street in Pomeroy, handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, making it an essential resource for legal matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arrest records and booking reports are public records under the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, and can be requested by submitting a written public disclosure request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Response times for records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the volume of records requested.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available as part of arrest records, though Garfield County may charge copying fees for physical or digital copies.
• Citizens can also contact Washington State Patrol District 4, which provides highway patrol services along State Route 12 and other major routes through Garfield County.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Garfield County, WA are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal History - Washington State Patrol - | WA.gov.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Garfield County, WA are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Garfield County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at Garfield County WA Jail Inmate Records Search, Washington - StateCourts.
• Sheriff's Office: Sheriff's Office | Garfield County, WA.
• The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

• Garfield County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
• The Clerk charges fees for document copies, typically $0.50 per page for standard documents and higher fees for certified copies.
• Payment of court fines and fees can be made in person, by mail, or sometimes by phone arrangement with the Clerk's Office.

• Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
• Property tax information is maintained by Garfield County Assessor's Office at the same address, phone, which provides property valuations, assessment rolls, and ownership data.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Auditor for a statutory fee, typically around $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

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 additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $25 each.
• Processing times are typically 4-6 weeks by mail, faster for online orders with expedited shipping.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $64, with a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can be performed.

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

• This database is free to search and provides basic information including registered agent, formation date, and status.
• Washington State also requires most businesses to register with the Department of Revenue for Combined Excise Tax purposes, which includes retail sales tax collection.
• Agricultural businesses may need to register with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.