Criminal records in Maricopa County, Arizona, are available through several channels. MaricopaCourt.us allows you to search for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the county's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court's office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail. Each search method, the types of available data, and the procedure for obtaining certified copies are described below.
How to Search Criminal Records in Maricopa
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following identifiers:
- The person's full name (name in Latin script)
- Case number
- Date of birth (if available — narrows results)
Online Search
- MaricopaCourt.us — a convenient starting point for searching public information on criminal cases in the county.
- Public Access to Court Information — the Docket system on the Maricopa County Superior Court website. Here you can find felony cases, hearing dates, judges' names, and case statuses.
- Case Search for Justice Courts — for limited jurisdiction cases: misdemeanors, minor offenses, traffic violations. Records are maintained according to the Arizona Supreme Court's retention schedule.
- Arizona Public Access Case Lookup — a statewide portal of the Arizona Judicial Branch covering cases across the state.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of the Superior Court's office is located in the courthouse complex in downtown Phoenix. Public terminals are available during business hours. You can view case materials on-site or order copies.
Mail Request
A written request for court records can be sent to the clerk of court's address. Include the defendant's full name, case number (if known), and the type of document needed. Add prepayment for copies.
To obtain an official state-level criminal history, a request is submitted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS is the central repository for the state's criminal records. Access to complete records is restricted — usually obtained by authorized agencies and employers, as well as individuals requesting their own history.
Search Maricopa Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in the Arizona Superior Court has a standard format, for example: CR2024-012345.
- CR — case type prefix (Criminal). Other options: CR for felonies, other codes for misdemeanors in justice courts.
- 2024 — the year the case was filed.
- 012345 — the sequential number assigned by the clerk's office.
If you know the full number, enter it in the "Case Number" field on the Docket portal or in the justice courts system. This is the most accurate search method — it directly opens the desired case without the need to filter results by name.
Justice court cases use a different number format, which includes the code of the specific justice court. Note: there are over twenty justice courts in the county, and each maintains its own numbering.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Maricopa
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), e.g., A.R.S. § 13-1203 — assault |
| Severity Level | Felony (classes 1–6), Misdemeanor (classes 1–3), Petty Offense |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or drop charges during proceedings — this is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, the case is closed
Types of Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages in the criminal division of the Superior Court:
- Initial Appearance — first appearance, determination of bail
- Preliminary Hearing — preliminary hearing to confirm the sufficiency of evidence
- Arraignment — formal reading of charges, the defendant states their plea (guilty / not guilty)
- Pre-Trial Conference — pre-trial conference, discussion of plea agreement
- Trial — court trial
- Sentencing — sentencing
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted as a result of the trial |
| Pled Guilty | The defendant pleaded guilty under a plea agreement with the prosecutor |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Maricopa
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as proof.
Where to Apply
For felony court records — to the Clerk of the Superior Court's office. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail.
To check for arrest warrants, contact the criminal division of the Superior Court — by phone or email.
What is Required for the Request
- Completed request form (available at the office)
- Valid photo ID
- Case number or defendant's full name
- Payment of established fees
State-Level Criminal History
Arizona DPS processes requests for state criminal history. Complete records are available to a limited group of people — authorized agencies and individuals requesting their own history. Fingerprinting is usually required to submit a request.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Maricopa
Fees for court records in Maricopa County are set according to Arizona Supreme Court orders and local rules. Below are approximate rates:
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard clerk's office rate |
| Document certification | $26.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check (DPS) | Depends on request type | Contact Arizona DPS for current rates |
Processing Times
- Online Search — results appear instantly
- Copies at the office — usually the same day for in-person requests
- Mail Requests — 5 to 10 business days, depending on volume
- Criminal History via DPS — times vary; electronic requests are processed faster than paper ones
The current list of fees can be clarified directly at the clerk of court's office or on the Maricopa County public records portal. Rates may change, so check the current amounts before submitting a request.