Kennewick DUI Records

Kennewick DUI records are maintained by Kennewick Municipal Court for misdemeanor offenses and by Benton County Superior Court for felony DUI cases. Most first and second DUI offenses in Kennewick go through the municipal court, where records are public under Washington state law. You can search these records online using the Washington State Courts public portal, or request copies in person at the courthouse. This page covers how to find, search, and get copies of DUI records filed in Kennewick and Benton County courts.

Where Kennewick DUI Cases Are Filed

DUI charges in Kennewick go to one of two courts depending on the severity of the offense. Most DUI cases, including first and second offenses within the relevant lookback period, are filed as gross misdemeanors in Kennewick Municipal Court. The court is located at 210 W 6th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336. You can reach the court by phone at (509) 585-4262.

A DUI becomes a felony in Washington when a person has four or more DUI convictions within ten years, or when someone causes injury or death while driving under the influence. Felony DUI cases in Kennewick go to Benton County Superior Court, located at 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick, WA 99336. The Superior Court handles felony charges, post-conviction supervision, and appeals from the municipal court. You can reach Benton County Superior Court at (509) 736-3071.

Under RCW 46.61.502, a person commits DUI in Washington when they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, a THC concentration of 5.00 ng/mL or higher, or while under the influence of any drug or combination of substances that impairs driving. Both courts follow this statute when handling Kennewick DUI cases.

How to Search Kennewick DUI Records Online

Washington State provides two main public portals for searching court records. Which one you need depends on where the case was filed.

For Kennewick Municipal Court records, use the Washington State District and Municipal Court portal at https://dw.courts.wa.gov/. This free search tool lets you look up cases by name, case number, or date range. You can see the charge, case status, scheduled hearing dates, and whether a conviction was entered. Not every detail is available online, but the basic case information is public.

For Benton County Superior Court records, including felony DUI cases, use the Odyssey Portal at https://odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov/odyportal. This portal covers Benton County's superior court and lets you search by name or case number. Results show the charge, docket entries, and court dates. Some documents are available to view, while others require an in-person request at the courthouse.

Both portals are free to use and don't require an account. Keep in mind that online records may not reflect the most recent court activity if there's been a recent hearing. If you need up-to-date or certified information, contact the court directly.

Getting Copies of DUI Records in Kennewick

If you need physical copies of DUI records from Kennewick Municipal Court, you can request them in person at 210 W 6th Ave. The court charges standard Washington state copy fees. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry a base fee of $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. Certified copies are often needed for legal proceedings, background checks, or licensing applications.

For Superior Court records, visit the Benton County Superior Court clerk's office at 7122 W Okanogan Pl. The clerk's office maintains felony case files including charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation conditions. Bring a valid photo ID and, if you know it, the case number. This speeds up the search process significantly.

Mail requests are accepted at both courts. Write to the clerk's office, include the name of the person, approximate date of arrest or filing, and a check or money order for the estimated copy fees. The court will contact you if additional payment is needed. Allow one to two weeks for mail requests to be processed.

DUI Penalties Under Washington Law

Washington sets minimum and maximum penalties for DUI convictions based on the offender's history and BAC level. Under RCW 46.61.5055, first-offense DUI with a BAC under 0.15 carries a minimum of 24 hours in jail, a fine of at least $350 (before fees and assessments), and a 90-day license suspension. If the BAC was 0.15 or higher, or the person refused a breath test, the minimum jail time goes up to 48 hours and the fine rises to at least $500.

Second DUI offenses within seven years carry a minimum of 30 days in jail, with an additional 60 days of electronic home monitoring. Fines increase to at least $500 for standard BAC cases and $750 or more for high BAC. License suspension is longer, and courts commonly order ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions in Washington.

A third offense within seven years is still a gross misdemeanor but carries up to 364 days in jail and fines that can exceed $5,000 with all assessments included. A fourth offense within ten years is a class C felony, which can result in up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Kennewick DUI court records reflect these sentencing ranges, and the docket entries in each case typically show the specific terms imposed.

DOL and License Records

A DUI arrest in Kennewick triggers two separate processes: the criminal case in court and an administrative license action by the Washington State Department of Licensing. These are independent proceedings and one does not automatically control the other.

The DOL handles license suspensions following a DUI arrest. If you refused a breath test or blew 0.08 or higher, the arresting officer sends a report to the DOL. You have 20 days from the date of your arrest notice to request a hearing to contest the administrative suspension. If you don't request a hearing in time, the suspension takes effect automatically.

DOL license records can be checked through the Washington DOL website. The DOL also maintains information about ignition interlock license requirements, which apply to most DUI convictions. Visit https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/duiresources.html for more detail on suspension periods, reinstatement steps, and ignition interlock requirements in Washington.

Legal Help and Resources in Kennewick

If you are looking at DUI records for yourself or a family member in Kennewick, it helps to understand what those records show. The case docket will list every court date, what happened at each hearing, and the final outcome. Plea agreements, deferred prosecution orders, and sentencing conditions are all reflected in the record.

Washington law allows deferred prosecution for DUI defendants in some circumstances. This is a two-year treatment program that, if completed, results in dismissal of the charge. The case still appears in court records during the program but may be dismissed afterward. Not all DUI cases qualify, and Kennewick judges have discretion in granting deferred prosecution.

Legal aid may be available through Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health or through the Benton-Franklin Bar Association's referral program if you need help understanding your records or navigating the court system. The Benton County Public Defender's Office handles representation for defendants who qualify based on income. For general information about DUI law in Washington, the state legislature's website at app.leg.wa.gov publishes the full text of all relevant statutes.

For more information about Benton County court operations and DUI filings across the county, visit the Benton County DUI Records page.