Warrant records are public in Scottsdale, Arizona, pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that most governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The transparency of these records serves to promote governmental accountability and provides citizens with the ability to inquire about legal matters that may affect them or their community.
In Scottsdale, warrant records are maintained by the Scottsdale Police Department and the Scottsdale City Court. These records are available to the public, with certain restrictions that may apply due to ongoing investigations, sealed court orders, or other statutory exemptions. Access to such records ensures that individuals can verify the existence of warrants and understand the nature of any legal proceedings associated with them.
The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access judicial records, including warrants, as established in the case of Carlson v. Pima County (1987). However, members of the public should be aware that some information within warrant records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details as permitted under A.R.S. § 39-121.03.
To find warrants online in Scottsdale, individuals may utilize several official resources:
Scottsdale City Court: The court's online portal provides access to case information which may include warrant status.
Scottsdale City Court
3700 N. 75th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2442
Court Case Information System: This electronic service allows searches by case number, citation number, or name.
Scottsdale Police Department: The department's website offers information on public safety and may provide guidance on warrant inquiries.
Scottsdale Police Department
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-5000
Maricopa County Superior Court: For warrants issued at the county level, the Superior Court maintains records accessible through their public access terminals.
Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
P: 602-506-3204
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), public bodies are required to maintain records reasonably necessary to provide an accurate accounting of their official activities. This includes the maintenance of warrant records in a manner that facilitates public access.
To determine if a warrant has been issued for an individual in Scottsdale, several official methods are available:
Online Case Search: The Scottsdale City Court case search system allows individuals to search for their case information, which may indicate if a warrant has been issued.
Direct Court Inquiry: Individuals may contact the Scottsdale City Court directly during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to inquire about warrant status.
Scottsdale City Court
3700 N. 75th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2442
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Legal Representation: Consulting with an attorney who can conduct a search on behalf of the individual may provide additional legal guidance regarding any outstanding warrants.
In-Person Visit: Appearing in person at the Scottsdale City Court's public counter allows for direct access to court records, including warrant information.
Pursuant to Rule 37 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, warrants remain in effect until they are executed or recalled by the issuing court. Individuals with knowledge of an outstanding warrant are advised to address the matter promptly to avoid potential arrest.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Scottsdale can be accomplished through the following official channels:
Scottsdale City Court Online Services: The court's electronic system provides a searchable database of case information, including warrant status.
Clerk of the Court: The Scottsdale City Court Clerk maintains records of all warrants issued within the jurisdiction.
Scottsdale City Court Clerk's Office
3700 N. 75th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2442
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Scottsdale Police Department Records Division: Law enforcement maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction.
Scottsdale Police Department Records Division
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-1999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: For warrants that may have been issued at the county level.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
550 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
P: 602-876-1801
In accordance with A.R.S. § 13-3887, peace officers are authorized to execute arrest warrants. Individuals with outstanding warrants may be subject to arrest at any time, including during routine traffic stops or other encounters with law enforcement.
Scottsdale warrant records typically contain the following information as required by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1:
Subject Identification: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, the last known address of the subject.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the level of offense (misdemeanor or felony).
Case Information: Court case number, issuing judge, date of issuance, and the statutory authority under which the warrant was issued.
Alleged Violations: Specific charges or allegations that form the basis for the warrant, including relevant Arizona Revised Statutes sections.
Bond Information: If applicable, the amount of bond set by the court and conditions for release.
Court Appearance Details: Required court appearance date, time, and location if the warrant is executed.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3915, search warrants must particularly describe the person or property to be searched and seized. Similarly, arrest warrants must contain sufficient information to identify the individual to be arrested as required by A.R.S. § 13-3826.
The Scottsdale City Court and Scottsdale Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state record retention schedules established by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division, as mandated by A.R.S. § 41-151.12.