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  1. Maricopa County Court
  2. Maricopa County Arrest Records

Maricopa County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Maricopa County are official documents created when a person is detained and booked by law enforcement. These records support transparency and public oversight of the justice system under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). In contrast, the release of sensitive criminal offender information is regulated by A.R.S. § 14-1750. Arrest records help courts and law enforcement agencies manage cases and custody, case parties track case status, and enable accurate background checks for safety-sensitive decisions. They are also used as documentation to verify charges, bail, or outcomes and serve as the starting point for remedies like expungement or sealing when eligible.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Arizona?

Yes. In Arizona, most adult arrest records are public information under the Arizona Public Records Law, which gives the public the right to inspect and obtain copies of government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The public must know when law enforcement detains someone, what charges were filed, and the arrest status. This access is intended to support accountability, oversight, and public safety.

Additionally, A.R.S. § 41-1750 governs how criminal offender record information is released, outlining what law enforcement agencies may disclose and what must remain restricted. Although arrest records are generally open, some details are exempt from disclosure under Arizona law. These exemptions protect privacy, safety, and ongoing legal processes. Common exemptions include:

  • Juvenile arrest records are confidential under A.R.S. § 8-208.
  • Active investigation details, including records that would compromise an ongoing investigation or reveal investigative techniques.
  • Victim and witness information, including their names, addresses, and other identifying details.
  • Certain medical or mental health information is protected under privacy laws.
  • Sealed or expunged records that are no longer available to the general public once a court has ordered them sealed.

Maricopa County Arrest Search

Performing an arrest record search in Maricopa County depends on the law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest. Records of local arrests may be accessed by contacting the Sheriff's Office or the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Criminal court case records are accessible by contacting the court where the case was filed. Records of federal arrests are typically accessible through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each option has specific requirements, fees, and access methods.

  • Local law enforcement agencies in Maricopa County, such as the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, also process requests for copies of arrest or incident reports. These may differ from court records, but can be essential for understanding arrest details. Requests may be submitted in person at 220 S. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, by mail, or electronically via email. A valid photo ID is required in all cases. The standard fee is $5 per report; processing usually takes around 30 days. The department provides only redacted versions of reports to comply with privacy laws, and not all details may be released.
  • The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides a fingerprint-based criminal history check, which is the primary method for obtaining a complete statewide record. Fingerprinting must be done at an authorized location, and a processing fee applies. Non-residents may submit fingerprint cards by mail. Separately, the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) Inmate Datasearch allows users to search for incarcerated individuals in state prisons by name or ADC number.
  • Criminal information may be accessed by requesting an identity history summary check, also known as a rap sheet, from the FBI. Alternatively, interested persons may look up information about persons in the custody of a federal agency by searching the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
  • Criminal case records are available to interested persons through the Superior Court of Maricopa County's public access portal. Note, however, that the records available online have limited information. More detailed documents, such as police reports, charging documents, or case filings, can be requested through the Court's Criminal Record Request process. To submit a request, applicants must provide the defendant's first and last name and other identifying details, such as date of birth, arrest date, or case number. Records may also be reviewed in person at courthouse kiosks. For certified documents, requests must be submitted by mail with the proper identifying information and filing fees.

Maricopa County Inmate Locator

At the county level, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office provides one of the most direct routes for locating current arrest information. The Sheriff's Inmate Locator allows members of the public to search online for individuals in custody or recently arrested suspects. A search can be done by entering the person's full name or booking number.

To request arrest or incident records from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office by mail, you must send a completed Request for Information form and identification.

Mail the "Request for Copy of Incident/Crime Report" form to:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office - Records Division

550 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 876-1078.

Include the report number if known, or details such as the date, time, location of the incident, and names of those involved. If requesting it on behalf of someone else, attach the Authorization for Release of Protected Information form along with a copy of an acceptable ID or a notarized signature. Attorneys, law enforcement agencies, or investigators must submit requests on official letterhead or by subpoena. If you want the record mailed back, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Fees may apply, set by the County Board of Supervisors (typically a small per-page charge). Processing can take up to ten business days, and reports are redacted per Arizona law.

