Pima County Criminal Records

What Is Pima County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pima County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Pima County, Arizona.

Criminal records are categorized by several important distinctions:

• Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual has been taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with certain exceptions.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year. The Pima County Superior Court handles felony cases, while misdemeanors may be processed through Justice Courts or Municipal Courts.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-208, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Pima County:

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 arrest records, booking information, and jail records for individuals processed through county facilities.

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Superior Court

The Superior Court maintains case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information for felony cases and other matters within its jurisdiction.

Pima County Justice Courts
Multiple locations throughout the county
Justice Courts

Justice Courts handle misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases within their precincts.

Arizona Department of Public Safety
2102 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602-223-2000
Arizona DPS

The state agency maintains the central repository of criminal history information for Arizona.

Pima County criminal records typically include documentation of charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Pima County

Criminal records in Pima County are generally accessible to the public under Arizona's Public Records Law. The Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121 establishes that "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 creates a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal records maintained by county agencies.

The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to favor public access, stating that records should be available to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or where privacy or confidentiality interests clearly outweigh the public's right to know. However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted or exempt from public disclosure:

Publicly Accessible Records Include:

• Adult arrest records
• Court proceedings and case files for adult defendants
• Conviction records
• Sentencing information
• Incarceration records
• Inmate rosters maintained by the Pima County Sheriff's Department
• Criminal case information available through the Pima County Superior Court

Restricted or Limited Access Records Include:

• Records of ongoing criminal investigations (temporarily restricted)
• Grand jury proceedings (confidential under Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure)
• Juvenile records (sealed under A.R.S. § 8-208, with exceptions)
• Records sealed by court order
• Expunged or set aside convictions
• Victim information in certain sensitive cases
• Records containing information that would compromise public safety
• Records where disclosure would violate federal law

The Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court serves as the custodian of court records and implements policies regarding public access in accordance with state law and court rules. While the presumption favors disclosure, the clerk may redact sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, financial account information, and certain victim details before releasing records to the public.

Law enforcement agencies in Pima County, including the Sheriff's Department, maintain their own records and may have agency-specific policies regarding public access that comply with state law while addressing legitimate privacy and safety concerns. The Pima County Sheriff's Department provides access to certain records through their public information office.

Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while the records may be public, obtaining them often requires following specific procedures and may involve fees for copying or certification services. Additionally, the use of criminal records is regulated by various state and federal laws, particularly in contexts such as employment, housing, and licensing decisions.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Pima County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Pima County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each providing access to different types of criminal justice information.

In-Person Requests at the Pima County Superior Court:

1. Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court's office located at 110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701.
2. Complete a public records request form, specifying the case number if known, or providing the individual's full name and date of birth.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees for document copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies, with additional fees for certified documents).
5. For extensive searches or older records, staff may require additional time to locate and prepare documents.

The Superior Court Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.

Requesting Records from the Pima County Sheriff's Department:

1. Submit a public records request to the Records Section at 1750 E. Benson Highway, Tucson, AZ 85714.
2. Complete the Sheriff's Department records request form, available online or in person.
3. Provide specific information about the incident or individual, including dates, names, and locations.
4. Allow 5-10 business days for processing (complex requests may take longer).
5. Pay applicable fees upon receipt of records.

Accessing Justice Court Records:

For misdemeanor cases and other matters handled by Justice Courts:

1. Identify the appropriate Justice Court precinct where the case was filed.
2. Visit the court during business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
3. Request records at the clerk's counter, providing case numbers or defendant information.
4. Pay required fees for copies or certified documents.

Mail or Email Requests:

For those unable to visit in person, records may be requested by mail or email:

1. Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Superior Court Clerk, Sheriff's Department, or Justice Court).
2. Include detailed information about the records sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
3. Provide contact information and specify preferred delivery method.
4. Include payment information for applicable fees.

The Pima County Clerk of the Board coordinates many public records requests and can direct inquiries to the appropriate department.

Background Check Services:

For comprehensive criminal history information:

1. Submit a fingerprint-based background check request to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
2. Complete the required forms and provide fingerprints (available at the Sheriff's Department or authorized fingerprinting services).
3. Pay the required fee (currently $25 for a standard record check).
4. Allow 10-15 business days for processing.

