How to Find Arrest Records

You at some point may seek to obtain criminal arrest records for yourself or for someone else. This article provides an overview of how to perform an exhaustive search to obtain arrest records.

Things You'll Need

• Pen Paper Phone Money for fees

Instructions

1. Initially, you must gather information about the person whose arrest record is sought. It is frequently necessary to not only the full name but also additional identifying information such as an address. Additionally, you should attempt to obtain the date, location and nature of any specific offenses.

2. Next, you should contact a local police station to obtain the arrest record. Most jurisdictions have records departments that handle an arrest record request. Usually, the request must be made in writing by letter or by filling out a special form. In addition, there is always a fee assessed to obtain the records.

3. You may also search court records to determine if there were any arrests which resulted in a guilty verdict, incarceration or if other penalties were assessed. You may visit the court clerk within the particular jurisdiction or you could attempt to search court records online, if the jurisdiction posts them there.

4. Next, you can search online criminal arrest record databases. Such databases can expand a search on an international and national level if required. Most of these databases require a fee.

5. Finally, if you are unable to retrieve any arrest records but still suspect that the records exist, you may want to engage the services of a private detective.