Sandoval County Arrest Records

Arrests happen in Sandoval County, New Mexico when law enforcement has reason to believe someone has committed an offense (New Mexico Statutes Section 31). Offenses can be categorized as felonies, misdemeanors, or petty misdemeanors, each carrying specific legal consequences. After an arrest, the individual is booked. This involves collecting personal information, fingerprints, photos, and details regarding the incident, thereby creating an arrest record. Inmates are typically held at the Sandoval County Detention Center. Depending on the crime's severity, arraignees are either released on bond or remain in custody until their court appearance.

County law enforcement departments, including the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office, are tasked with generating and maintaining arrest records. These documents play a crucial role in the criminal process and are often linked to other public records. For example, arrest information often appears in Sandoval County court records, part of the broader documentation of criminal cases. While created by law enforcement, these records frequently intersect with court records and other legal documents maintained by county and state agencies.

Are Arrest Records Public in Sandoval County?

Yes, the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) ensures public access to Sandoval County arrest records. Under IPRA, individuals are allowed to request county records and may pursue legal action if access is unjustly denied.

However, some parts of county arrest records are exempt from public disclosure per IPRA. These exemptions are set up to protect sensitive information, privacy, or ongoing investigations. Records restricted from public access include documents with:

• Information on medical care in institutions
• Employment references and personnel opinions
• Law enforcement information about confidential sources or uncharged individuals
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Strategic business plans and terrorism-related tactical strategies

Additionally, specific personal identifiers can be redacted:

• Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
• Phone numbers and email addresses
• Driver's license and passport numbers
• Financial account numbers (bank or credit card)

Individuals should note that while the above-restricted information may be removed to protect privacy, the overall arrest record is not blocked from public review.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A typical Sandoval County arrest record reveals the following information:

• The personal information of the arrestee (name, date of birth)
• The date and location of the arrest
• Charges filed against the individual
• Booking information such as mugshot(s)
• Information about bond or detention status
• The arresting agency and officer details

Sandoval County Crime Rate

According to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) 's Uniform Crime Report, the latest (2020) crime data for Sandoval County shows a total of 1,386 reported crimes. Property crimes were the most common, with burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft accounting for significant portions. Larceny-theft was the most reported, with a rate of 2,122.6 per 100,000, followed by burglary at 1,351.9, and motor vehicle theft at 969.7.

Violent crimes were led by assault, which had a high rate of 3,902.3 per 100,000. Robbery followed with 265.3, while forcible rape and criminal homicide had much lower rates, at 5.2 and 0.4, respectively.

Sandoval County Arrest Statistics

The FBI's UCR arrest statistics for Sandoval County show a total of 44,869 arrests. The most common arrests were for:

• All Other Offenses (Except Traffic): 14,961 (33.3%)
• Simple Assault: 8,936 (19.9%)
• Driving Under the Influence: 4,601 (10.3%)
• Aggravated Assault: 2,955 (6.6%)
• Larceny-Theft: 2,922 (6.5%).

Find Sandoval County Arrest Records

The County Detention Center's online Inmate Roster is the most accessible first call for individuals looking up inmates who have not been arraigned yet. Interested parties should take the following steps:

• Go to the Sandoval County Detention Center's section of the county website.
• Scroll down to locate "Inmate Lookup".
• Click on it. This opens a PDF containing the updated inmate roster.
• Press "Ctrl + F" on the keyboard and look up the inmate by typing keywords, such as first or last names. For mobile devices, users can use the browser's or the device PDF viewer's "find" option for similar results.

If the arrestee's name does not appear on the list, the next step is to contact the arresting police department. For example, suppose the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. In that case, inquiries can be made by phone during business hours (0800 to 1600) at (505) 867-7526 or through the non-emergency, 24-hour line at (505) 891-7226. For physical queries at the office, inquirers should be ready to provide the following information upon demand by staff:

• Arrestee's first and last name
• Date of birth (if available)
• Incident date and location
• Requester's contact details
• Valid government-issued identification (regarding non-public arrest records)

For individuals detained after arraignment, the same County Detention Center's Inmate Roster is also the first place to check. To access it. Interested parties should take the following steps:

• Visit the Sandoval County Detention Center section on the website.
• Scroll down to "Inmate Lookup".
• Click on it to view the updated inmate list in the PDF.
• Press "Ctrl + F" and search for the inmate by first or last name.

Suppose a state law enforcement agency made the arrest. In that case, the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office provides inmate information and can be reached via (505) 867-7526 or (505) 891-7226

For federal arrests, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an Inmate Locator tool on its website, where searches can be made using the inmate's name or BOP register number to determine the holding facility.

For U.S.A Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, queries can be done through the ICE Online Detainee Locator System, which helps locate arrestees in ICE custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Sandoval County

The Sandoval County Detention Center offers a free inmate lookup tool through its website. Interested parties should go to the detention center's section of the county website and scroll down to find "Inmate Lookup". Clicking on it opens a PDF containing the updated inmate roster. To look up a specific name, press "Ctrl + F" on a computer and type the inmate's first or last name. The browser or PDF viewer's "find" function works similarly for mobile devices, allowing users to locate names in the regularly updated document quickly.

