>Union County Arrest Records Online

Union County, New Mexico Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County, New Mexico?

Arrest records are public documents in Union County, New Mexico, pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 to 14-2-12. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access public records maintained by governmental bodies within the state. The Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings.

The public status of these records serves multiple governmental and societal functions:

Promotes accountability within the criminal justice system
Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides necessary information for background checks and public safety concerns
Supports journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Exceptions to public access may apply in certain circumstances as outlined in NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1(A)(4), such as when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or when records pertain to juvenile offenders. In such instances, portions of records may be redacted or temporarily withheld in accordance with statutory provisions.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Union County?

Union County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Union County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information as part of its commitment to public transparency and information dissemination. Additionally, the New Mexico Courts' case lookup system offers electronic access to court records associated with arrests.

Online accessibility is governed by the following provisions:

Records are made available in accordance with NMSA 1978, § 14-2-7, which requires public bodies to provide reasonable access to public records
Digital records are subject to the same disclosure rules as physical documents
Some records may require registration or nominal fees for access
Certain identifying information may be redacted in online versions to protect privacy interests

The New Mexico Courts' Public Access portal serves as a centralized database where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Union County and throughout the state.

How to Look Up Union County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Union County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Each method offers different advantages depending on the nature and urgency of the inquiry:

Online Resources:

New Mexico Courts' Public Access portal - Provides case information for arrests that have proceeded to court action
Union County official website - Offers links to relevant departments and resources
Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system - Displays current detention status and basic arrest information

In-Person Requests:

Union County Sheriff's Office 1900 New Mexico Highway 551 Clayton, NM 88415 Phone: (575) 374-2583 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Union County Clerk's Office 100 Court Street Clayton, NM 88415 Phone: (575) 374-9491 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Union County District Court 100 Court Street Clayton, NM 88415 Phone: (575) 374-9491 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 14-2-8, agencies must respond to written requests for public records within fifteen calendar days. Requestors should provide specific identifying information such as the individual's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available to facilitate efficient processing of requests.

Contents of a Union County Arrest Record

Union County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by New Mexico state regulations and law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following components:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Known aliases or alternative names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Gender and race identifiers

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory violations and criminal charges
Booking number and facility information
Arrest circumstances and probable cause summary
Weapon involvement (if applicable)

Processing Information:

Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Property inventory at time of booking
Detention status and bail determination
Court appearance scheduling

Case Disposition:

Preliminary hearing outcomes
Charging decisions by prosecutorial authorities
Court case numbers and jurisdictional assignments
Plea information and trial scheduling

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is governed by NMSA 1978, § 29-3-8, which establishes requirements for criminal history information collection and maintenance. Records must be maintained with sufficient detail to ensure accurate identification while protecting constitutional rights of the accused.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Union County

The expungement process in Union County provides a legal mechanism for the sealing or removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. New Mexico's Criminal Record Expungement Act, NMSA 1978, §§ 29-3A-1 to 29-3A-9, establishes the framework for this procedure.

Eligibility Criteria:

No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Successful completion of a conditional discharge
Conviction for which the statutory waiting period has elapsed
Arrest resulted from identity theft or mistaken identity
Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements

Application Process:

Petition must be filed with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred
Petitioner must provide complete arrest information and certified court dispositions
Notice must be served to the district attorney and arresting agency
Filing fees apply unless waived by the court for indigent petitioners
Hearing may be scheduled at the court's discretion

Legal Effect of Expungement:

Records are sealed from public inspection
Arrest is deemed not to have occurred for most purposes
Individual may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest
Certain government agencies retain limited access for specific purposes

The Union County District Court processes expungement petitions in accordance with statutory timelines. Pursuant to NMSA 1978, § 29-3A-5, the court must rule on petitions within 30 days of filing unless a hearing is scheduled.