Maricopa Public Records / Maricopa County Arrest Records

Maricopa County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Maricopa County

Arrest records in Maricopa County are considered public information under Arizona law. Pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law, specifically Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, 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 statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are open to public inspection.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document the detention or taking into custody of an individual by law enforcement authorities based on probable cause that the person has committed a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest record differs significantly from a conviction record:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement
Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
Under Arizona law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

The Arizona Department of Public Safety serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Maricopa County. While arrest records are generally public, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other information protected by state or federal law.

What's in Maricopa County Arrest Records

Maricopa County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Residential address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Immigration status
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System standards and regulations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Maricopa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Maricopa County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures:

Visit the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
550 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-876-1070
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Requestors must:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($5-$15 per record, depending on type)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Submit a written request by mail:
- Include full name of subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Provide requestor's contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division address listed above
Request records from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office:

Maricopa County Attorney's Office
225 W. Madison Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3411
Maricopa County Attorney's Office

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Access court records related to arrests through the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County:

Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk's Office
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3360
Maricopa County Superior Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the cost of reproduction, transportation, and other materials associated with fulfilling public records requests.

How To Find Maricopa County Arrest Records Online

Maricopa County provides several digital platforms for accessing arrest records and related information online. These resources allow members of the public to conduct searches remotely:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Mugshot Search:
- Navigate to the MCSO Mugshot Search
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review results which include booking photos and basic arrest information
- Note that this database only includes current inmates, not historical arrests
Maricopa County Superior Court Case Search:
- Visit the Superior Court Docket
- Select "Criminal" from the case type menu
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Access documents filed in the case (some may require fees)
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access:
- Access the Public Access Case Lookup
- Select Maricopa County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information across multiple court levels
Maricopa County Justice Courts Case Search:
- Visit the Justice Courts Case Search
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review misdemeanor cases handled by Justice Courts

When conducting online searches, users should be aware of the following:

Information may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date
Some records may be restricted from public view
Certain details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Official record certification typically requires in-person requests
Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime

For the most current and complete information, contacting the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly is recommended.

How To Search Maricopa County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Maricopa County arrest records without payment through several free resources provided by county and state agencies:

Maricopa County Jail Information:
- The MCSO Inmate Lookup provides free access to current inmate information
- Search by name or booking number
- View booking photos, charges, and custody status
- Information is updated regularly throughout the day
Public Access Terminals:
- Located at the Maricopa County Superior Court facilities:
  
  Maricopa County Superior Court - Downtown Phoenix
  201 W. Jefferson Street
  Phoenix, AZ 85003
  
  Maricopa County Superior Court - Mesa
  222 E. Javelina Avenue
  Mesa, AZ 85210
  
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- These terminals provide free access to the court's case management system
- No fees are charged for viewing information on-site
- Printing documents incurs standard copy fees
Maricopa County Justice Courts Public Portal:
- The Justice Courts Case Search is available at no cost
- Provides information on misdemeanor cases and initial appearances
- Includes defendant information, charges, and case status
Arizona Department of Corrections Inmate Database:
- The ADC Inmate Datasearch provides free information on current and former inmates
- Includes individuals who were transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction
- Provides offense information, custody status, and location
Public Records Requests:
- Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.01(D)(1), agencies may not charge for inspection of public records
- Individuals may review records in person without charge
- Fees apply only for copies or certified records

When utilizing free resources, requestors should note:

Information may be limited compared to paid comprehensive background checks
Some databases may not include older records that haven't been digitized
In-person inspection may require scheduling an appointment
Staff assistance for complex searches may be limited

These free resources provide basic arrest information suitable for most general inquiries by members of the public.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Maricopa County

Arizona law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes fall into two distinct categories: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access).

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-911, individuals may petition for the sealing of criminal records, including arrest records, under the following conditions:

The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
The conviction was vacated or set aside
The person completed all terms of probation or sentence
A specified waiting period has elapsed since completion of sentence
The offense is eligible for sealing under state law

The process for requesting record sealing in Maricopa County includes:

Determine eligibility under A.R.S. § 13-911
Obtain a complete copy of your criminal history from the Arizona Department of Public Safety
File a petition with the Maricopa County Superior Court:

Maricopa County Superior Court Criminal Department
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3360
Maricopa County Superior Court
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300, fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge
If granted, ensure the order is distributed to all relevant agencies

For marijuana-related offenses specifically, Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-2862 provides a separate expungement process following the passage of Proposition 207. This allows for the complete expungement of certain marijuana convictions and related arrests.

