Apache County records include all court case documents, such as petitions, criminal records, arrest records, civil court records, exhibits, summonses, witness testimonies, etc. These records are maintained by various county offices in both physical and digital formats. The Apache County Superior Court, Justice Courts, Municipal Courts, Sheriff’s Office, Recorder’s Office, and Assessor’s Office all preserve different types of public records. They can be accessed by in-person visits, mail requests, online databases, or third-party websites, depending on the specific record type and maintaining agency.
Apache County Court Records
Apache County residents and interested parties can use the following methods to obtain court records:
- Court Clerk’s Office: You can simply visit the clerk during business hours to request records in person.
- Online Access: The Arizona Judicial Branch offers public access to Court Case Information. This online resource provides information about court cases from 177 out of 184 courts in Arizona, including Apache.
- Mail, Fax, or Phone: You can also submit requests remotely by completing a request form and sending it via mail or fax.
- Third-Party Databases: You can also obtain court records through third-party databases.
Mandated by the Arizona Public Record Law (Title 39, Chapter 1), court records are accessible to the public in Apache. Under this legislation, custodians of public records in Apache County have to maintain an organized index of records under their care. They also must provide reasonable means for public access to these records.
Accessing Apache County Court Records Online
Third-party websites are especially convenient for cases with unknown court or case numbers. They cover multiple states and offer name-based court record searches. Some third-party websites even provide advanced search filters (date, county, courthouse), further facilitating the process.
However, they also have drawbacks. Some require fees for full access and display only basic case information for free. They operate independently from courts, which means the information might not be consistent with the official data. Therefore, it is mandatory to verify information obtained from third-party sites against official sources.
It’s important to note that civil case records related to dependency, adoption, and mental health proceedings are not publicly accessible.
Fees and Processing Times
The cost of obtaining civil court records in Apache County is presented below:
- Plain copies: $0.50 per page
- Certified documents: $30.00 each
- Results obtained by mail or fax: $7.00
Payment can be made using cash, money orders, or cards.
Exemptions and Restrictions
Even though most court records are public, certain records have restricted access due to privacy or security concerns. These exemptions include:
- Legal proceedings involving minors, except traffic violations
- Court records that have been sealed (or restricted in any other way)
- Information that involves confidential data or sensitive security details
- Information about victims and witnesses
- Records related to adoption, dependency, and mental health cases
Probate Court Records in Apache County
The Apache County Superior Court handles probate cases, and the Clerk of Courts maintains all the relevant records for documentation. Those looking to access probate records can request copies from the Court Clerk’s Office. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of probate matters are confidential, leading to strict regulations on their release and circulation.
For example, access to certain records may only be provided to those who are directly involved in the case, immediate family members, and involved legal representatives (e.g. attorneys). To make the request process easier and faster, applicants should provide relevant case details, such as case numbers, Social Security numbers, names of involved individuals, birthdates, etc.
Courts in Apache County
There are three main types of courts in Apache County.
- Superior Court: This is the county’s general jurisdiction trial court handling serious criminal cases, larger civil disputes, and appeals from lower courts. It is located in St. Johns. The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains records for various case types including civil, criminal, probate, mental health, tax, domestic relations, and juvenile matters.
- Justice Courts: Apache County has four justice courts. Each of them is presided over by a justice of the peace who is elected to a four-year term. These limited jurisdiction courts oversee traffic cases, minor criminal matters, and civil cases up to $10,000, including domestic violence and harassment cases. The four justice courts in Apache County are:
- Municipal Courts: There are a few municipal courts in Apache County’s incorporated cities and towns. These courts handle local ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and some misdemeanors. Examples include:
Criminal Records
Apache County criminal records include documents related to arrests, charges, and case dispositions within the county and across Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is the central repository for all state criminal records. This agency has a comprehensive database of Apache County criminal records. Noncriminal Justice agencies in Arizona have the right to receive official criminal history records information from the Central State Repository.
