Bernalillo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bernalillo, New Mexico?
Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 to 14-2-12, arrest records are public documents in Bernalillo, New Mexico. The statute establishes that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of public officers and employees. Law enforcement agencies in Bernalillo County maintain these records as part of their official duties and must provide reasonable access to the public upon request.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions:
- Ensures transparency in law enforcement operations
- Maintains accountability of public officials
- Provides citizens with information about potential public safety concerns
- Supports the constitutional right to information about governmental proceedings
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 14-2-1(A)(8) when disclosure would reveal confidential sources, methods, or information that would compromise an ongoing investigation. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are generally not public under New Mexico Children's Code § 32A-2-32.
How to Look Up Bernalillo Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Bernalillo arrest records may utilize several official channels established by local authorities. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has implemented enhanced digital access protocols for 2025, allowing for more efficient record retrieval. Individuals may obtain these records through the following methods:
Online Portal Access: The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court provides electronic access to court records, including information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Users must create an account and may be subject to nominal processing fees.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Town of Bernalillo Police Department or the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and standard processing fees apply.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Detention Center Records: The Sandoval County Detention Center maintains searchable inmate records that include arrest information for individuals currently in custody.
Town of Bernalillo Police Department
829 Camino Del Pueblo
Bernalillo, NM 87004
Phone: (505) 867-3311
Official Website
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 468-7100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contents of a Bernalillo Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Bernalillo law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-3-8. These records typically include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including statute numbers and offense classifications
- Case Processing: Booking number, fingerprint identification, and photograph (mugshot)
- Court Information: Case number, assigned court, scheduled appearances, and bail/bond determinations
- Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains standards for record-keeping that ensure consistency across jurisdictions. Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-10-7, arrest fingerprint cards must be submitted to the department within ten days of arrest.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bernalillo
The State of New Mexico provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in NMSA 1978, § 29-3A-1 through § 29-3A-9. Expungement procedures in Bernalillo County are administered through the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court for applicable cases.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Successful completion of deferred sentencing or conditional discharge
- Convictions for certain misdemeanors after prescribed waiting periods
- Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
- Juvenile arrests (subject to separate provisions under the Children's Code)
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the arrest or conviction occurred
- Payment of filing fees (currently $132 for district court filings)
- Notification to the District Attorney's office, which has 30 days to file an objection
- Judicial review and determination based on statutory criteria
- Issuance of an order to all relevant agencies to seal records if granted
Upon successful expungement, pursuant to § 29-3A-7, the arrest is deemed not to have occurred and the individual may state under oath that they have never been arrested for the expunged offense. The Municipal Court of Bernalillo handles expungement requests for violations of town ordinances.
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 841-8151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Bernalillo
