Arrest records in Graham 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 Graham County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through designated channels established by county authorities. The Arizona Constitution and subsequent case law have consistently upheld the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety.
Records are maintained in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R2-5A-105, which establishes retention schedules for various categories of public documents, including arrest records. These schedules ensure that records remain available for appropriate periods while balancing administrative burden and public interest.
Graham County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Graham County Sheriff's Office provides a digital database that allows public access to arrest information in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), which requires public bodies to "maintain all records reasonably necessary or appropriate to maintain an accurate knowledge of their official activities."
The Arizona Judicial Branch maintains the Public Access to Court Information portal where case information related to arrests can be accessed. This system operates under Administrative Order No. 2017-15, which established guidelines for electronic access to court records while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards.
Online access is subject to certain limitations established by A.R.S. § 39-128, which restricts the disclosure of certain personal identifying information. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under A.R.S. § 39-121.03, which permits agencies to deny access where "disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or prosecution."
Users of online systems must comply with terms of use that prohibit the commercial redistribution of records or their use for purposes prohibited by state or federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.).
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Graham County. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), the following methods are available to members of the public:
Graham County Sheriff's Office
523 10th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-3141
Graham County Sheriff's Office
Graham County Superior Court Clerk
800 W Main Street
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-3100
Graham County Superior Court
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Portal: The Arizona court case lookup system provides electronic access to case information, including matters related to arrests.
Arizona Department of Public Safety: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Arizona DPS maintains the Central State Repository pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1750.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
2102 W Encanto Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(602) 223-2000
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Agencies are required to promptly respond to requests under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), which states that "access to a public record is deemed denied if a custodian fails to promptly respond."
Graham County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) regulations and A.R.S. § 41-1750. Standard arrest records include:
These records are maintained in accordance with the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) standards and the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) regulations. Information contained in arrest records is subject to verification procedures established by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-2205, which requires regular audits of criminal history record information.
Law enforcement agencies in Graham County utilize the Arizona Disposition Reporting System (ADRS) to ensure accurate and timely updates to arrest records as cases progress through the justice system.
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911, individuals may petition for the sealing of criminal records if:
The petition process requires filing with the Graham County Superior Court and providing notice to the prosecuting agency. The court must find that "justice will be served by sealing the record" after considering factors including the nature of the offense, the person's age at the time of arrest, and the person's behavior since the arrest.
Additionally, A.R.S. § 36-2862, enacted through Proposition 207, provides for the expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have records related to these offenses expunged, which results in the deletion or sealing of all records related to the arrest, charge, adjudication, conviction, or sentence.
The Graham County Superior Court provides standardized forms for expungement petitions in accordance with Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order 2021-36, which established uniform procedures for processing such requests.