Active Warrant Search in Maricopa County

An arrest warrant is a legal order issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take a specific individual into custody. In Maricopa County, the Sheriff's Office manages warrant records through its Warrants Division, located at:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division

550 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Maricopa County does not provide an online public database for active warrants. Individuals who wish to confirm the existence of a warrant must contact the Sheriff's Office directly. Inquiries may be made in person or by phone. For safety and privacy reasons, staff may confirm whether a warrant exists but will not always disclose full details over the phone.

How to Find Arrest Records For Free in Maricopa County

The most convenient options for free arrest records in Maricopa County are through the Sheriff's Office and the Superior Court. Record seekers may begin with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search to see current or recent bookings by name & dob or booking number at no cost. Results are updated frequently and cover people in custody.

If a case has already moved to court, the Maricopa County Superior Court Case Search Portal allows the public to view criminal case information and the register of actions for free (no registration required); the same information can also be accessed at courthouse public kiosks.

Full police reports or certified court documents aren't free, those require formal records requests and fees, but the three tools above cover most no-cost arrest lookups in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Arrest Report

A Maricopa County arrest report is a narrative prepared by the arresting officer at the time of the arrest. It details the incident, including the reason for the stop, evidence or probable cause, witness statements, officer observations, and any recommended charges. In contrast, an arrest record is a summary entry in an official system showing that a person was arrested. It typically lists the individual's name, date of birth, booking number, arrest date, charges, and custody status. Unlike an arrest report, an arrest record does not describe the circumstances of the arrest; it only documents that the arrest occurred.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Maricopa County

The expungement of arrest records depends on the case type, the eligibility of the person involved, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

  • Arrests with No Conviction: This option applies to persons arrested but not convicted because no charges were filed, the charges were dismissed, the person completed a diversion program, or the court found them not guilty. Expungement involves filing a Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records with the court. Once granted, the record becomes sealed and is generally not available to the public, though certain government agencies may still access it.
  • Convictions (Misdemeanor or Felony): In Arizona, full "expungement" of a conviction is not possible in the strictest sense, but the individual may seek a set-aside under A.R.S. § 13-905. This typically applies if the applicant has completed probation or served their sentence, all fines have been paid, other obligations have been fulfilled, and there are no pending charges. Filing a Petition to Set Aside Conviction with the court of conviction may result in the case being set aside. The arrest record remains, but the conviction is no longer active, which can positively impact employability and other civilian matters. In more serious cases, the individual may apply for a Governor's Pardon through the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. A pardon is an act of clemency granted by the Governor and considered on a case-by-case basis.

In Maricopa County, individuals may file the required petitions through the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County. For juvenile offenses, start the petition on the Maricopa County Juvenile Court forms page. Applicants may seek assistance from the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office or nonprofit groups like Community Legal Services.

Petitions for expungement are filed at the court where the case was heard. In Maricopa County, petitions are typically heard at the Maricopa County Superior Court. The court may hold a hearing, though attendance is not always required. Once granted, court orders are sent to key agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other relevant law enforcement agencies, to update records.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records From the Internet?

The most effective way to keep arrest information off the internet is to seal or expunge the record through the courts. Once granted, the court notifies agencies like the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to update their databases. For third-party sites, applicants have three options:

  • Send Opt-Out Requests: Submit removal requests; some may require a court order showing the record was sealed or dismissed.
  • Send Legal Notices: Send a DMCA or similar notice if the site refuses removal, especially for sealed records.
  • Use Paid Services: Reputation management companies can help remove or suppress arrest content.

Even after removal, cached pages may still appear in search engines. For example, you can request Google de-indexing to remove outdated content. This prevents old information from appearing in search results but does not delete the original page.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

According to the provisions of the Arizona Public Records Law, public arrest records in Maricopa County may contain the following:

  • Full name of the arrested individual
  • Booking number assigned at the time of arrest
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (e.g., Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police Department)
  • Charges filed or alleged offenses
  • Bail or bond amount and whether bail has been posted
  • Custody status (in jail, released, or transferred)
  • Jail facility location
  • Warrant number(s) if the arrest was based on a warrant
  • Court case number if charges are filed and connected to the Superior Court