>Apache County Arrest Records Online

Apache County, Arizona Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Apache County, Arizona?

Arrest records in Apache County, Arizona are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to include arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in the criminal justice system and accountability of public officials.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123, which protects confidential information such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. The Apache County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records for unincorporated areas of the county, while municipal police departments maintain records for arrests within city limits.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Apache County?

Apache County provides digital access to certain arrest records through designated online platforms. The Apache County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for limited online searches of current inmate information and recent booking data. This service is provided in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), which encourages public bodies to "maintain all records reasonably necessary or appropriate to maintain an accurate knowledge of their official activities."

The online availability of arrest records is subject to system limitations and periodic updates. Records available online typically include basic arrest information such as the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. For comprehensive arrest records that include detailed reports, witness statements, or evidence documentation, requestors must submit formal requests through the appropriate agency. The Arizona Public Access Case Lookup system provides supplementary information regarding court proceedings related to arrests.

How to Look Up Apache County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Apache County have multiple methods available for record retrieval:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Apache County Sheriff's Office: Apache County Sheriff's Office 370 S. Washington Street St. Johns, AZ 85936 (928) 337-4321 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the address above, accompanied by a completed records request form and applicable fees.
Online searches can be conducted through the Apache County court records system for cases that have proceeded to court.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety Records Request portal provides access to statewide criminal history information, which may include Apache County arrests.
For arrests resulting in court proceedings, the Chinle Justice Court and other county courts maintain searchable databases.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules include $5.00 for the first page of a report and $1.00 for each additional page. Certified copies incur an additional $5.00 fee per document. Payment must be made by cash, money order, or certified check.

Contents of an Apache County Arrest Record

Apache County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arizona Administrative Code R13-1-402. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and physical descriptors
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Photograph taken during booking process
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and specific location of arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility information
- Weapon involvement and classification
Case processing information:
- Initial appearance date and presiding judicial officer
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention status (released or in custody)
- Court case number when applicable
- Preliminary hearing scheduling
Disposition information:
- Final charges filed by prosecuting authority
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case outcome if resolved

The comprehensiveness of arrest records varies based on case complexity and stage of proceedings. Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality protections under A.R.S. § 8-208 and may not be publicly accessible without court order.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Apache County

Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or setting aside of certain arrest records through processes codified in A.R.S. § 13-911 through § 13-912. In Apache County, individuals may petition for expungement if their circumstances meet statutory criteria, which include:

Arrests not resulting in charges being filed
Cases dismissed by prosecutors or courts
Acquittals following trial
Certain convictions after completion of sentence and waiting periods
Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Apache County Superior Court:

Apache County Superior Court 70 West 3rd South St. Johns, AZ 85936 (928) 337-7550 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Petitioners must provide certified copies of the original case disposition, fingerprint verification, and a sworn affidavit attesting to eligibility. Filing fees apply unless waived by the court upon demonstration of financial hardship. Upon granting of an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public access, though law enforcement agencies retain limited access for official purposes as permitted by statute.

Effective January 1, 2023, Arizona's new expungement law (A.R.S. § 36-2862) also allows for the expungement of certain marijuana-related arrests and convictions, with specific eligibility requirements and procedures.