Mohave County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mohave County
Arrest records in Mohave County are considered public information pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law, specifically Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121. This statute 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." The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to favor public disclosure of government records, including those related to arrests.
Members of the public should note the important distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Arizona law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Mohave County. However, pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1750, certain arrest records may be subject to restricted access if the arrest did not result in a conviction or if the record has been expunged or sealed by court order.
Mohave County Sheriff's Office
700 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0753
Mohave County Sheriff's Office
What's in Mohave County Arrest Records
Mohave County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Incident report number
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
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Date of release if bond was posted
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Mohave County
- Probation or parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4434, certain information may be redacted to protect victim privacy or ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mohave County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Mohave County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Mohave County Sheriff's Office Records Division
700 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0753
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person, requestors should:
- Complete the official public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees (currently $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page)
For written requests by mail, individuals should send a completed records request form to the address above. The form is available on the Mohave County Sheriff's Office website. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment in the form of check or money order.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the county's online portal. Navigate to the Mohave County Public Records Request page and follow the prompts to complete the electronic form. Payment can be made via credit card for online requests.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), the custodian of records must promptly respond to requests for public records. While the statute does not specify an exact timeframe, the Arizona Attorney General's Office has interpreted "promptly" to mean within a reasonable time, depending on the nature of the request and the resources available to the agency.
For certified copies of arrest records, which may be required for legal proceedings, requestors should specifically indicate this requirement on their application and be prepared to pay additional certification fees.
How To Find Mohave County Arrest Records Online
Mohave County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Arizona public records laws.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Mohave County Inmate Search portal. This database is maintained by the Mohave County Sheriff's Office and provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. Users can search by:
- First and last name
- Booking number
- Date of birth
The system displays:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
For historical arrest records and broader criminal history information, the Arizona Judicial Branch maintains the Public Access Case Lookup system. This statewide database includes Mohave County cases and provides:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Charges
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Disposition information
Users should note that pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, certain case types may have restricted access online, even if the physical records are available at the courthouse.
For comprehensive criminal history reports that include arrest data, the Arizona Department of Public Safety offers an online records check service through their Criminal History Records section. This service requires:
- Creation of an account
- Payment of statutory fees
- Submission of identifying information
- Notarized authorization (for third-party requests)
When using online systems, users should be aware that the information provided is subject to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, which prohibits the use of public records for commercial purposes without declaring such intent and paying appropriate fees.
How To Search Mohave County Arrest Records for Free?
Mohave County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided as a public service in accordance with Arizona's commitment to government transparency.
The Mohave County Inmate Search portal offers free access to current custody information. This resource is particularly useful for:
- Family members checking on recently arrested individuals
- Attorneys verifying client status
- Bail bondsmen researching potential clients
- Members of the public conducting research
The Mohave County Courts website provides free access to court calendars and basic case information. Visitors can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Hearing date
- Judge assignment
For in-person research at no cost, individuals may visit:
Mohave County Superior Court Clerk's Office
401 E. Spring Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0713
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
At this location, public access terminals are available for searching court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. While viewing records on these terminals is free, printing documents incurs standard copy fees.
The Mohave County Law Library also provides free public access to legal research materials and limited access to court records:
Mohave County Law Library
401 E. Spring Street, Room 204
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0790
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), agencies may not charge for the inspection of public records, though reasonable fees may be assessed for copies or certified documents. When utilizing free resources, members of the public should be prepared to provide basic identifying information about the subject of their search to narrow results.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Mohave County
Arizona law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through processes known as expungement, sealing, and setting aside of judgments. These procedures are governed primarily by Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-911 and related provisions.
Expungement refers to the legal process of removing arrest and conviction records from public view, while sealing restricts access to these records without completely destroying them. In Mohave County, individuals may petition for these remedies under the following circumstances:
For arrests that did not result in charges:
- The arrest must have occurred at least one year prior to the petition
- No charges were filed or charges were dismissed
- The case was not diverted for successful completion of a deferred prosecution program
For convictions:
- The conviction must be eligible under A.R.S. § 13-911
- All terms of the sentence must be completed, including probation
- All fines, restitution, and other financial obligations must be paid
- The required waiting period must have elapsed (varies by offense type)
To initiate the process, individuals must:
- Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the Mohave County Superior Court
- Gather supporting documentation (case numbers, dates of arrest, disposition information)
- File the petition with the clerk of the court where the case was handled
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required by the court
Mohave County Superior Court
401 E. Spring Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0713
Mohave County Courts
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911(G), if the court grants an expungement petition, the order requires all law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and court clerks to seal the records. However, certain government agencies may still access sealed records for specific purposes, including:
- Law enforcement investigations
- Prosecutorial review for charging decisions
- Judicial sentencing considerations
- Licensing board evaluations
It is important to note that expungement in Arizona does not physically destroy records but rather restricts their accessibility. Additionally, federal agencies and out-of-state entities may still maintain access to these records through their own databases.
