Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

how cai i get a police record without a lawyer?

1. I want to approve that my husband has a violent history with his ex. I was calling to police (state ca) trying to order a copy of his arrest, but they told me that my lawyer should do it.

Right now I would like to do it myself. I don't have money for lawyer, I don't want to hire a lawyer yet since I am not sure what I should do in my situation. Are any ways to get that report?

2. Another question. In 2003 I called to police because of physical abuse, but it was confidential, not from a home. At that time I didn't give any info although an officer strongly recommended me to let to arrest my husband. Anyway, he gave me his police card, but I lost it. I know the date when it happened, but don't remember the name of officer. That's all.

How can I receive that report? Actually, it was not a report, I didn't write or sign anything, we just spoke. Can I approve that at that day I called to 911 and spoke to officer? How ?

Any advices will be appreciated.

Thank you


Asked on 6/02/07, 11:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: how cai i get a police record without a lawyer?

You ask a lot of questions and they are all good questions so let's take them in turn. First, I can only answer for the State of Washington. To get police reports you have acted correctly--you need to contact the police directly. You need to tell them that you are the victim in a case and do not have a lawyer so how do you go about getting the report.

If the case went to court there is a chance that the police report will have made it into the court record. Court records, unless sealed which occurs rarely, are public documents and all courts have some process by which you can review the documents. For California, you may need to contact a legal courier service to go to the court and look for the records.

As for your 2003 incident. 911 call records will have been erased by now. Since you didn't give any information I'm sure the officer didn't, and probably couldn't, write a report. So, the only evidence you have of that day sounds like it is your own testimony.

Maybe if you told me a little more about what you are hoping to do I can help. If your husband is abusive there are many abused spouse support groups/shelters. One I have worked with that is very professional and kind is DAWN. Contact me directly to follow up with this question.

At your service,

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Answered on 6/02/07, 12:56 pm


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