Pinal County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pinal County
Arrest records in Pinal County are considered public records under Arizona law. Pursuant to Title 39 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, commonly known as the Public Records Act, government agencies are required to maintain records and make them accessible to the public. This includes records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies operating within Pinal County.
The Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 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 statutory provision creates a presumption of openness for government records, including arrest records maintained by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest record is created regardless of whether charges are filed or the individual is ultimately convicted.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding, either by trial verdict or plea agreement.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit serves as the central repository for police reports and arrest records generated by county law enforcement. While these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected information as permitted under A.R.S. § 39-121.03.
What's in Pinal County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Pinal County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office maintains these records with the following standard components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Facility where individual was processed
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of release (own recognizance, cash bond, etc.)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where individual is being held
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Property seized during arrest
- Statements made by the arrestee
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative needs.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pinal County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Pinal County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains a structured process for public records requests that complies with Arizona state law.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit during regular business hours.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
971 N Jason Lopez Circle, Building C
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 866-5111
Pinal County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Purpose of request (though not legally required to provide)
- Signature and date
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. The current fee schedule is:
- $5.00 for the first 5 pages
- $0.25 per page thereafter
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive searches
To request arrest records by mail:
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Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Pinal County website.
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Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
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Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
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Mail the completed form, ID copy, and payment to:
Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
P.O. Box 867
Florence, AZ 85132
To request arrest records electronically:
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Visit the Pinal County Public Records Request portal.
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Complete the online form with all required information.
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Upload a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
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Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), the custodian of records must promptly respond to all public records requests. While the law does not specify an exact timeframe, requests are typically processed within 5-10 business days, depending on complexity and volume.
How To Find Pinal County Arrest Records Online
Pinal County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital tools allow members of the public to conduct preliminary research without visiting county offices in person.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search is a primary online resource that provides real-time information about individuals currently incarcerated in the Pinal County Jail. This searchable database includes:
- Inmate's full name
- Booking number
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when applicable)
It is important to note that this database only includes current inmates and does not provide historical arrest records for individuals who have been released.
For broader criminal case information, the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system provides access to court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings. This statewide database includes cases from Pinal County courts and allows searches by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Citation number
- Court location
The Pinal County Justice Courts website provides access to records for misdemeanor cases, which often result from arrests for less serious offenses. Users can search for specific cases and access information about court proceedings, charges, and case outcomes.
For more serious criminal matters, the Pinal County Superior Court Criminal Cases portal provides information about felony cases resulting from arrests in the county. This resource includes case schedules, hearing dates, and disposition information.
When using these online resources, users should be aware that:
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete arrest records may still require a formal public records request
- Online records may not include all details contained in the official arrest record
How To Search Pinal County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Pinal County arrest record information at no cost through several available resources. These free options provide basic information, though they may not include the comprehensive details found in complete arrest records.
The most direct free resource is the Pinal County Sheriff's Inmate Search tool, which provides current custody information for individuals held in county detention facilities. This searchable database is available 24/7 and requires no login or payment. Users should note that this resource only includes current inmates and does not provide historical arrest data.
The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system offers free access to court records related to arrests. While this system does not provide the arrest record itself, it contains valuable information about criminal charges, court dates, and case dispositions resulting from arrests. This resource covers both misdemeanor cases handled by Justice Courts and felony matters processed through Superior Court.
For in-person research at no cost, individuals may visit:
Pinal County Superior Court Clerk's Office
971 Jason Lopez Circle, Building A
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 866-5300
Pinal County Superior Court
At this location, public access terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for searching court records related to arrests and criminal cases. While viewing records on these terminals is free, printing documents incurs standard copy fees.
Additionally, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains a limited free public records search for certain criminal history information, though comprehensive background checks require payment of statutory fees.
When utilizing free resources, researchers should be aware of these limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than official records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some case details may be restricted or redacted
- Complex searches may require assistance from court or law enforcement personnel
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pinal County
Under Arizona law, the complete deletion or expungement of arrest records is limited to specific circumstances. However, several legal mechanisms exist to restrict public access to these records or mitigate their impact.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911, individuals with marijuana-related arrests and convictions may be eligible for expungement if the offense involved:
- Possessing, consuming, or transporting 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana (with no more than 12.5 grams being concentrate)
- Possessing, transporting, cultivating, or processing six or fewer marijuana plants for personal use
- Possessing, using, or transporting paraphernalia related to marijuana consumption
For other types of arrests, Arizona law provides for a process called "setting aside" a conviction under A.R.S. § 13-905, which is distinct from expungement. When a conviction is set aside:
- The court vacates the judgment of guilt
- Dismisses the accusations or information
- Releases the person from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction
To petition for setting aside an arrest record in Pinal County:
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Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Pinal County Superior Court or the court where the case was handled.
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File the petition with the clerk of the court that handled the original case.
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Pay any applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify).
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Attend any scheduled hearing regarding the petition.
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If granted, obtain certified copies of the court order setting aside the conviction.