Important considerations regarding record sealing and expungement:

Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies
Federal agencies may still maintain access to sealed records
Some professional licensing boards may have statutory authority to access sealed records
Expunged marijuana records are treated as if the arrest and conviction never occurred
Private background check companies may continue to report information unless notified of the sealing order

The Maricopa County Superior Court Law Library Resource Center provides forms and assistance for individuals seeking to seal or expunge records without attorney representation.

What Happens After Arrest in Maricopa County?

Following an arrest in Maricopa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Arizona law and county procedures:

Booking Process:
- Arrestee is transported to a Maricopa County jail facility
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprinting and photographing are completed
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate holding area
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Determination of probable cause is made
- Bail or release conditions are established
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
Charging Decision:
- Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviews evidence
- Prosecutor determines whether to file formal charges
- Decision must typically be made within 48-72 hours for in-custody defendants
- Cases may be declined for prosecution if evidence is insufficient
Arraignment:
- Formal charges are read to defendant
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Case scheduling order is issued
- Discovery process begins
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
- Case may be resolved through plea agreement
Trial:
- Jury selection (except in bench trials)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence according to Arizona sentencing guidelines
- Defendant informed of appeal rights
Post-Conviction:
- Transfer to Arizona Department of Corrections (if incarcerated)
- Implementation of probation supervision (if applicable)
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs

Throughout this process, the Maricopa County Superior Court Criminal Department maintains jurisdiction over felony cases, while the Maricopa County Justice Courts handle misdemeanor cases and initial appearances.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Maricopa County?

Arrest records in Maricopa County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Arizona law and administrative regulations. The primary governing authority is the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, which establishes minimum retention periods for various government records, including arrest documentation.

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-151.12, the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records has established the following retention requirements for law enforcement records:

Arrest reports for adults: 25 years from date of arrest
Arrest reports for juveniles: Until age 25 or 5 years after last contact, whichever is later
Booking records: 25 years from date of booking
Fingerprint cards: 99 years from date of collection
Mugshot photographs: 25 years from date of booking
Investigation reports: 25 years from case closure
Sex offender registration records: 99 years from date of registration

Different agencies within Maricopa County may maintain records for varying periods:

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the state-mandated minimum retention periods
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office retains prosecution files for 25 years for felonies and 5 years for misdemeanors
The Maricopa County Superior Court maintains case files permanently for serious felonies and 50 years for other felonies
The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history records for 99 years in the central repository

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Background checks for employment and licensing
Historical and research purposes

It is important to note that even after physical records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices or summary information may be maintained indefinitely in various databases.

How to Find Mugshots in Maricopa County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Maricopa County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

A front-facing (portrait) photograph
A profile (side-view) photograph
Both images include a placard or digital overlay with identifying information

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Maricopa County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Jail Records Division
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (for statewide criminal history records)
Individual municipal police departments that conducted the arrest

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public may access mugshots through several official channels:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information:
- The MCSO Inmate Lookup provides booking photos of current inmates
- Search by name or booking number
- Photos are displayed alongside basic custody information
Public Records Request:
- Submit a formal request to the arresting agency
- Provide the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
550 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-876-1070
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Arizona Department of Public Safety:
- Request a criminal history record which may include booking photos
- Requires fingerprint verification for complete records
- Subject to fees and processing time
Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal History Records
2102 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-223-2222
Arizona Department of Public Safety

Can They Be Found Online

While some mugshots are available online:

The MCSO website only displays current inmates
Historical mugshots generally require formal records requests
Third-party websites may publish mugshots, but information may be outdated or inaccurate

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To ensure accuracy and legitimacy:

Request certified copies directly from the maintaining agency
Be prepared to provide proper identification
Specify the exact record needed to avoid excessive fees
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be limited in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
Some records may be sealed or expunged by court order
Certain details may be redacted to protect privacy or security concerns

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.03 allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records, including booking photographs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Maricopa County

Criminal case information

Public access to court information

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County

Arizona Judicial Branch case lookup

Justice Courts case search

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