What Happens After Arrest in Mohave County?
Following an arrest in Mohave County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Arizona state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.
The initial post-arrest procedure involves booking at a Mohave County detention facility, where the arrestee undergoes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial custody classification
Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual must appear before a judicial officer for an initial appearance, as required by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure 4.1. During this proceeding, the court:
- Informs the defendant of the charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines probable cause for detention
- Considers release conditions
- Assigns counsel if the defendant qualifies
- Sets dates for subsequent proceedings
For misdemeanor offenses, defendants may enter a plea at the initial appearance. For felonies, the case proceeds to either a preliminary hearing or grand jury review to determine if probable cause exists to support the charges. This must occur within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 20 days if released, pursuant to Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure 5.1.
If the case advances beyond preliminary proceedings, an arraignment is scheduled where formal charges are presented and the defendant enters a plea. Following arraignment, the case enters the pre-trial phase, which may include:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
Cases not resolved through plea agreements proceed to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In Mohave County, misdemeanor trials typically occur in Justice Courts or Municipal Courts, while felony trials are held in Superior Court.
Following conviction, either by plea or verdict, the court conducts sentencing proceedings. Arizona law establishes sentencing guidelines based on offense severity, criminal history, and statutory requirements. Sentences may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Throughout this process, defendants have the right to appeal certain decisions to higher courts, including the Arizona Court of Appeals and ultimately the Arizona Supreme Court.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mohave County?
Arrest records in Mohave County are subject to retention requirements established by Arizona state law and administrative regulations. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division establishes the official records retention schedules that govern how long these documents must be maintained.
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-151.12, law enforcement agencies must retain arrest records according to the following general guidelines:
- Felony arrest records: 109 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches age 25, unless the case was transferred to adult court
- Arrest records for cases resulting in dismissal: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records for cases resulting in acquittal: 25 years from date of arrest
These extended retention periods serve several critical public functions:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns and law enforcement activities
- Historical research and archival purposes
- Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
The Mohave County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in both physical and digital formats, with different retention requirements for each medium. Electronic records are typically maintained in the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS), which is administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
It is important to note that different agencies within the criminal justice system may have varying retention requirements for related records. For example:
- Court records related to arrests follow the Arizona Supreme Court's retention schedule
- Prosecutor files have separate retention periods established by the County Attorney's Office
- Jail booking records have distinct retention requirements from arrest reports
Even after the mandatory retention period expires, records may be preserved for historical or archival purposes rather than destroyed, particularly for cases of significant public interest or legal importance.
How to Find Mugshots in Mohave County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Mohave County under Arizona law. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs document the appearance of the arrestee at the time of booking and serve as official identification within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Mohave County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Mohave County Sheriff's Office
700 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0753
Mohave County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within the county also maintain mugshots for arrests they process. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and are stored in both physical and digital formats in secure law enforcement databases.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may submit a public records request to the arresting agency. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case or booking number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request
Can They Be Found Online
The Mohave County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing online database specifically for mugshots. However, limited booking information, which sometimes includes mugshots, may be available through the Mohave County Inmate Search portal for currently incarcerated individuals.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should submit a records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests can be made:
- In person at the agency's records division
- By mail with a completed records request form
- Through the agency's online records request portal (if available)
Standard fees apply for copies of mugshots, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, in accordance with the county's established fee schedule.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are confidential under A.R.S. § 8-208
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images related to certain sensitive crimes (e.g., sexual offenses) may have restricted access
- Expunged or sealed records will not include publicly accessible mugshots
The Arizona Legislature has considered bills in recent sessions to limit commercial use of mugshots, particularly by websites that charge fees for removal, though comprehensive legislation has not yet been enacted.