Criminal records in Apache County, Arizona, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ApacheCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Apache County. You can also search records through Arizona's statewide court portals, contact the Apache County Superior Court Clerk, or request criminal history information from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
How to Search Criminal Records in Apache County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Apache County. What you need to get started depends on the method, but having the person's full legal name, date of birth, or a case number will make any search more effective.
Online Search Options
- ApacheCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Apache County criminal cases.
- Arizona Public Access Case Lookup — The Arizona Judicial Branch offers this free tool covering case information from most courts statewide, including Apache County justice courts. Search by name or case number. Note that this tool is not a substitute for an official background check.
- Arizona Superior Court eAccess — Provides 24/7 online access to Apache County Superior Court case records for criminal and civil cases filed on or after July 1, 2010. You can view case details, party names, hearing dates, and documents.
- Arizona DPS Criminal History Records — For fingerprint-based criminal history background checks, submit a request through the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Central State Repository.
- Arizona DPS Warrant Search — Check for active warrants statewide. This data is not updated in real time and should not be considered complete.
In Person
- Visit the Apache County Superior Court Clerk's office in St. Johns. Public access terminals may be available for looking up case information.
- The Apache County justice courts (such as Chinle Justice Court and others) also maintain records for misdemeanor and lower-level criminal cases within their jurisdictions.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Apache County Clerk of Superior Court. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and the case number if available. Specify whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy.
- For statewide criminal history records, submit a request to the Arizona DPS Central State Repository. Fingerprint-based requests require a fingerprint card and applicable fees.
Search Apache County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Arizona case numbers follow a general format that identifies the court, year, case type, and sequence number. A typical Apache County Superior Court case number might look like this:
- S0100-CR-2024-000123
- S0100 — Court identifier (Apache County Superior Court)
- CR — Case type code (CR indicates a criminal case)
- 2024 — Year the case was filed
- 000123 — Sequential filing number
Justice court case numbers may follow a slightly different pattern but still include a court code, case type, and year. When searching through eAccess or the Public Access Case Lookup, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you are unsure of the format, the clerk's office can help you identify the correct number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Apache County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) section cited in the charging document (e.g., A.R.S. § 13-1203 for assault) |
| Severity | Felony (Class 1–6), Misdemeanor (Class 1–3), or Petty Offense |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be changed by the prosecution through an amended complaint or indictment; the record will reflect both original and amended charges |
| Count Number | Each separate charge is listed as a numbered count |
Case Status
- Pending — The case has been filed but not yet resolved.
- Active — Proceedings are ongoing; hearings or trial may be scheduled.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.).
- Closed — All post-disposition requirements are complete and the case is administratively closed.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Initial appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered.
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss case issues, possible plea agreements, and trial readiness.
- Trial — Presentation of evidence before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — The court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor probation compliance or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was found or pleaded guilty to one or more charges |
| Not Guilty | Defendant was acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Acquitted | A formal finding of not guilty, typically after trial |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | Defendant did not contest the charges; treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Apache County
Certified copies of criminal case records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, background checks, and other formal purposes. In Apache County, the Clerk of Superior Court handles these requests for Superior Court cases.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the clerk's office at the Apache County Superior Court in St. Johns. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the documents you need. Include payment for applicable fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
What You Need
- Full case number or defendant's full legal name
- Valid photo identification (for in-person requests)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
Contact Information
Apache County Clerk of Superior Court
For statewide criminal history records (fingerprint-based), contact the Arizona DPS Central State Repository. The Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center also provides forms and information about warrants and other criminal law topics.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Apache County
Fees for criminal record copies in Arizona are set by statute and local court policy. The following are standard fees you can expect when requesting records from the Apache County Superior Court Clerk's office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $26.00 |
| DPS fingerprint-based criminal history check | Varies (check with Arizona DPS) |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Copies are often available the same day or within a few business days, depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- DPS criminal history checks — Processing times vary; electronic submissions through the Arizona DPS portal are typically faster than mailed fingerprint cards.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment. Under A.R.S. § 12-284, the clerk is authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.