To do so, they need to apply for the Noncriminal Justice (NCJ) Compliance Program. NCJ conducts fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background checks for authorized agencies. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, “These agencies must have an FBI-approved city, town, or county ordinance, tribal resolution, executive order, or state statute mandating the criminal history records check.” To learn more, check the official website.
However, Arizona state law does not permit the Central State Repository to conduct a criminal history records check for private employers, private citizens, or agencies outside of Arizona. This covers matters such as employment, immigration, obtaining a visa, or foreign adoptions.
In case a private citizen wants to review/challenge their own criminal history record, they may do so by downloading the ‘Record Review Packet’ or begin a record review online.
Apache County Arrest Records
In 2020, Apache County reported 397 arrests, including 58 non-adults and 339 adults.
The Apache County Jail is the main detention facility for arrestees. It houses both pre-trial detainees and those serving brief sentences. The Apache County Sheriff’s Office oversees the jail’s operations such as processing, booking, and daily maintenance.
Several law enforcement agencies take part in the compilation of arrest records in Apache County. While the Apache County Sheriff’s Office has the central role, city police departments also participate. For example, the Holbrook Police Department and the Winslow Police Department provide arrest information for their respective jurisdictions.
Public Availability
Under Arizona Public Records Law, arrest records in Arizona are accessible to the public. However, there are some exemptions, such as:
- Exemption of Information Pending Investigations
- Juvenile Records
- Personal Information and Privacy Concerns (e.g. mental health details or social security numbers)
- Witness protection that can place a witness or victim in a dangerous situation
Public arrest records contain the arrestee’s full name, gender, and age, information about the arrest (e.g. place date, time), filed offenses, booking identifiers, information about the court, and bond/bail details.
Where to Find Apache County Arrest Records
There are several options for accessing Apache County arrest records:
- You can visit the local sheriff’s office or police department in person to request Apache County arrest records.
- Accessing records is also possible through the county’s official digital portals.
- You can make use of third-party online services to access arrest records among other public records. If you try to access arrest records through third-party online services, ensure to exercise caution.
- You can also try contacting the county courthouse, as some arrest records may have been filed with case documents.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Record in Apache County?
In Arizona, arrest records generally stay on an individual’s record indefinitely. However, options exist for a set-aside of convictions under A.R.S. § 13-905 or sealing of records under A.R.S. § 13-911, provided certain conditions are met. While full expungement is not available, these processes can help mitigate the impact of arrest records on an individual’s life.
Arrest Warrants in Apache County
An Apache County arrest warrant refers to the judicial document issued by a judge or magistrate, which provides law enforcement agencies the legal right to arrest the suspected individual for an alleged crime. They are supplied based on probable cause and can be issued for different reasons, such as serious crime suspicion, flight risk, or failure to appear in court (known as a bench warrant).
Apache County arrest warrants include details about the suspect’s name, physical description, address, alleged offense, etc.
An important aspect of Apache County arrest warrants is that they do not expire. They remain in effect until one of three things occurs: the warrant is executed (the suspect is arrested), the court formally dismisses it, or the court recalls it.
Because the arrest warrants do not expire, even years after their issuance law enforcement can still act on the warrant at any time. However, some factors may change the warrant’s status. For example, the court may withdraw the warrant if the suspect is proven innocent. Also, if the individual voluntarily appears in court, the warrant is typically cleared. In rare instances, a judge might consider all outstanding warrants during a warrant “amnesty” program, which allows individuals to address their warrants without immediate custody.
Vital Records
The Apache County Office of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining and disseminating birth and death records. These are considered vital records in Apache County. This office serves as the primary custodian of these important documents and manages their distribution to eligible parties. If you are looking for other vital records services, you can visit the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records website.
Request Process for Birth and Death Certificates
To obtain vital records, interested individuals must complete the relevant request form (e.g. birth certificate request form or death certificate request form). Then, they need to submit the completed form by mail to the office’s address or in person at the Apache County Office of Vital Records.