Alternatively, various third-party websites offer free access to arrest and inmate records. These platforms usually aggregate data from public records, making them convenient for those seeking information outside the county's resources. These sites are often accessible, though some may have optional premium services offering additional features like enhanced search capabilities or detailed background reports.

Get Sandoval County Criminal Records

Sandoval County criminal records are formal documents that detail an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These files include information on arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, and any other related legal proceedings. These files provide a comprehensive account of a person's criminal activity and can be used for background checks, legal matters, or personal inquiries.

Per Section 29-10-6(A) of the New Mexico Arrest Record Information Act, an individual can inspect their criminal record details in person, through legal counsel, or through an authorized agent.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires a completed and notarized Authorization for Release of Information form (Spanish version also available) to obtain these records. The form must be legible, and the fee is $15 per record check, payable by money order or cashier's check to the DPS:

Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628

The form must include an original signature. The correct payment and authorization will be provided for all adult criminal records.

The certification and background check for a "Police Certificate of Good Standing"," usually for immigration purposes, cost $33.

Depending on the current workload, Processing takes 7 to 15 working days from receipt, and requests must be submitted by mail. The release form can be duplicated as needed.

Sandoval County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records file an individual's apprehension by law enforcement, noting details such as the time, location, and reason for the arrest and the charges filed at the time. These records do not indicate guilt or innocence; but simply reflect that an arrest happened. For example, once an arrestee is taken into custody for suspicion of a crime, the event is recorded, even if charges are later dropped.

In contrast, criminal records show a wider account of an individual's interactions with the justice system. These documents hold details about convictions, sentences, and other legal outcomes that happen after a case goes to trial. Criminal records reflect guilt or innocence, documenting the resolution of cases, including acquittals, guilty verdicts, or plea agreements. These files offer a thorough view of a person's criminal history and are normally used to assess an individual's background in legal, employment, or housing contexts.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Sandoval arrest records typically persist on a person's record indefinitely unless legally expunged. Even arrests that did not lead to convictions may still appear in background checks unless expunged. This is why NMSA 29-3A-1 to – 7 (2019) allows individuals to request the expungement of arrest information under specific criteria.

Expunge Sandoval County Arrest Records

Under the New Mexico Criminal Record Expungement Act, expungement is the erasing of arrest records and related public records from public access. This includes files that reveal arrest details, indictments, pleas, and convictions. Once expunged, the general public cannot access these records without a court order.

Only individuals who fall into any of the following three categories are eligible for expungement:

1. Identity Theft Victims: Persons wrongfully named in arrest records due to identity theft:

• If wrongfully identified, individuals can petition the district court for expungement.
• Upon showing evidence of identity theft, the court issues an order within 30 days for the arrest records and public records to be expunged.
• Law enforcement agencies and courts are notified, and these records are prohibited from being released.

2. Individuals Released Without Conviction: Persons released without a conviction, such as those acquitted or whose charges were dismissed, nolle prosequi, or discharged:

• Individuals who were released without a conviction can file a petition with the district court one year after the case's final disposition.
• The petitioner must notify the following parties of this filed petition, allowing each the chance to submit any objections to the district court: the district attorney, the NMDPS, and the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• After a hearing, if no other charges are pending, the court will issue an order within 30 days to expunge the related records.

3. Convicted Individuals: Persons convicted of municipal ordinances, misdemeanors, or felonies who have completed their sentence and met the required waiting period:

• Individuals convicted of a crime may petition for expungement after completing the sentence and paying all fines or fees.
• The court considers several factors, such as time since the conviction, criminal history, age, and employment. The waiting time for eligibility varies based on the severity of the offense:
  • Two years for municipal ordinances and non-serious misdemeanors.
  • Four years for misdemeanors involving aggravated battery or fourth-degree felonies.
  • Six years for third-degree felonies.
  • Eight years for second-degree felonies.
  • Ten years for first-degree felonies or offenses under the Crimes Against Household Members Act
• The court then considers other variables listed in the New Mexico Criminal Record Expungement Act before granting or rejecting the petition,
• Interested parties should, however, note the following offenses can not be expunged under this section:
  • Crimes against children.
  • Offenses that caused bodily harm or death.
  • Sex offenses, embezzlement, or DUI-related crimes.

Once the court issues an expungement order, all records are treated as though they never occurred. Law enforcement agencies and courts are required to cease releasing these records unless ordered by the court.

Sandoval County Arrest Warrants

Sandoval County arrest warrants are legal documents that authorize law enforcement to detain an individual. These warrants are typically issued by a judge or magistrate when probable cause exists that a person has committed a crime (Rule 5-208 NMRA). Arrest warrants are issued following a sworn affidavit from law enforcement detailing the alleged offense and supporting evidence. Circumstances necessitating their issuance include ongoing investigations or when an individual has failed to appear in court as required.

Each arrest warrant contains specific information, such as the name of the person to be arrested, the alleged offense, and the authority under which the warrant is issued (Rule 5-208 NMRA). Law enforcement officers execute warrants within the county unless specified otherwise. The warrant remains valid until the person is apprehended or the charges are resolved.

Sandoval County Arrest Warrant Search

To find active warrants in Sandoval County, interested parties should contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (505) 867-7526 or (505) 891-7226.

Do Sandoval County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants in Sandoval County do not automatically expire. Warrants typically remain active until the subject is apprehended or the court withdraws the warrant.