Arrest records are public documents in Bullhead, Arizona, pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection by members of the public during regular office hours. The law promotes transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety. Law enforcement agencies in Bullhead City maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is publicly accessible, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in compliance with privacy protections under A.R.S. § 39-123 and § 39-124.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Bullhead City. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Bullhead City Police Department located at 1255 Marina Blvd, Bullhead City, AZ 86442. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at (928) 763-9200. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present valid identification.
Online Access: The Bullhead City Justice Court provides electronic access to court records through the Arizona Judicial Branch's public access portal. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or citation number.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Bullhead City Police Department Records Division at P.O. Box 4600, Bullhead City, AZ 86430. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of records.
Mohave County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement, records may be requested from the Mohave County Sheriff's Office located at 600 W. Beale Street, Kingman, AZ 86401. Their Records Division can be contacted at (928) 753-0759.
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard requests typically require 5-10 business days for completion, while more extensive searches may necessitate additional time.
Arrest records maintained by Bullhead City law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System. These records typically include:
Demographic Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific Arizona Revised Statute violations and their classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Booking Information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), and unique booking identification numbers assigned during processing.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction or acquittal.
Court Information: Case numbers, scheduled court appearances, and the jurisdiction handling the case (Municipal Court, Justice Court, or Superior Court).
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-4051, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. As of July 12, 2021, Arizona enacted A.R.S. § 13-911, which established a process for expungement of certain criminal records. This statute replaced the previous "set aside" provision with a more comprehensive expungement process.
Individuals seeking expungement of Bullhead arrest records must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Requirements: Expungement eligibility varies by offense type. Misdemeanors generally have shorter waiting periods (1-3 years after completion of sentence) than felonies (5-10 years). Certain violent or sexual offenses are ineligible for expungement.
Application Process: Petitioners must file an application with the court where the case was adjudicated. For Bullhead City arrests, this is typically the Bullhead City Municipal Court located at 1255 Marina Blvd, Bullhead City, AZ 86442, or the Bullhead City Justice Court at 2225 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86442.
Judicial Review: Upon receipt of a petition, the court notifies the prosecuting agency, which has 30 days to file an objection. The court then evaluates the petition based on statutory criteria, including the nature of the offense, the petitioner's behavior since conviction, and public safety considerations.
Legal Effect: When granted, expungement legally removes the arrest and conviction from public records. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911(E), an individual with an expunged record may state on applications for employment, housing, or other benefits that they have not been arrested for or convicted of the expunged offense.
The Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, which are available at the Bullhead City Justice Court and online through the Arizona Judicial Branch website.
Several governmental entities maintain and provide access to arrest records in Bullhead City:
Bullhead City Police Department
1255 Marina Blvd
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 763-9200
Official Website
The Records Division processes public records requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requests require completion of a standard form and payment of applicable fees.
Bullhead City Justice Court
2225 Trane Road
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 758-0709
Official Website
Court records, including arrest information for cases processed through this court, are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Bullhead City Municipal Court
1255 Marina Blvd
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 763-0130
Official Website
This court maintains records for violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Mohave County Sheriff's Office
600 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0759
Official Website
The Sheriff's Office maintains records for arrests made in unincorporated areas of Mohave County and assists with record searches for arrests throughout the county.