District of Columbia Arrest Records

District of Columbia Public Records /District of Columbia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in District of Columbia?

Yes. Arrest records in the District of Columbia are considered public records under the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq.), which provides the public with the right to inspect government records. The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) maintains arrest records and daily arrest blotters that may be accessible to the public, and the D.C. Superior Court provides access to related case files.

However, there are important restrictions. Under D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq., individuals may petition to have certain arrest records sealed, particularly those that did not result in conviction. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under D.C. Code § 16-2331, and records sealed or expunged by court order are not open to public inspection. Additionally, sensitive personal details and information related to ongoing investigations may be withheld to protect privacy and law enforcement integrity.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in District of Columbia?

Several laws and regulations govern access to arrest records in the District of Columbia:

District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA) - D.C. Code § 2-531 et seq. - This is the primary law governing public access to government records, including arrest records. It establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection, while also providing specific exemptions to protect privacy and other interests.
Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2006 - D.C. Code § 16-801 et seq. - This law provides mechanisms for sealing certain arrest records under specific circumstances.
Record Sealing for Non-Convictions Act of 2012 - This expanded the eligibility for sealing records of arrests that did not result in convictions.
Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016 - D.C. Law 21-238 - This law includes provisions regarding the confidentiality of juvenile records.
Clean Slate Amendment Act of 2022 - D.C. Law 24-180 - This recent legislation expanded automatic sealing of certain criminal records.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Act - D.C. Code § 22-4231 et seq. - Establishes coordination between criminal justice agencies regarding information sharing.

These laws collectively establish the framework for how arrest records are maintained, accessed, and in some cases, sealed or expunged in the District of Columbia.

What Information Is Included in a District of Columbia Arrest Record?

A typical arrest record in the District of Columbia contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color), and sometimes a photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting Agency: Name of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
Charges: Specific criminal charges filed at the time of arrest
Case Numbers: Identification numbers assigned to the case
Fingerprints: Biometric data collected during booking
Booking Information: Details of the processing after arrest
Detention Information: Whether the individual was detained or released
Court Information: Initial court appearance dates and outcomes
Disposition Information: Final outcome of the case (if available)
Warrant Information: Details of any warrants that led to the arrest

Arrest records document only that an arrest occurred and do not necessarily indicate guilt. The presumption of innocence applies until a conviction is secured through proper legal proceedings.

Some information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records to protect privacy or sensitive information, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in District of Columbia in 2025

There are several methods to obtain arrest records in the District of Columbia:

In-Person Requests

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) - Records Division
300 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 3055
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-4357
Metropolitan Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

To request arrest records in person:

Complete a PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request)
Provide valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees
Submit fingerprints if requesting your own complete criminal history

District of Columbia Superior Court - Criminal Division
500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 879-1373
DC Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Mail Requests

To request arrest records by mail from MPD:

Send a completed PD Form 70
Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Mail to the MPD Records Division address listed above

Third-Party Requests

If you are requesting records for someone other than yourself, you must provide:

A notarized authorization from the subject of the record
Proof of your identity
Completed request forms
Payment of applicable fees

For official background checks that include arrest information, you may need to be fingerprinted. The Metropolitan Police Department provides fingerprinting services by appointment.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in District of Columbia

Several online resources are available for accessing arrest records in the District of Columbia:

Metropolitan Police Department Website - The MPD provides limited arrest information through their online portal. This includes recent arrest data and statistics but not comprehensive individual records.
DC Courts Online Case Information System - The DC Courts provides an online system to search for case information, including criminal cases that originated from arrests.
DC Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup - The DOC Inmate Lookup allows searches for currently incarcerated individuals.
District of Columbia Sex Offender Registry - The DC Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders, which may include arrest information.
JUSTIS Portal - The Justice Information System (JUSTIS) is used by criminal justice agencies but is not directly accessible to the public.

For the most comprehensive online access to criminal history information, including arrests, you may need to use the FBI's Identity History Summary Check service, which requires fingerprint submission and payment of fees.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in District of Columbia?

Access to arrest records in the District of Columbia varies depending on the requester's status:

Public Access

General members of the public can access basic arrest records through DC FOIA requests
Public access may be limited to non-confidential information
Some information may be redacted to protect privacy

Enhanced Access

The following entities typically have greater access to arrest records:

Law enforcement agencies
Criminal justice agencies
Courts and prosecutors
Probation and parole officers
Government agencies for employment background checks
Licensed attorneys representing the subject of the records
Researchers with approved protocols and data use agreements

Subject Access

Individuals have the right to access their own arrest records
This access is typically more comprehensive than public access
Proper identification is required

Restricted Access

Access is limited or prohibited for:

Sealed or expunged records
Juvenile records (in most cases)
Records related to ongoing investigations
Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in District of Columbia?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in the District of Columbia. As of 2025, the fee structure is as follows:

Police Clearance (Local Criminal History Check) - $25 Certified Copy of Police Report - $15 Non-Certified Copy of Police Report - $10 FBI Criminal History Record - $18 (plus FBI fee of $18) Notary Services (if required) - $5 per document Expedited Processing - Additional $15

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

For individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship
For certain non-profit organizations
For requests that primarily benefit the public interest

Payment methods accepted include:

