Arrest Records Public Access

Before we begin with Public Arrest Records, please be reminded that arrest records and criminal records are two different types of records. We will be discussing the difference as we go along with this article.

What Are Arrest Records?

If you get arrested, your record of arrest may appear in your background check report. An Arrest is made to prevent a crime but this record does not mean that you are convicted immediately of wrongdoing. This will still be heard in the court and the judge will decide if you are guilty or not.

WILL AN ARREST RECORD SHOW UP ON MY BACKGROUND REPORT?

It is possible that previous arrests may be reflected in background reports. The court reports arrest records the same way the criminal records are being reported but both are different types of records and should not be confused.

Pending case: Arrest has been made and criminal charges already filed. The case is still in the adjudication process and verdict has not been achieved.

Arrest (Non-conviction): The arrested person was not guilty and all charges were dismissed by the court.

Arrest (Conviction): Files criminal charges and the arrested person was prosecuted, found guilty or pleaded guilty.

What Information Is In The Arrest Records?

• – Age
• – Type of arrest
• – Case number
• – Birthdate
• – Name of the person
• – Offense at the time of arrest
• – State
• Gender

---

How To Clear an Arrest From Your Record?

Having an arrest history on your record does not immediately mean that you are a criminal. Arrest history can still be removed from your background report but still depends on the reason for your arrest. Records like sex-related offenses and driver’s license violations can never be removed. 

---

Criteria In removing arrest from your record:

1. You must not be charged with felony within 5 years prior to the arrest
2. Not charged or not found guilty of any crime.
3. Never been charged with any sex-related offenses.
4. Not arrested for multiple crimes in a short period of time.

---

Here are the things you need to do to expunge arrest records:

1. Must fill-out a Petition to Clear Record form.
2. Form must be notarized and secure multiple copies of the notarized form
3. Must submit original file of fingerprints.
4. Both the Petition to Clear Record form and the fingerprints to the courthouse where you were arrested.
5. Attend the required court hearing.

---

Free Arrest Records

These types of records are not publicly available for the people to obtain access. If you need to obtain such records, you must visit the courthouse where the arrest was recorded and make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for you to be able to view the arrest record. There might be an administrative fee to pay and the process may take a while to get the results of your search.

If you want immediate search results, our record search tool is the solution. It offers statewide search if you need to expand your query and lookup by county is also available. You only need the name of the offender and the state or county the crime was committed to begin your search. No need to wait any longer for your search results by processing a reasonable fee in obtaining the records. 

It is safe, convenient and no long waits for your results!