Maricopa County Criminal Records
What Is Maricopa County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Maricopa County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-1750, criminal records are maintained as part of the state's central repository of criminal history information.
Criminal records in Maricopa County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information, fingerprints, and photographs. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing the final disposition of a case.
- Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal matters, including hearings, motions, and trial information.
The classification of criminal offenses significantly impacts how records are maintained and accessed:
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, maintained permanently in most cases.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration or fines.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18+) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under A.R.S. § 8-208 with limited exceptions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Maricopa County, including:
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
550 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-876-1000
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3204
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
Arizona Department of Public Safety
2102 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-223-2000
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and any subsequent probation or parole information. The Criminal Department of the Maricopa County Superior Court maintains records of criminal cases from initial appearance through sentencing and post-conviction matters.
Are Criminal Records Public In Maricopa County
Criminal records in Maricopa County are generally considered public information under Arizona's Public Records Law, codified in A.R.S. § 39-121, which states: "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 Arizona Supreme Court has interpreted this statute to create a presumption of openness for government records, including most criminal records. However, this presumption is not absolute, and certain categories of criminal records remain restricted:
- Ongoing Investigations: Active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure.
- Sealed Records: Court records that have been sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to minors are generally confidential under A.R.S. § 8-208, though exceptions exist for serious offenses.
- Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access.
- Certain Victim Information: Personal identifying information of victims, particularly in sensitive cases such as sexual assault.
Adult conviction records are among the most accessible type of criminal records, with court proceedings and outcomes available through the Maricopa County Superior Court's public access system. This system provides information on criminal court cases, including case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
The Arizona Judicial Branch maintains that public access to court records serves important societal interests in government transparency and accountability, while recognizing that certain privacy interests must be balanced against the public's right to know. This balance is reflected in Rule 123 of the Arizona Rules of Supreme Court, which governs public access to court records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Maricopa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Maricopa County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple systems that allow for efficient retrieval of criminal record information.
Online Search Methods:
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Access the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup portal, which provides comprehensive case information for Superior Court cases.
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Select Maricopa County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Specify criminal case types in the search parameters
- Review the results, which include case numbers, filing dates, charges, and disposition information
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Utilize the Maricopa County Justice Courts case search for misdemeanor cases and criminal traffic violations handled by Justice Courts.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review results showing case status, charges, and upcoming court dates
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Check the Maricopa County Superior Court docket for detailed information on felony cases and criminal proceedings.
- Search by name or case number
- Access information on hearings, filings, and case outcomes
In-Person Record Requests:
For records not available online or for certified copies, individuals may visit:
Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk's Office
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3360
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clerk of the Superior Court
Required information for record requests includes:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of the incident or court case
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Warrant Information:
To check for active warrants, individuals may contact the Criminal Department of the Maricopa County Superior Court directly. This service provides information about whether a warrant has been issued for an individual's arrest from the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County.
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests and dispositions from multiple jurisdictions, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains the central state repository and provides record checks for authorized purposes.
How To Find Criminal Records in Maricopa County Online?
Maricopa County offers several online portals that provide public access to criminal records. Each system contains different types of information and serves specific purposes within the criminal justice system.
Superior Court Case Search:
The Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County maintains a comprehensive online docket system that allows users to search for felony and serious misdemeanor cases. This system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed and their current status
- Names of attorneys and judges assigned
- Scheduled hearings and their outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Sentencing information
To use this system effectively:
- Navigate to the docket search page
- Select "Criminal" from the case type options
- Enter the defendant's name (last name, first name) or case number
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
Justice Courts Case Search:
The Maricopa County Justice Courts handle misdemeanors, criminal traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Their online portal provides:
- Case status and basic defendant information
- Charge information and court dates
- Fine and fee assessments
- Judgment information
Arizona Judicial Branch Statewide Search:
For a broader search across multiple courts, the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup allows users to search across jurisdictions, including Maricopa County. This system requires:
- Creating a free user account
- Selecting the appropriate court level and location
- Entering search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Reviewing results from multiple courts
Warrant Information:
Limited information about active warrants can be accessed through the Maricopa County Superior Court's Criminal Department. This resource allows individuals to verify if they have an outstanding warrant from the Superior Court.
Records Not Available Online:
It is important to note that certain criminal records are not accessible through online portals and require in-person requests:
- Complete case files with all documents
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records with redacted information
- Certified copies of court documents
For these records, individuals must contact the appropriate agency directly or visit in person. The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information and provides a separate process for requesting comprehensive criminal history reports.
Can You Search Maricopa County Criminal Records for Free?
Maricopa County provides several free options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with Arizona's Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121), which establishes the public's right to inspect government records. While some services may involve fees for certain types of requests or certified documents, basic record searches are available at no cost.
Free Online Search Options:
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The Maricopa County Superior Court's public docket system provides free access to criminal case information, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Charges filed
- Hearing schedules
- Case dispositions and sentencing information
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The Maricopa County Justice Courts case search offers free access to misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases handled by Justice Courts throughout the county.
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The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup provides a free statewide search tool that includes Maricopa County criminal cases.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records in person at no cost at the following locations:
Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk's Office
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3360
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clerk of the Superior Court
Maricopa County Justice Courts Administration
222 E. Javelina Avenue, Suite 1300
Mesa, AZ 85210
602-506-8530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Maricopa County Justice Courts
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $0.50 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Record searches requiring extensive staff time
- Complete background checks through the Arizona Department of Public Safety
It should be noted that the Arizona Department of Public Safety charges fees for official criminal history record checks, as these involve fingerprint verification and comprehensive searches of the state's central repository.
What's Included in a Maricopa County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Maricopa County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records varies depending on the stage of the criminal process and the maintaining agency, but typically includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention status and facility
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record and judge assigned
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or education programs ordered
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information (if applicable)
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or bench orders
- Protective orders or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation or parole status and violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Criminal Department of the Maricopa County Superior Court maintains records of felony cases from initial appearance through sentencing and post-conviction matters, while the Justice Courts maintain records for misdemeanor offenses. The Arizona Department of Public Safety serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, compiling data from all law enforcement agencies and courts.
How Long Does Maricopa County Keep Criminal Records?
Maricopa County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Arizona law and administrative policies. The duration for which records are kept varies based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case.
Under the Arizona Supreme Court's record retention schedule, criminal records are subject to the following retention periods:
Felony Case Records:
- Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases resulting in conviction: 75 years from date of filing
- Felony cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal: 3 years after disposition
- Felony cases with deferred prosecution: 3 years after successful completion
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 10 years from date of filing
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal: 3 years after disposition
- DUI/DWI convictions: 10 years from date of filing
Arrest Records:
- Arrest records resulting in charges: Retained with the corresponding case file
- Arrest records not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest
Warrant Records:
- Active warrants: Until served or recalled by the court
- Recalled/quashed warrants: 3 years after recall date
The Maricopa County Superior Court maintains electronic case management systems that preserve case information beyond the physical retention of paper documents. Many records that have been digitized remain accessible through online portals even after paper records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
It is important to note that even after county-level records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the central state repository for longer periods, particularly for felony convictions, which are generally maintained for 99 years.
Individuals seeking to limit the duration of their criminal records may be eligible for processes such as expungement, sealing, or setting aside of convictions under specific circumstances outlined in Arizona law. These processes do not necessarily destroy records but may limit their accessibility to the public.
Lookup Criminal Records in Maricopa County
Public access to court dockets
Criminal Department information
Arizona courts case lookup system
Justice Courts case search portal
Arizona Judicial Branch resources
Department of Public Safety records requests