Arrest records are public documents in Goodyear, Arizona, accessible to all citizens under the 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 law encompasses various government-generated documents, including arrest records, booking photos, and criminal history information maintained by law enforcement agencies within Goodyear's jurisdiction. This transparency measure ensures governmental accountability and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.
The Goodyear Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to the public. Individuals seeking such records must follow established protocols for record requests as outlined by the respective agencies.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Goodyear, Arizona. Members of the public may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:
• Submit a public records request directly to the Goodyear Police Department at 11 North 145th Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Requests may be submitted in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), by mail, or via their online portal.
• Access the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information system for current detention status of individuals arrested in Goodyear. This resource provides booking information, charges, and custody status for individuals processed through the county jail system.
• Utilize the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Information portal for cases that have proceeded to court. This system contains information regarding court appearances, case dispositions, and judicial proceedings related to arrests.
• Contact the Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk's Office at 201 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 for certified copies of court records related to arrests that resulted in formal charges.
• Review the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Records Section for comprehensive criminal history information. Requests require submission of a completed application form and applicable fees as prescribed by A.R.S. § 41-1750.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the agency and the complexity of the request. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), agencies must promptly respond to public records requests but may require reasonable time to locate and prepare records for inspection.
Arrest records maintained by Goodyear law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Arizona state law. These documents generally include:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address at time of arrest
• Arrest details, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
• Enumeration of criminal charges filed, including citation of applicable Arizona Revised Statutes allegedly violated
• Case identification numbers and booking information assigned by the arresting agency
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Fingerprint classification and identification numbers when processed
• Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
• Detention status information, including bail amount if applicable
• Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearance information
• Disposition of the arrest if resolved (e.g., charges filed, dismissed, or referred to another agency)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under A.R.S. § 8-208, which restricts public access to such information except under specific circumstances authorized by law.
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the remediation of arrest records through a process formally known as "setting aside" a judgment of guilt, pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-907. This procedure does not completely expunge or destroy arrest records but rather modifies their status in official repositories. Individuals seeking to have arrest records set aside in Goodyear must:
• Complete all terms of their sentence, including probation, payment of fines, and completion of any required counseling or community service
• File a formal application with the Maricopa County Superior Court if the case was prosecuted there, or with the Goodyear Municipal Court for cases adjudicated at that level
• Demonstrate rehabilitation and provide justification for why setting aside the conviction serves the interests of justice
• Attend a hearing if required by the presiding judge to present their case
Certain offenses are ineligible for this remedy under Arizona law, including:
• Crimes involving serious physical injury as defined in A.R.S. § 13-105 • Offenses where the perpetrator was required to register as a sex offender • Violations involving the use of a dangerous weapon or instrument • Driving offenses committed while operator's license was suspended or revoked • Criminal offenses committed against minors under 15 years of age
The court retains discretion in granting these petitions based on the totality of circumstances, including the nature of the offense, the applicant's criminal history, and evidence of rehabilitation. If granted, the order setting aside the judgment releases the petitioner from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction, though the record remains accessible with notation of its modified status.
Effective January 1, 2023, Arizona implemented a new expungement law (A.R.S. § 36-2862) specifically addressing marijuana-related arrests and convictions, providing more comprehensive relief for qualifying offenses.