Search Arizona Criminal Records
Arizona criminal records are public documents spread across multiple state and county agencies. The Arizona Department of Public Safety acts as the central state repository for criminal history data under A.R.S. § 41-1750. County courts, sheriff offices, and city police departments also hold arrest records, case files, and booking data. You can search many of these Arizona criminal records through online portals or by making requests in person at local offices throughout the state.
Arizona Criminal Records Quick Facts
Arizona DPS Criminal History Records
The Arizona Department of Public Safety runs the Central State Repository. This is where the state keeps its main criminal history database. DPS gets arrest data from law enforcement across Arizona. They also get court case outcomes and corrections info. All of this goes into one system.
There are strict rules about who can access DPS criminal history records in Arizona. State law does not let private citizens or employers run their own checks through DPS. The agency only works with certain groups. Government agencies can use it. So can schools that need to screen staff. But if you are a private employer or just want to check someone's background, you must use other sources for Arizona criminal records. Third party screening firms like Fieldprint handle fingerprint processing for those who qualify to request formal background checks through psp.azdps.gov.
The DPS Public Services Portal lets you check the status of fingerprint clearance card requests. You can apply for a new card or look up an existing one. The standard fee for a fingerprint clearance card is $67. Volunteers pay $65. Processing takes about 10 days for mailed applications.
You can reach the DPS Central State Repository at 2222 W. Encanto Blvd. in Phoenix. The phone number is (602) 223-2222. Select option 2, then option 3 to reach the criminal history unit. For fingerprint card questions, call (602) 223-2279. Portal support is at (602) 223-2999, option 8. You can also email them at CSIReports@azdps.gov for report requests or ClearanceCard@azdps.gov for card questions.
The DPS website has a page about criminal history records that explains their services and rules.
This page shows how DPS handles record requests. It lists who can get records and what forms you need.
Arizona Court Criminal Case Records
The Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts runs the state court system. Criminal cases are heard in Superior Courts, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts across Arizona. Each court keeps its own case files. But the state has built online tools that let you search many of these records from one place.
The main portal is the Arizona Courts Public Access system. This covers 177 of the 184 courts in Arizona. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case details, charges, and hearing dates. It is free to search. You do not need to make an account.
The public access portal is a good starting point for finding Arizona criminal court records. It covers most courts in the state and lets you look up cases quickly without any cost. Results show the case type, filing date, and current status. For more detail, you may need to contact the clerk in that county or use the eAccess system.
For full documents, you need the eAccess portal. This system charges $10 per document or you can get a subscription. It has scanned images of court filings. These include complaints, motions, and orders. The eAccess system is useful when you need the actual paperwork from a criminal case in Arizona.
The eAccess system requires payment but gives you the full court file. Many people use it for legal research or to get copies of their own case records.
Note: Not all courts are in these online systems. Some rural courts still require in-person visits to search their criminal records.
Arizona Inmate and Corrections Records
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry runs the state prison system. They call it ADCRR for short. The agency keeps records on all inmates in state custody. This includes current inmates and those who have been released. You can search their database for free.
The ADCRR Inmate Data Search is open to the public. Type in a name and the system will show matches. Results include the inmate's photo, prison location, and sentence info. You can see their earliest release date and current custody status. This is one of the most useful free tools for finding Arizona criminal records related to state prison inmates.
This search tool updates regularly. It shows who is in custody now and gives basic info on past inmates too.
For public records requests to ADCRR, call (602) 542-5886. Their main office is at 701 E. Jefferson Street in Phoenix. The general line is (602) 542-5497. You can request inmate files, disciplinary records, and other documents through a formal public records request to the Arizona corrections department.
Criminal Record Relief in Arizona
Arizona has several ways to clear or limit criminal records. These are not the same as expungement. Arizona does not truly expunge records in most cases. But there are options that can help.
The set aside process under A.R.S. § 13-905 lets you ask the court to set aside your conviction. If granted, the court notes that you completed your sentence and the conviction is set aside. The record still exists, but it shows you got relief. This can help with jobs and housing. You may also get a Certificate of Second Chance.
Record sealing became law in Arizona on January 1, 2023. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, certain convictions can be sealed from public view. This is stronger than a set aside because sealed records do not show up on standard background checks. Not all crimes qualify. Violent offenses and sex crimes are excluded from sealing in Arizona.
The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency handles pardon requests and commutations. This is for people who want the governor to grant clemency. The board reviews cases and makes recommendations. Pardons are rare but they do happen.
The clemency board can help with the most serious cases. If you have a felony conviction and want to restore your rights, this is one path. The board meets regularly to review applications.
For marijuana offenses, Arizona passed a true expungement law. Under A.R.S. § 36-2862, people with old marijuana convictions can petition to have those records destroyed. This is actual expungement. The records are deleted, not just sealed or set aside.
Arizona Fingerprint Background Checks
Fingerprint background checks are the most thorough way to search someone's Arizona criminal history. But access is limited. You cannot just walk in and request one on anyone. The system is set up for specific uses like employment screening at schools, healthcare facilities, and government agencies.
Fieldprint is the third party vendor that handles electronic fingerprinting for Arizona. You can schedule an appointment through their website. The appointment itself costs $8.25. Then there are additional processing fees depending on what type of check you need. Employees pay $22 for NCJ fingerprint processing. Volunteers pay $20.
The Fingerprint Card Status page lets you check on pending applications.
This status tool shows where your application is in the process. Most cards take about 10 days to process when mailed in.
If you get denied for a fingerprint clearance card, you can request a Record Review. DPS has 15 days to respond to these requests. You may be able to challenge errors in your Arizona criminal record or show that you are eligible despite past issues.
DPS Public Services Portal
The Arizona DPS Public Services Portal is where you manage fingerprint card applications online. You can start a new application, check an existing one, or renew a card. The portal requires you to make an account first.
The public services portal handles all fingerprint card business. It walks you through each step. You can pay fees online and track your card status. This is easier than mailing paper forms to DPS.
County Level Criminal Records in Arizona
Each of Arizona's 15 counties has its own sheriff's office and court system. These local agencies hold records that may not be in the state databases. If you need arrest records from a specific county, the sheriff's office is the place to start. For court cases, contact the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Sheriff offices keep incident reports, arrest records, and booking data. Fees vary by county. Most charge $3 to $7 for a report copy. Some counties have online portals for record requests. Others require you to visit in person or mail a request form. Processing times range from same day service to 30 business days depending on the county and what you need.
Superior Court clerks keep all felony case files and most misdemeanor cases. You can search many of these through the statewide public access portal. But for certified copies or older records, you will need to work with the county clerk directly. Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $30 to $35 in most Arizona counties.
The biggest counties like Maricopa and Pima have the most online tools. Maricopa County has the MCSO for sheriff records and a detailed court docket system. Pima County offers justice court case search online. Smaller counties may have fewer online options but still have public records you can request.
Browse Arizona Criminal Records by County
Each county in Arizona has its own sheriff's office and Superior Court clerk who handle local criminal records. Pick a county below to find contact info and local resources.
Criminal Records in Major Arizona Cities
Residents file police reports and appear in municipal courts in their cities. County courts handle felonies. Pick a city below to learn about criminal records access in that area.