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Avondale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Avondale, Arizona?

Arrest records are public documents in Avondale, Arizona, 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 during office hours. Law enforcement agencies in Avondale maintain these records as part of their official duties, making them accessible to members of the public upon proper request.

The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, as fundamental to ensuring transparency in governmental operations. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123 and § 39-124, which outline specific exemptions to public disclosure.

Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, the Avondale Police Department and other custodial agencies may require formal requests and payment of reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying these documents as permitted under A.R.S. § 39-121.03.

Avondale Police Department
11485 W. Civic Center Drive
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 333-7000
Avondale Police Department Official Website

How to Look Up Avondale Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Avondale, Arizona. Members of the public seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

  1. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Avondale Police Department Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a records request. Proper identification is required, and requesters must complete the department's standard records request form.

  2. Online Portal Access: The City of Avondale maintains a public records portal through which citizens may submit requests electronically. This system allows for tracking of request status and secure delivery of digital documents when available.

  3. Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Such requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.

  4. Maricopa County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the Maricopa County Superior Court's public access system.

Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03 and Avondale City Code § 14-2. Standard fees include $5.00 for the first 10 pages and $0.50 for each additional page. Certified copies incur an additional fee of $5.00 per document.

Avondale City Clerk's Office
11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 280
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 333-1200
Avondale City Clerk Official Website

Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3204
Maricopa County Superior Court Official Website

Contents of an Avondale Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Avondale Police Department contain standardized information as required by Arizona law and departmental policies. These documents typically include:

Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address, and identifying characteristics.

Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the specific circumstances leading to the arrest.

Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of relevant Arizona Revised Statutes allegedly violated.

Booking Information: Processing details, including fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and property inventory taken during the booking process.

Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or detention orders.

Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, if available.

Prior Criminal History: May include references to previous arrests or convictions if relevant to the current case.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-4434, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving victims of sexual offenses, domestic violence, or when juveniles are involved. Additionally, information that might compromise ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Avondale

Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or setting aside of certain arrest records through processes codified in A.R.S. § 13-905 through § 13-912. As of 2025, Arizona's expungement laws have evolved to provide greater opportunities for record clearance.

The process for expungement in Avondale requires petitioners to:

  1. File a formal application with the Avondale City Court or Maricopa County Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case.

  2. Provide certified documentation demonstrating completion of all court-ordered requirements, including probation, payment of fines, restitution, and completion of any mandated treatment programs.

  3. Submit to a review process wherein the prosecutor's office may file objections and the court will evaluate the petitioner's post-conviction conduct.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

• Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation and payment of all fines and restitution • Absence of pending criminal charges • Fulfillment of the statutory waiting period based on offense classification • Demonstration of rehabilitation and good moral character

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under Arizona law, including dangerous offenses as defined in A.R.S. § 13-105, offenses requiring sex offender registration, and offenses involving serious physical injury or the use of a deadly weapon.

Avondale City Court
11435 W. Civic Center Drive
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 333-5800
Avondale City Court Official Website

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