When requesting criminal records, be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible, including full legal name, date of birth, and any known case numbers or incident dates. This information helps ensure accurate results and reduces processing time.

How To Find Criminal Records in Pima County Online?

Pima County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing users to search for and retrieve various types of criminal justice information remotely.

Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup:

The Public Access Case Lookup portal provides access to case information from Superior Courts throughout Arizona, including Pima County. Users can:

• Search by case number, party name, or business name
• View case summaries, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information
• Access case calendars and judge assignments
• View certain case documents (though not all documents are available online)

No registration is required for basic searches, though some features may be limited for non-registered users. The system does not provide access to sealed or confidential cases.

Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information:

The Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate roster that provides information about individuals currently in custody at county jail facilities. This searchable database includes:

• Inmate name and booking number
• Physical description and booking photo
• Current charges
• Bond information
• Court dates
• Facility location

This resource is updated regularly and provides real-time information about current inmates. Historical incarceration records may require a formal records request.

Pima County Justice Courts Online Case Search:

For misdemeanor cases and other matters handled by Justice Courts, the Justice Courts case information system allows users to:

• Search by defendant name or case number
• View case status and scheduled court dates
• Access information about charges and dispositions
• View payment information for fines and fees

Users should note that this system only includes Justice Court cases, not Superior Court or Municipal Court matters.

Pima County Attorney's Office Case Status Information:

The County Attorney's Office provides limited online access to information about criminal cases being prosecuted by their office. The system allows victims and interested parties to:

• Check the status of pending cases
• View upcoming court dates
• Receive notifications about case developments

Access to this system may require registration and verification of identity.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal History Records:

For official criminal history reports (often required for employment or licensing purposes), the Arizona Department of Public Safety offers an online portal for requesting records. Users must:

• Create an account and verify their identity
• Submit the required information and payment
• Receive results electronically (typically within 5-7 business days)

This service provides official criminal history information from the state repository, which includes records from all jurisdictions within Arizona.

When using online systems to access criminal records, users should be aware of several limitations:

• Not all court documents are available electronically
• Older cases (typically pre-2000) may have limited online information
• Sealed, expunged, or confidential cases will not appear in public searches
• Some detailed information may require formal records requests
• Online systems may experience occasional technical issues or maintenance periods

For the most comprehensive access to criminal records, combining online searches with formal records requests often yields the best results.

Can You Search Pima County Criminal Records for Free?

Pima County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), states that "Public records shall be open to inspection by any person," establishing the right to inspect records without charge, though fees may be assessed for copies or special services.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors may inspect public case files at computer terminals or request physical files for review at no cost. Staff assistance for locating records is provided without charge, though extended research assistance may incur fees.

Pima County Justice Courts
Various locations throughout the county
Hours: Generally Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Each Justice Court precinct allows free inspection of misdemeanor case files within their jurisdiction. Visitors should be prepared to provide case numbers or defendant names to facilitate record retrieval.

Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
520-351-4600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The public may inspect certain law enforcement records without charge, though some records may be redacted or restricted based on ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:

• Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup - Offers free basic searches of court cases statewide, including Pima County Superior Court cases.

• Pima County Sheriff's Department Inmate Roster - Provides free access to current inmate information, including charges and booking details.

• Pima County Justice Courts Case Information - Allows free searches of misdemeanor cases and other matters handled by Justice Courts.

• Pima County Superior Court Calendar - Provides free access to upcoming court hearings and schedules.

Limitations of Free Searches:

While free options exist, users should be aware of certain limitations:

• In-person inspection requires travel to the appropriate facility during business hours
• Free online systems may offer limited information compared to full record requests
• Older records may not be available through free online systems
• Complex searches may require staff assistance that could incur fees
• Copies of documents typically require payment of copying fees
• Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
• Free systems do not provide access to sealed or confidential records

For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information, particularly for employment or licensing purposes, paid services through the Arizona Department of Public Safety may be necessary, as these provide official verification of criminal history status.

