Arizona Public Records /Arizona Court Records Online

Arizona Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Arizona Open to the Public?

Yes, Arizona court records are generally open to the public under the Arizona Public Record Law. Residents have the fundamental right to access these records to ensure transparency and accountability within the government. However, certain cases and documents, such as those involving sexual offenses or warrants, are restricted under Rule 123 of the Arizona Judicial Branch. To obtain these records, requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the courthouse where the case was filed.

What Information Appears in an Arizona Court Records Search?

Parties involved in the case
Case status
Documents filed or created during the case history
Details of legal actions taken
Evidence supporting legal rights and obligations
Information on the judicial process

How To Find Court Records in Arizona

To find court records in Arizona, the first step is to identify the courthouse responsible for maintaining the records. Court clerks are tasked with the safekeeping and dissemination of these records. Requesters can obtain copies of court records through various methods:

In-Person Requests: Visit the specific courthouse where the case was filed. The court clerk will guide the requester on the necessary procedures, which may include submitting a written request.
Mail Requests: Send a written request to the courthouse along with any required fees.
Online Portals: Use online resources provided by the Arizona Judicial Branch or county court websites to request records.

Costs may apply for accessing these records, and fees can vary depending on the type of request and the amount of information needed.

Public Access to Arizona Court Records

Arizona court records can be accessed online through the Arizona Judicial Branch website, which offers a public access portal for Municipal and Justice court records. The Superior Court records are available via the eAccess portal, which provides 24/7 access to public and unrestricted court case information. Subscription fees apply for deeper access, with different pricing tiers based on the number of documents accessible per month.

Searching Arizona Court Records by Name

To search for Arizona court records by name, individuals can visit the online portal provided by the record custodian. On the portal, they can enter the party name into the search box. Some online resources may require a fee or account creation before granting access. Alternatively, individuals can visit the court clerk's office in person during business hours to conduct a search by name.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Arizona

Court records can be accessed online for free through various government-operated websites. Some of these include:

The eAccess portal of the Arizona Judicial Branch
The Arizona court case finder
The Arizona State Archives for cases filed before 1950

These platforms may require users to sign up for an account before accessing the records. Additionally, public terminals at courthouses offer free access to court records.

Exemptions for Arizona Court Case Lookup

While most court cases in Arizona are open to the public, some are exempt from public access due to the sensitive nature of the information they contain. These exemptions include:

Juvenile records
Statements of reasons
Unexecuted warrants or summons
Sealed documents, such as plea agreements with victim statements
Ex parte requests for services under the Criminal Justice Act
Financial affidavits
Documents disclosing juror information

These exemptions ensure the privacy and security of individuals involved in sensitive cases.

Finding a Court Docket in Arizona

Court dockets in Arizona are public records and can be accessed in several ways. Interested persons may look up a court docket online if the court maintains an electronic system, visit the Clerk's Office in person during business hours, or use third-party repositories. A court docket provides a summary of all filings and proceedings in a case, helping courts keep track of multiple cases.

What Information Is Found in Arizona Judgment Records?

Arizona judgment records include:

Contested issues or charges
Litigants' names
Court's decision or order
Presiding judge's name

Requesters must provide case identifying information such as the case number, litigants' names, and judgment year to obtain these records. Fees for searching and copying may apply.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Arizona Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Arizona bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. These records provide financial details on individuals or businesses that have filed for bankruptcy. Requesters must provide the name of the debtor, creditor, case number, and the court where the case was filed to obtain these records. Some private information, such as social security numbers and residential addresses, is not disclosed.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Arizona

Bankruptcy records can be found at the clerk's office of the Arizona Bankruptcy Courts or online through PACER and the eAccess portal. Requesters need to provide relevant information such as the debtor's name, creditor's name, case number, and the court where the case was filed. Fees may apply for accessing these records.

Different Types of Courts in Arizona

General Jurisdiction Courts: Arizona Superior Courts located in each of the 15 counties.
Appellate Jurisdiction Courts: Arizona Supreme Court and Arizona Court of Appeals.
Limited Jurisdiction Courts: Justice Courts, Municipal Courts, Tribal Courts, and Federal Courts.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Arizona

Civil cases in Arizona involve lawsuits between entities, usually involving claims of $10,000 or less. These cases are mostly handled by Justice Courts and can be appealed to higher courts. Examples include evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, and breach of contract suits.

Small claims courts handle cases involving claims of less than $3,000. These cases are informally handled, often without attorneys, and cannot be appealed. Filing must be done within the defendant's residence's justice precinct, and forms can be obtained directly from the court or electronically.

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