Arizona Criminal Records Search

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How to Check for Arizona Criminal Records

Arizona’s Department of Public Safety does not offer the public any copies of someone’s criminal records. They do provide them through fingerprint data to authorized agencies but not private citizens and companies looking to perform a background check on someone. They have a particular area on their website that talks about the rules for background checks. However, you can still use a third-party service to get a background check and find someone’s criminal records that way.

Federal Records vs. Court Criminal Records in Arizona

Arizona’s Judicial Branch does have a website where they offer the general public access to federal, state and local criminal records through court case documents. You can search using a person’s name, date of birth, court, or by case number. Another option to use for federal criminal records is the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. You can also visit local district courts for instant copies of any criminal court cases, but you might have to pay a fee and wait while they make copies for you.

How Long do Felony or Misdemeanor Charges Last?

Arizona does not allow criminal records to be expunged. Therefore felonies and misdemeanors will stay on your record forever unless you apply to have them “set aside.” A Set Aside does not mean they will be removed, but it will show that you successfully completed your rehabilitation, probation or parole and had no current/pending charges or convictions. Most agencies view Set-Asides as very positive and will consider it when they evaluate you for permits or additional licensing.

Who Can Lookup your Criminal Background?

Anyone can search court documents for your criminal proceedings, but Arizona does not allow the general public to search through criminal records posted online. However, you can get a copy of your own files through the local police department where you live. The public can also use third-party vendors to search for your criminal records and get them that way too.

Why Check Someone’s Filed Criminal Charges?

Many people use criminal background checks before dating someone to check to see if they have a criminal past. Sometimes people use them to check up on someone or find more information about them. Landlords often use them before renting property to strangers.

Types of Criminal Records

Arizona criminal records will show you basic demographic information like name, date of birth, address, phone number, physical description including any scars and tattoos, height, weight, gender, and race. It will also show charges, convictions, sentencing, sex offenses, DUIs, traffic violations, felonies, misdemeanors, incarcerations along with mug shots and fingerprints.

How Are AZ Criminal Records Created?

Arizona criminal records are compiled from the myriad of documents that law enforcement officials fill out when someone is arrested, taken to court, detained, questioned, fingerprinted, photographed, and even incarcerated. Everything pertaining to their crime and their position in the justice system is recorded and becomes part of their criminal history.