Pima Public Records / Pima County Arrest Records

Pima County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pima County

Arrest records in Pima 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 distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Arizona law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, it is important to note that some information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would:

Invade an individual's privacy
Compromise an ongoing investigation
Reveal confidential informant information
Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel

The Arizona Department of Public Safety further clarifies policies regarding criminal history records access at the state level, which supplements county-level policies.

What's in Pima County Arrest Records

Pima County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county's jurisdiction. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Charge severity (class A, B, C, etc.)
Statute or ordinance violated
Charge description

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility housing the individual

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Immigration holds
Medical alerts
Behavioral alerts
Property inventory

The Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate roster provides public access to certain elements of this information for individuals currently in custody.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pima County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pima County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that are expected to remain operational with possible technological enhancements.

To request arrest records in person:

Visit the Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section.

Pima County Sheriff's Department
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
520-351-4600
Pima County Sheriff's Department

Complete a public records request form, providing as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search, including:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Fees are subject to change but currently include:
- $5.00 for the first 5 pages
- $0.50 for each additional page
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies

To request arrest records by mail:

Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Pima County website.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Enclose a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Mail the completed form and payment to:

Pima County Sheriff's Department
Records Section
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714

Processing times for records requests vary based on current departmental workload and the complexity of the request. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.01(D)(1), public bodies must promptly respond to records requests, though "promptly" is not specifically defined in terms of days.

How To Find Pima County Arrest Records Online

Pima County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The primary online resources for Pima County arrest records include:

Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information System
- Navigate to the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate roster
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- This system provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including:
  - Name and booking number
  - Physical description
  - Charges
  - Bond information
  - Court dates
  - Expected release date
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup
- Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access portal
- Select "Pima County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- This system provides court case information related to arrests, including:
  - Case status
  - Charges filed
  - Court dates
  - Disposition information
  - Sentencing details
Pima County Public Records Portal
- Access the Pima County Public Records portal
- Submit an electronic records request
- Provide specific information about the records sought
- Pay applicable fees online
- Receive documents electronically when available

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
Not all arrest record details may be available online due to privacy restrictions
Some systems may require registration or the creation of a user account
Technical limitations may occasionally affect system availability

For the most comprehensive and current information, combining online searches with formal records requests may be necessary.

How To Search Pima County Arrest Records for Free?

Pima County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through formal records requests.

Free arrest record search options include:

Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Roster
- The inmate information system provides free public access to current inmate data
- Search by name to locate individuals currently in custody
- Information includes charges, booking date, and custody status
- This resource is updated regularly but only includes current inmates
Pima County Justice Court Public Access Terminal
- Visit the Pima County Justice Court in person
Pima County Justice Court
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3171
Pima County Justice Court
- Use the public access terminals available during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Search court cases related to arrests at no cost
- Print fees may apply if you need physical copies of documents
Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Records Unit
- Limited information is available through the DPS Records Request portal
- Basic criminal history information may be available without charge for personal records
- Third-party requests typically require fees
Pima County Public Library Resources
- Public libraries offer free internet access to search public databases
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
- Some libraries maintain access to legal research databases that may include court records

When utilizing free resources, users should be aware of these limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
Records may not include historical data or expunged/sealed cases
Some systems may have usage time limits (particularly at public terminals)
Technical assistance may be limited

For the most thorough search results, combining multiple free resources is recommended. If specific detailed information is required, users may need to utilize fee-based services.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pima County

In Pima County, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through legal processes established under Arizona law. It is important to understand the distinction between record sealing (restricting public access) and expungement (legal erasure), as Arizona law provides different remedies depending on the circumstances.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-911, certain arrest records may be eligible for sealing. The process for sealing or limiting access to arrest records includes:

Determine Eligibility
- Records may be eligible for sealing if:
  - Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
  - The conviction was set aside under A.R.S. § 13-907
  - The person completed a diversion program and charges were dismissed
  - The arrest did not result in a conviction
  - The conviction was vacated or overturned
File a Petition
- Complete the appropriate petition form for sealing records
- File the petition with the Pima County Superior Court
Pima County Superior Court
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Superior Court
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
- Include all supporting documentation, such as dismissal orders or completion certificates
Attend Hearing (if required)
- The court may schedule a hearing to review the petition
- Be prepared to explain why sealing the record is appropriate
- The prosecutor may object to the petition
Notification of Agencies
- If granted, the court will issue an order to seal the records
- The order will be sent to relevant agencies, including:
  - Pima County Sheriff's Department
  - Arizona Department of Public Safety
  - Prosecuting agency
  - Any other agencies that may possess the records

For individuals with marijuana-related arrests or convictions, Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-2862 provides a separate process for expungement following the passage of Proposition 207. This process allows for the complete expungement of certain marijuana offenses from public records.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed or expunged:

Certain government agencies may still have access for specific purposes
Some sealed records may still be accessible to law enforcement
Private companies that previously collected the information may still have it in their databases

Due to the legal complexities involved, individuals seeking to seal or expunge arrest records are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Arizona record sealing laws.