What's Included in a Pima County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Pima County agencies contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, though the specific content may vary depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases or previous names
• Date of birth and place of birth
• Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color
• Identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or other distinguishing features
• Booking photograph (mugshot) if arrested
• Last known address and contact information
• State Identification Number (SID) assigned by Arizona
• FBI number (if applicable for federal cases or interstate matters)
• Fingerprint classification and identification

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer information
• Booking number and facility information
• Initial charges filed by law enforcement
• Probable cause statements
• Bail or bond information
• Detention facility assignment
• Release date and conditions (if applicable)

Court Case Information:

• Case number and court of jurisdiction
• Filing date and case initiation information
• Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
• Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea information and date
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Judge assignment
• Hearing dates and proceedings
• Motions filed and court rulings
• Case status updates and current disposition

Disposition and Sentencing Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details including:
  • Incarceration terms and facility
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines, fees, and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment or program mandates
• Post-conviction relief applications
• Appeal information and outcomes
• Probation/parole status and violations
• Completion of sentence documentation

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or pending charges
• Protective orders or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements (if applicable)
• DUI/DWI history and related administrative actions
• Traffic violations connected to criminal matters
• Diversion program participation
• Specialty court involvement (Drug Court, Veterans Court, etc.)
• Risk assessment information
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
• Victim impact statements (often with restricted access)

The Pima County Superior Court maintains the most comprehensive case records for felony matters, while Justice Courts maintain records for misdemeanors within their jurisdiction. The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest and incarceration records, and the County Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records.

Access to certain elements of criminal records may be restricted based on privacy laws, court orders, or statutory exemptions. Juvenile records, sealed records, and expunged records have significant access restrictions under Arizona law.

How Long Does Pima County Keep Criminal Records?

Pima County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Arizona state law and administrative regulations. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division establishes minimum retention periods for various types of government records, including criminal justice records, under the authority of A.R.S. § 41-151.12.

Court Records Retention:

The Pima County Superior Court and Justice Courts follow these general retention guidelines:

• Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 75 years from case filing for sex crimes; 50 years from case filing for other serious felonies; 25 years from case filing for less serious felonies.

• Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years from case closure for most misdemeanors; 25 years for domestic violence misdemeanors; 5 years for minor misdemeanors and infractions.

• Court Indexes and Registers: Permanent retention as finding aids to court records.

• Court Calendars and Dockets: 5 years after the calendar year created.

• Exhibits: Retained until final disposition of the case plus appeal period; biological evidence in certain cases may be retained for extended periods under A.R.S. § 13-4221.

• Sealed Records: Maintained according to the court order sealing the records, typically with highly restricted access.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Pima County Sheriff's Department follows these general retention guidelines:

• Arrest Records: 25 years from date of arrest for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors.

• Investigation Reports: Permanent retention for homicide and unresolved felonies; 25 years for resolved felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors.

• Booking Records and Photographs: 25 years from date of booking.

• Fingerprint Cards: 99 years from date of collection.

• Incident Reports: 7 years from date of report for most incidents; longer for cases resulting in arrests.

• Sex Offender Registration Records: 99 years from date of registration or lifetime of the offender plus 5 years.

• Inmate Records: 10 years after release from custody.

Prosecution Records Retention:

The Pima County Attorney's Office maintains case files according to these general guidelines:

• Felony Prosecution Files: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 25 years for other felonies.

• Misdemeanor Prosecution Files: 5 years after case closure.

• Declined Prosecution Files: 3 years after decision not to prosecute.

• Diversion Program Files: 5 years after program completion or termination.

It is important to note that these retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are retained longer, particularly those with historical significance or ongoing legal relevance. Additionally, electronic records systems have enabled longer retention of digital information, even when physical documents may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Records that have met their retention period may be destroyed through a formal process that requires documentation and approval. However, the destruction of records does not necessarily mean that all information about a case is eliminated, as summary information may be retained in databases and indexes indefinitely.

Lookup Criminal Records in Pima County

Pima County Sheriff's Department Records

Pima County Inmate Information

Pima County Case Information Portal

Pima County Public Records Request

Arizona Courts Public Access Case Lookup

Pima County Superior and Justice Courts Information

Arizona Judicial Branch Resources