Cochise County Public Records / Cochise County Arrest Records

Cochise County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cochise County

Arrest records in Cochise County are considered public records under Arizona law. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, 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 statute establishes the foundation for public access to government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Cochise County.

The Arizona Public Records Law creates a presumption of openness for government records, with certain statutory exceptions. While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents within their jurisdiction and makes these records available through formal public records requests. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld based on privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other statutory exemptions under A.R.S. § 39-121.01.

What's in Cochise County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Cochise County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual arrested. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance violations
Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing facility

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond status
Release conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information
Property seized during arrest
Statements made by the arrestee
Witness information (may be redacted)
Victim information (typically redacted)

The Cochise County Detention Division processes and maintains these records as part of their booking procedures for individuals taken into custody.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cochise County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cochise County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The primary method involves submitting a formal public records request to the appropriate agency. The process currently includes:

Identify the Correct Agency: Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest (Cochise County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Vista Police Department, Bisbee Police Department, etc.).
Submit a Public Records Request: Complete the Sheriff Public Records Request Form if the arrest was made by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. The form requires:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information about the record being requested
- Purpose of the request
- Preferred format for receiving records
Provide Identification: Present valid government-issued photo identification when submitting the request in person.
Pay Applicable Fees: Fees for record searches and copies are established by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors. Current fees include:
- Search fee: $10.00 per name/incident
- Copy fee: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
Submit Request: Requests may be submitted:

Cochise County Sheriff's Office
205 N Judd Drive
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 432-9500
Cochise County Sheriff's Office

Wait for Processing: Records requests are typically processed in the order received. Complex requests may take additional time to fulfill.
Receive Records: Upon approval, records will be provided in the format requested (mail, email, in-person pickup).

Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), agencies must promptly respond to public records requests and may only deny access based on specific statutory exemptions.

How To Find Cochise County Arrest Records Online

Cochise County provides limited online access to arrest records through several digital platforms. Members of the public seeking arrest information through online channels may utilize the following resources:

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office Public Information section provides some arrest information, particularly for significant cases or recent arrests. This information is typically limited and may not include comprehensive arrest details.
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access: The Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup system allows users to search court cases, which often include information about arrests that led to court proceedings. To search:
- Visit the website
- Select the appropriate court (Justice Court or Superior Court)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
Inmate Search: For individuals currently in custody, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about detained individuals, including:
- Name and booking number
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
Arizona Department of Public Safety Records: For statewide criminal history information, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains records that may include Cochise County arrests. However, access to these records is restricted and requires proper authorization.

It is important to note that online records may not be comprehensive or current. The most accurate and complete arrest records are typically obtained through formal records requests submitted directly to the arresting agency.

How To Search Cochise County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Cochise County arrest records without incurring fees, though some limitations apply to free searches. The following methods are currently available for free arrest record searches:

In-Person Review: Under Arizona public records law, individuals may inspect public records during regular business hours without charge. To review records in person:
- Visit the Cochise County Sheriff's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the records to be inspected
- Present valid identification
- Review the records on-site

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Records Division
205 N Judd Drive
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 432-9500
Cochise County Sheriff's Office

Online Court Records: The Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup system provides free access to court case information, which often includes arrest details for cases that proceeded to court.
Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office Public Information page occasionally posts information about significant arrests or incidents at no cost to the public.
Local News Sources: Local newspapers and news websites often report on arrests, particularly for serious crimes, providing basic information at no cost.
Public Library Access: Cochise County public libraries offer free internet access, which can be used to search online resources for arrest information.

While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of records or certified documents. Additionally, certain specialized searches or comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of established fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cochise County

Arizona law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through processes known as expungement, sealing, or setting aside of convictions. These processes differ in their legal effect and availability:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement: Prior to July 2023, Arizona did not offer true expungement (complete erasure of records). However, under A.R.S. § 36-2862, individuals with certain marijuana-related arrests and convictions can now petition for expungement.
Sealing: Arizona's new record sealing law (A.R.S. § 13-911) allows for the sealing of certain criminal records, which restricts public access but does not completely delete the records.

Eligibility for Record Sealing: Individuals may petition to seal records in Cochise County if:

The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
The conviction was set aside under A.R.S. § 13-907
The required waiting period has passed (2-10 years depending on offense severity)
The offense is eligible for sealing (certain serious offenses are ineligible)

Steps to Seal or Expunge Records:

Determine Eligibility: Review the specific statutory requirements to determine if your case qualifies for sealing or expungement.
Obtain Case Information: Gather all relevant case information, including:
- Case number
- Date of arrest/conviction
- Charges
- Court of jurisdiction
Complete Petition: File the appropriate petition with the court that handled the original case:

Cochise County Superior Court
100 Quality Hill Road
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 432-8600
Cochise County Superior Court

Pay Filing Fee: Submit the required filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
Attend Hearing: If scheduled, attend any court hearings regarding your petition.
Notification: If granted, ensure all relevant agencies receive notification of the sealing or expungement order.

For marijuana-related expungements under Proposition 207, the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts provides specific forms and procedures.

What Happens After Arrest in Cochise County?

Following an arrest in Cochise County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

Booking Process: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial custody classification
Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines release conditions or sets bail
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
Charging Decision: The Cochise County Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Decline prosecution
- Refer for further investigation
Arraignment: If charges are filed, the defendant appears in court to:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receive trial date if pleading not guilty
Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (for most misdemeanors and all felonies)
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, options include:
- Appeal
- Petition for post-conviction relief
- Application for clemency or pardon

The Cochise County Detention Division manages individuals in custody throughout this process, while the Cochise County Superior Court and Justice Courts oversee the judicial proceedings.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cochise County?

Arrest records in Cochise County are subject to retention schedules established by Arizona state law and administrative regulations. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records governs these retention periods through established schedules.

Under A.R.S. § 41-151.12, law enforcement agencies must maintain records according to approved retention schedules. For arrest records, the current retention requirements include:

Arrest Reports: Minimum 25-year retention from date of arrest
Booking Records: 25 years from date of booking
Fingerprint Cards: 99 years from date of collection
Mugshot Photographs: 25 years from date of booking
Investigation Reports: 25-75 years depending on case type and disposition
Incident Reports: 5-25 years depending on incident type

Different agencies maintain different components of arrest records:

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigation files
The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information
The Cochise County Superior Court and Justice Courts maintain court records related to criminal cases

Records retention serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
Provides historical documentation of law enforcement activities

Even after the retention period expires, many records are transferred to archives rather than destroyed, particularly for cases of historical or legal significance.

How to Find Mugshots in Cochise County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs serve to document the appearance of arrested individuals at the time of booking and are considered part of the official arrest record. In Cochise County, mugshots are taken by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office Detention Division during the intake process.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Cochise County are primarily maintained by:

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office Records Division
The Detention Division's booking records system
The Arizona Department of Public Safety's central records repository

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Cochise County, individuals must submit a formal public records request to the appropriate agency. The primary method involves:

Submitting a Sheriff Public Records Request Form specifically requesting booking photographs
Providing specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
Paying applicable fees for record searches and copies

Can They Be Found Online

Limited mugshot information may be available online through:

The Cochise County inmate lookup system (for currently incarcerated individuals)
Third-party websites that aggregate public records (these sites may contain outdated or inaccurate information)

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of all booking photographs.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots, submit requests to:

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Records Division
205 N Judd Drive
Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 432-9500
Cochise County Sheriff's Office

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Certain victim information may be redacted
Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available

Additionally, Arizona has enacted legislation limiting the use of mugshots by commercial websites that charge fees for removal, though this does not affect the public records status of the photographs themselves.