What Happens After Arrest in Pima County?

Following an arrest in Pima County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Arizona state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking and Processing
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing
Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the arrestee of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Preliminary determination of probable cause is made
- Release conditions are established
- Public defender may be appointed if the individual qualifies
- Future court dates are scheduled
Bail Determination
- Judge sets bail amount based on:
  - Severity of alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Flight risk
  - Danger to the community
- Release options may include:
  - Cash bond
  - Secured bond
  - Release on own recognizance
  - Electronic monitoring
  - Pretrial supervision
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (for felonies)
- Preliminary hearing: Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Grand jury: Panel of citizens determines if sufficient evidence exists to indict
- Must occur within 10 days if in custody or 20 days if released (for preliminary hearings)
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Discovery process begins
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
- Settlement conferences
Trial
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation (or judge's decision in bench trials)
- Verdict
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Victim impact statements
- Sentencing hearing
- Judge imposes sentence, which may include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines and restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief proceedings
- Probation supervision (if applicable)
- Incarceration (if applicable)

Throughout this process, the Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains custody records that document the individual's status within the criminal justice system. These records become part of the individual's arrest record and are generally accessible through the public records request process, subject to applicable exemptions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pima County?

Arrest records in Pima County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Arizona law. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records oversees these retention requirements through Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-151.12, which mandates the establishment of records retention schedules for all government agencies.

For law enforcement records, including arrest records, the following retention periods generally apply:

Arrest Reports: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 25 years for misdemeanor arrests
Booking Information: 25 years from date of booking
Fingerprint Cards: 99 years from date of collection
Mugshot Photographs: 25 years from date of booking
Investigation Reports: Permanent retention for felonies; 25 years for misdemeanors
Criminal History Information: Permanent retention

Different agencies within Pima County may have varying retention requirements:

Pima County Sheriff's Department
- Maintains arrest records according to state-mandated retention schedules
- Certain serious offense records (homicide, sexual assault) are kept permanently
- Juvenile records have specialized retention requirements
Pima County Superior Court
- Court case records related to arrests are typically maintained permanently
- Electronic records systems have expanded retention capabilities
Pima County Attorney's Office
- Prosecution files related to arrests follow case-specific retention schedules
- Felony case files are typically maintained for 25 years after case closure
Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Maintains central repository of criminal history information
- Records are generally kept for the lifetime of the individual

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Supports public safety through access to criminal history information

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should consult with the agency that maintains the records in question. The Pima County Public Records portal provides guidance on requesting information about records retention policies.

How to Find Mugshots in Pima County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs serve to document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of booking and become part of the official arrest record. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the individual.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Pima County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Pima County Sheriff's Department
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
520-351-4600
Pima County Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff's Department maintains these photographs as part of their booking records. Additionally, municipal police departments within Pima County maintain mugshots for arrests made within their jurisdictions.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots in Pima County, individuals may:

Submit a Public Records Request
- Complete a public records request form through the Pima County Public Records portal
- Specify that you are seeking booking photographs
- Provide as much identifying information as possible, including:
  - Full name of the individual
  - Date of birth (if known)
  - Date of arrest (if known)
  - Booking number (if known)
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
Visit the Sheriff's Department Records Section
- Request mugshots in person during business hours
- Present identification
- Complete required forms
- Pay applicable fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The Pima County Sheriff's Department does not currently maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. However, limited booking information, which may include mugshots for current inmates, can be found through the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate roster.

It is important to note that various third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records. These sites are not officially affiliated with Pima County government agencies and may:

Charge fees for removal of images
Contain outdated or inaccurate information
Not reflect expunged or sealed records
Violate individual privacy rights

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:

Cases involving juveniles
Cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order
Situations where release would compromise an ongoing investigation
Instances where privacy concerns outweigh public interest

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.04, agencies may redact identifying information in certain circumstances to protect privacy interests while still fulfilling public records obligations.

When requesting mugshots, individuals should be aware that these images are considered public records under Arizona law, but their use may be subject to restrictions for commercial purposes in some contexts.

Lookup Arrest Records in Pima County

Pima County Sheriff's Department

Pima County Inmate Information

Pima County Public Records Requests

Arizona Judicial Branch Case Lookup

Arizona Department of Public Safety Records Requests

Arizona Criminal History Records

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