Cash (in-person only)
Money orders
Certified checks
Credit cards (in-person and for some online services)

All fees are subject to change, and it is advisable to verify the current fee structure with the relevant agency before submitting a request.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in District of Columbia

The District of Columbia maintains arrest records for extensive periods, often permanently, unless they are sealed or expunged through legal processes. The retention schedules vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case:

Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: Generally maintained for at least 3 years
Arrest Records with Charges Dismissed: Maintained for at least 5 years
Arrest Records Resulting in Non-Conviction: Maintained for at least 10 years
Arrest Records Resulting in Conviction:
- Misdemeanors: Maintained for at least 10 years after completion of sentence
- Felonies: Typically maintained permanently

The Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement agencies follow records retention schedules approved by the DC Office of Public Records. These schedules comply with D.C. Code § 2-1701 et seq., which governs public records management in the District.

Digital records systems have extended the practical retention period for many records, as electronic storage has made it feasible to maintain records indefinitely. However, this does not affect an individual's legal right to seek sealing or expungement of eligible records.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in District of Columbia Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in the District of Columbia, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy and other important interests:

Commonly Redacted Information:

Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Medical and mental health information
Home addresses and telephone numbers of private individuals
Names and identifying information of juvenile arrestees
Information about victims of sexual offenses
Information about confidential informants
Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury information

Fully Restricted Records:

Sealed or expunged arrest records
Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
Records related to domestic violence victims
Records where disclosure would endanger an individual's safety
Records protected by other specific statutory exemptions

The redaction process is governed by exemptions in the DC Freedom of Information Act and other applicable laws. Law enforcement agencies and courts apply these exemptions when responding to requests for arrest records.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in District of Columbia

The District of Columbia provides several pathways for sealing or expunging arrest records:

Eligibility for Record Sealing:

Non-Conviction Records: Under the Record Sealing for Non-Convictions Act, you may petition to seal records if:
- Your case was no-papered (not prosecuted)
- Your case was dismissed
- You were acquitted (found not guilty)
- The arrest was made by mistake
- Waiting periods: 2 years for most misdemeanors, 3 years for eligible felonies
Conviction Records: Under the Criminal Record Sealing Act, you may petition to seal records if:
- The offense is eligible for sealing
- The required waiting period has passed (typically 8-10 years)
- You have no disqualifying subsequent arrests or convictions
Clean Slate Automatic Sealing: Under the Clean Slate Amendment Act of 2022, certain records are automatically sealed:
- Non-conviction records after 2 years
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after 3-10 years
- Some marijuana-related offenses

Process for Sealing Records:

File a Motion: Submit a Motion to Seal Arrest Record to the DC Superior Court
Provide Documentation: Include certified copies of case disposition and other supporting documents
Serve Notice: Provide copies to the U.S. Attorney's Office and MPD
Attend Hearing: If scheduled by the court
Court Order: If granted, the court will issue an order to seal the records

DC Superior Court - Criminal Division
500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 879-1373
DC Superior Court

Legal assistance for record sealing is available through:

Public Defender Service for DC
633 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 628-1200
Public Defender Service

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in District of Columbia?

The District of Columbia imposes several limitations on how arrest records can be used:

Employment Limitations:

Under the Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act ("Ban the Box"):
- Employers cannot ask about arrests or criminal accusations that are not pending or did not result in conviction
- Employers with 11+ employees cannot conduct a criminal background check until after making a conditional job offer
- Employers can only withdraw a job offer based on criminal history for legitimate business reasons

Housing Limitations:

Housing providers are restricted in how they can use criminal history information in rental decisions
The Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act of 2016 limits inquiries into criminal history

Educational Limitations:

Educational institutions have restrictions on considering arrest records in admissions decisions
Sealed records cannot be considered for educational opportunities

Licensing Limitations:

Professional licensing boards must consider whether a conviction directly relates to the occupation
Many licensing boards cannot consider non-conviction records

General Prohibitions:

It is unlawful to use arrest records to discriminate in violation of the DC Human Rights Act
Sealed or expunged records cannot legally be considered for any purpose
Misrepresentation of another person's criminal history may constitute defamation

Violations of these limitations may result in administrative penalties, civil liability, or in some cases, criminal charges.

Lookup Arrest Records in District of Columbia

District of Columbia Agencies

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
300 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-9099
Metropolitan Police Department

DC Department of Corrections
2000 14th Street NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 673-7316
Department of Corrections

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
441 4th Street NW, Suite 715N
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 442-9283
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

DC Superior Court - Criminal Division
500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 879-1373
DC Superior Court

DC Court of Appeals
430 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 879-2700
DC Court of Appeals

Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
400 6th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-3400
Office of the Attorney General

DC Office of Police Complaints
1400 I Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 727-3838
Office of Police Complaints

DC Archives and Records Administration
1300 Naylor Court NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 671-1105
DC Archives

DC Public Library
901 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-1213
DC Public Library

Federal Agencies Operating in DC

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Washington Field Office
601 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20535
Phone: (202) 278-2000
FBI Washington Field Office

U.S. Marshals Service - Superior Court of DC
500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 616-8600
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - DC Community Corrections Office
500 First Street NW
Washington, DC 20534
Phone: (202) 307-3198
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 354-3000
U.S. District Court DC

U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
555 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 252-7566
U.S. Attorney's Office DC