Factors the court considers when evaluating these petitions include:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- Compliance with all sentence requirements
- Length of time since the arrest or conviction
- Criminal history before and after the arrest
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- The purpose for which the person is seeking relief
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for a "notation of clearance" under A.R.S. § 13-4051. This process adds a notation to the record indicating that the person was cleared of any alleged wrongdoing, though it does not remove the arrest record itself.
It is important to note that even when records are set aside or expunged, certain government agencies may still access the information for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations or employment screening for sensitive positions.
What Happens After Arrest in Pinal County?
Following an arrest in Pinal County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Arizona state law and county procedures. This process includes several key stages that determine how a case proceeds through the system.
The initial post-arrest procedure begins with booking at a Pinal County Sheriff's Office detention facility. During booking, the arrestee is:
- Photographed and fingerprinted
- Searched for contraband
- Required to surrender personal property
- Interviewed for basic information
- Screened for medical and mental health issues
- Entered into the jail management system
Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual must appear before a judicial officer for an initial appearance. At this proceeding, which typically occurs at one of the Pinal County Justice Courts, the judge:
- Informs the arrestee of the charges
- Advises them of their constitutional rights
- Determines conditions of release (bail or own recognizance)
- Assigns counsel if the defendant qualifies for public representation
- Sets dates for future court appearances
For misdemeanor cases, the next step is typically arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Misdemeanor cases are generally handled by the Justice Courts and may proceed to:
- Pretrial conferences where plea negotiations occur
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Bench or jury trials if the case is not resolved through plea agreement
- Sentencing if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty
For felony cases, the process includes additional steps:
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A preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime
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If probable cause is established, the case is transferred to Pinal County Superior Court for arraignment on the formal charges
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The Superior Court process then includes:
- Case management conferences
- Evidentiary hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Trial proceedings
- Sentencing if convicted
Throughout this process, individuals may be:
- Detained in the Pinal County Jail
- Released on bail or their own recognizance with conditions
- Placed under pretrial supervision
- Required to participate in monitoring programs
The timeframe for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the defendant is in custody or released. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 30-180 days, while felony matters may take 6-18 months or longer to reach disposition.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pinal County?
Arrest records in Pinal County are maintained according to Arizona's records retention schedules, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of government documents. These retention periods ensure accountability, preserve evidence, and maintain historical records of law enforcement activities.
The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records establishes retention schedules that govern how long different types of records must be maintained. For arrest records specifically, the retention requirements vary based on several factors:
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For arrests resulting in felony convictions, records are maintained permanently by both the arresting agency and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit.
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For arrests resulting in misdemeanor convictions, records must be retained for at least 25 years from the date of arrest, pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code R2-5-304.
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For arrests where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted, records are typically maintained for 7 years, though agencies may retain them longer.
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For arrests involving juveniles, special rules apply under A.R.S. § 8-349, with records generally being sealed when the individual reaches age 18, provided certain conditions are met.
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period expires, records may not be automatically destroyed. Many law enforcement agencies, including the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records indefinitely, particularly as records have transitioned to digital formats that require less physical storage space.
Additionally, multiple agencies may maintain copies of arrest records, each with their own retention requirements:
- The arresting agency maintains the original arrest report
- The county jail maintains booking and custody records
- The prosecutor's office maintains case files
- The courts maintain case records and disposition information
- The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains statewide criminal history information
These overlapping retention systems mean that even if one agency purges a record after its retention period expires, the information may still exist in other government databases. This comprehensive approach to records retention serves important public safety and accountability functions, though it can present challenges for individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest history.
How to Find Mugshots in Pinal County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered part of the public arrest record in Pinal County. These images serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. They typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- A profile (side) view of the arrestee
- A booking identification number or placard
- Date of booking
- Agency information
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit serves as the official repository for mugshots taken during arrests by county law enforcement. These photographs are stored in the agency's records management system along with other booking information and arrest details.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots from Pinal County authorities, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request specifically asking for booking photographs. The request should include:
- Full name of the arrestee
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction. Current fees include:
- $5.00 for the first 5 pages
- $0.25 per page thereafter
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides information about current inmates, it does not display mugshot photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, Pinal County does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs.
However, mugshots may appear on third-party websites that aggregate arrest information from multiple sources. These commercial websites are not officially affiliated with Pinal County government agencies and may:
- Contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Charge fees for removal of photographs
- Not reflect case dismissals or acquittals
- Violate individual privacy rights
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot information is through official channels:
Pinal County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
971 N Jason Lopez Circle, Building C
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 866-5111
Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and photographs are confidential under Arizona law
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Certain victim information may be redacted
- Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
The Arizona Department of Public Safety also maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including mugshots, though access to this database is restricted to authorized agencies and requires payment of statutory fees for non-criminal justice purposes.
Lookup Arrest Records in Pinal County
Records Unit at the Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Pinal County Sheriff's Office official website
Public Records Request portal for Pinal County
Justice Courts in Pinal County
Arizona Department of Public Safety Records Request
Pinal County Sheriff Inmate Search
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup
Criminal Records information from Pinal County Superior Court