>Maricopa County Arrest Records Online

Maricopa County, Arizona Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Maricopa County, Arizona?

Arrest records are public in Maricopa County, Arizona, pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that all public records shall be open to inspection by any person during office hours. The Maricopa County Superior Court maintains these records as part of its commitment to transparency in governmental operations. Members of the public may access documents including arrest records, booking information, and case dispositions through various county agencies.

The Arizona Public Records Law specifically states 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." This legal framework ensures that citizens can obtain information about arrests made within the county jurisdiction. Exceptions to public disclosure exist primarily for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain cases sealed by court order.

Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3204
The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Maricopa County?

Arrest records can be found online through several official Maricopa County platforms. The Criminal Department of Maricopa County maintains electronic databases that allow public access to arrest information. These digital repositories are updated regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information provided.

The Maricopa County Superior Court offers a comprehensive online docket system through which members of the public may search for arrest records and related case information. This system, accessible via the Public Access to Court Information portal, allows searches by name, case number, or other identifying information. Users should note that while basic information is available without charge, certain detailed documents may require payment of statutory fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 12-284.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests. This resource provides booking photos, charges, and custody status information. Access to these records is governed by A.R.S. § 39-121.01, which requires custodians of public records to furnish such records upon request.

Maricopa County Criminal Department
301 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-8575
Criminal Department Information

How to Look Up Maricopa County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Maricopa County arrest records in 2025, several official channels are available to members of the public. Each method provides access to different levels of detail and requires varying degrees of personal information for the search process.

The primary methods for accessing arrest records include:

Visit the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 550 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can assist with in-person requests for arrest records, with proper identification required.
Access the Maricopa County Superior Court's online docket system through the Public Access to Court Information portal. This system allows searches by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Users must create an account and may be subject to nominal fees for certain document retrievals.
Submit a public records request to the arresting agency. Each law enforcement agency within Maricopa County maintains its own records division. Requests must be submitted in writing pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1).
Utilize the Maricopa County Justice Courts' online case search system for misdemeanor arrests and citations. This resource is particularly useful for minor offenses that do not reach the Superior Court level.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and if possible, a case number or booking number to facilitate the search process.

Contents of a Maricopa County Arrest Record

Maricopa County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arizona Administrative Code R13-1-402. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest. The contents typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information including gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking, including citation of applicable Arizona Revised Statutes
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking number and facility information
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Photograph (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Custody status and bail information if applicable
Case disposition information if available

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-4051, fingerprints must be taken for all individuals arrested for felonies and certain misdemeanors. These biometric identifiers become part of the permanent arrest record and are submitted to both state and federal criminal history databases.

The level of detail available to the public may vary based on the status of the case, with active investigations sometimes having limited information disclosed. Records related to juvenile arrests are generally not publicly accessible unless the minor has been charged as an adult under A.R.S. § 8-327.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Maricopa County

Maricopa County provides a legal pathway for the expungement of certain arrest records under Arizona's revised statutes. As of January 1, 2023, Arizona law (A.R.S. § 13-911) allows for the sealing of criminal records under specific circumstances. This process, formerly known as "setting aside" a conviction, now provides more comprehensive relief through the sealing of records from public view.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Maricopa County include:

Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of fines
Fulfillment of a waiting period that varies based on the offense classification (ranging from 2 years for misdemeanors to 10 years for certain felonies)
No pending criminal charges at the time of application
No convictions for certain disqualifying offenses as enumerated in A.R.S. § 13-911(K)

The application process requires petitioners to file a formal request with the Maricopa County Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. The petition must include certified copies of the original case documents, proof of completion of all sentence requirements, and a statement explaining why expungement serves the interests of justice.

Upon receipt of a petition, the court notifies the prosecuting agency, which has 30 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, or if the court determines expungement is appropriate despite objection, an order sealing the records may be issued. This order directs all state agencies to seal records relating to the arrest and conviction, effectively removing them from public access.

Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain licensing boards as permitted under A.R.S. § 13-911(G). Additionally, sealed records may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings for sentencing purposes.

Search Arrest Records in Maricopa County.

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