Eligibility
As Arizona is a closed record state, access to vital records is limited. Only the person named on the record and select individuals can access these documents. Eligible parties include siblings, parents, grandparents, children, spouses, and individuals with designated power of attorney. Requesters must be at least 18 years old.
You can also order records online through the Arizona Department of Public Health website.
Apache County Marriage and Divorce Records
If you are looking for marriage records, you can obtain them at the county clerk’s office. Individuals must provide the names of the married parties and pay the required fees to facilitate the search. The clerk’s office is open during regular business hours for in-person inquiries.
The Apache County Superior Court holds jurisdiction over all family-related matters, including marriage dissolution (i.e. divorces) and annulments. Individuals seeking these records can request them by using the request form available on the court clerk’s website.
Both marriage and divorce records can be obtained from the Apache County Clerk of Court. The court is located in St. Johns, Arizona. While the office provides in-person, phone, and fax services, it is advised to check the specific requirements and procedures before making a request.
Apache County Property Records
Apache County maintains records on deeds, liens, mortgages, maps, and judgments. The records date back to 1879 and include historical information on real estate within the county.
How to Access Through the County Recorder’s Office
The Apache County Recorder’s office is the primary custodian of property records. They maintain an index of all property records for real estate in the county. Interested parties can contact the office directly to request access to these records.
The Apache County Assessor’s Office also maintains a public database of assessment records. This online resource allows researchers to search for parcel assessment history, current ownership, and tax information. Basic search criteria include account number, parcel number, business name, and owner name.
Accessing Apache County Public Records Online
As seen throughout this article, there are many platforms you can use to access Apache County public records online. For example, the Arizona Judicial Branch provides public access to Court Case Information. This online platform provides information about court cases from 177 out of 184 courts in Arizona, including Apache. You can also use third-party websites like arizonacourtrecords.us to access name-based court record searches. In case you want to review/challenge your own criminal history record, you can do so by downloading the ‘Record Review Packet’ or beginning a record review online. For birth and death records, you can order them online through the Arizona Department of Public Health website. If you want to access property records online, the Apache County Assessor’s Office maintains a public database of assessment records through the EagleWeb system.
Address and Contact Information
| Legal Entity | Address | Phone Number | Website Link |
| Apache County Superior Court | 70 West 3rd Avenue South, P.O. Box 365, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7550 | Website |
| Apache County Sheriff’s Office | 370 South Washington, P.O. Box 518, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-4321 | Website |
| Chinle Justice Court | P.O. Box 888, Chinle, AZ 86503 | (928) 674-5922 | Website |
| Puerco (Sanders) Justice Court | County Road 7080, P.O. Box 610, Sanders, AZ 86512 | (928) 688-2729 | Website |
| Round Valley Justice Court | 130 South Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 1356, Springerville, AZ 85938 | (928) 333-4613 | Website |
| St. Johns Justice Court | 70 West 3rd Avenue South, P.O. Box 308, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7558 | Website |
| Eagar Municipal Court | 130 South Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 1356, Springerville, AZ 85938 | (928) 333-4613 | Website |
| Springerville Municipal Court | 130 South Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 1356, Springerville, AZ 85938 | (928) 333-4613 | Website |
| St. Johns Municipal Court | 70 West 3rd Avenue South, P.O. Box 308, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7558 | Website |
| Apache County Office of Vital Records | 75 West Cleveland Street (2nd Floor), St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7525 | Website |
| Apache County Recorder | 75 West Cleveland, P.O. Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7515 | Website |
| Apache County Assessor’s Office | 75 West Cleveland Street, P.O. Box 770, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-7624 | Website |
| Apache County Jail | 370 South Washington, St. Johns, AZ 85936 | (928) 337-4321 | Website |
| Holbrook Police Department | 120 East Buffalo Street, Holbrook, AZ 86025 | (928) 524-3991 | Website |
| Winslow Police Department | 708 West 3rd Street, Winslow, AZ 86047 | (928) 289-2431 | Website |
| Springerville Police Department | 418 East Main Street, Springerville, AZ 85938 | (928) 333-4240 | Website |