Sandoval County Public Records / Sandoval County Arrest Records

Sandoval County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sandoval County

Arrest records in Sandoval County are considered public information under New Mexico law. Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified in § 14-2-1 through § 14-2-12 NMSA 1978, members of the public have the legal right to access and inspect most government records, including arrest records. This statute establishes that every person has a right to inspect public records of the state, with limited exceptions.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under New Mexico law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances.

The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents within their jurisdiction, and these records are subject to public disclosure under IPRA. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with § 14-2-1(A) NMSA 1978, which outlines specific exceptions to public disclosure.

What's in Sandoval County Arrest Records

Sandoval County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Charge description
Multiple charges (if applicable)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Release date (if applicable)
Release conditions (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Criminal history summary
Risk assessment scores
Medical screening information (redacted for privacy)
Property inventory from booking
Emergency contact information (often redacted)

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sandoval County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sandoval County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in accordance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act.

To request arrest records in person:

Visit the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office records division during regular business hours.

Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
1500 Idalia Road, Building D
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-7526
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office

Complete a public records request form, which is available at the front desk.
Provide specific information about the record being requested, such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).

To request arrest records by mail:

Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Sandoval County website.
Include a detailed description of the records being requested.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Mail the completed form to:

Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
1500 Idalia Road, Building D
Bernalillo, NM 87004

To request arrest records via email:

Complete the Public Records Request Form.
Email the completed form to records@sandovalcountynm.gov.
Include "Public Records Request" in the subject line.
Provide detailed information about the specific records being sought.

Under § 14-2-8 NMSA 1978, the custodian of records must respond to requests within three business days, either by providing the requested records or explaining when the records will be available (not to exceed 15 calendar days from receipt of the request).

How To Find Sandoval County Arrest Records Online

Sandoval County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public safety data while maintaining compliance with state public records laws.

The Sandoval County Detention Center maintains an online inmate search tool that allows members of the public to view current inmate information. This database is updated daily and includes:

Current custody status
Booking date
Charges
Bond information
Scheduled court dates

To access this information:

Visit the Sandoval County Detention Center website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
Enter the individual's name or booking number
Review the results displayed

For court case information related to arrests, the New Mexico Courts provide access through their re:SearchNM platform. This system contains:

Case information for individuals processed through the court system
Court dates and hearing schedules
Case disposition information
Court documents (some may require registration)

To use this resource:

Visit the New Mexico Courts website
Register for a re:SearchNM account if accessing non-public documents
Search by name or case number
Review available case information

Additionally, the New Mexico Corrections Department maintains an offender search database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following conviction.

Users should note that while these online resources provide significant information, they may not contain complete arrest records. For comprehensive records, a formal public records request may be necessary as outlined in the previous section.

How To Search Sandoval County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Sandoval County arrest records without cost through several available channels. The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge, though reasonable fees may apply for document reproduction.

Free methods to search arrest records include:

In-person inspection: Individuals may visit the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to inspect arrest records without charge. The records division is located at:

Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
1500 Idalia Road, Building D
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-7526
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office

Online inmate search: The Sandoval County Detention Center provides a free online database of current inmates, which is updated daily. This resource allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody and view basic booking information.
Court records search: The New Mexico Courts offer free access to basic case information through their public portal. While some documents may require registration or fees, case listings and status information are available at no cost.
Public terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at the Sandoval County Administration Building and at local public libraries throughout the county. These terminals provide access to public records databases without charge.

When conducting free searches, requestors should note:

Pursuant to § 14-2-9(C) NMSA 1978, while inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document copies or printouts.
Electronic records provided via email typically do not incur fees.
Records custodians may require appointments for extensive record inspections to manage staff resources.
Some specialized searches or certified copies may incur administrative fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Sandoval County

In New Mexico, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by the Criminal Record Expungement Act, codified in § 29-3A-1 through § 29-3A-9 NMSA 1978.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement involves the complete removal of arrest records from public access and, in some cases, from government databases.
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes.

In Sandoval County, arrest records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

Arrests without charges: If an individual was arrested but no charges were filed within one year.
Dismissals: Cases that were dismissed with prejudice or resulted in acquittal.
Completed deferred sentences: Cases where the court deferred sentencing and the individual successfully completed all conditions.
Completed probation: After completion of all terms of probation for eligible offenses.
Pardoned offenses: Crimes for which the individual received a governor's pardon.

The expungement process in Sandoval County requires:

Filing a petition with the district court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred.
Providing complete information about the arrest and case disposition.
Submitting fingerprints for verification purposes.
Paying applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners).
Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court.

Pursuant to § 29-3A-5 NMSA 1978, certain serious offenses are not eligible for expungement, including:

Crimes resulting in death or great bodily harm
Sexual offenses against children
Embezzlement of public funds
Certain DWI offenses

Individuals seeking expungement should consult with a qualified attorney, as the process involves complex legal requirements. The New Mexico Courts provide forms and information about the expungement process, though these resources do not constitute legal advice.

What Happens After Arrest in Sandoval County?

Following an arrest in Sandoval County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by New Mexico state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Sandoval County Detention Center, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the defendant of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary determination of probable cause
- Sets conditions of release or detention
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
Bail Determination: The court establishes bail based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence
- Defendant's history and characteristics
- Risk to public safety
- Risk of flight
Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury: For felony cases, either:
- A preliminary hearing where a judge determines if probable cause exists, or
- A grand jury reviews evidence and may issue an indictment
Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest (nolo contendere)
Pre-trial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchange
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (guaranteed for cases with potential imprisonment exceeding six months)
Sentencing: Upon conviction, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Appeals Process: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to:
- New Mexico Court of Appeals
- New Mexico Supreme Court (in certain cases)

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the New Mexico Courts, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sandoval County?

Arrest records in Sandoval County are maintained according to the New Mexico Administrative Code Title 1, Chapter 19, Part 8, which establishes records retention schedules for law enforcement agencies. These schedules mandate specific retention periods based on record type and case disposition.

For standard arrest records, the following retention periods generally apply:

Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Records are permanently maintained in both electronic and physical formats.
Felony arrests without conviction: Records are typically retained for 10 years from the date of arrest.
Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Records are maintained for 10 years following completion of sentence.
Misdemeanor arrests without conviction: Records are generally retained for 5 years from the date of arrest.
Juvenile arrest records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions and typically sealed upon the individual reaching age 18, unless the case was transferred to adult court.

The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state requirements. Different agencies within the criminal justice system may have varying retention requirements:

Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest and investigation records
Courts maintain case files and disposition records
Detention facilities maintain booking and incarceration records
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository of criminal history information

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Supporting law enforcement investigations
Maintaining accurate criminal history information
Ensuring accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Complying with statutory requirements for records management

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may submit inquiries to the records custodian at the relevant agency.

How to Find Mugshots in Sandoval County

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. In Sandoval County, these images are considered part of the public arrest record, though access may be subject to certain restrictions.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) photograph of the arrestee
Side-profile photograph (in some cases)
Booking information board showing the date of arrest and booking number
Agency identification information

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Sandoval County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Sandoval County Detention Center
1100 Montoya Road
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-9322
Sandoval County Detention Center

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:

Submit a formal public records request to the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office or Detention Center using the county's public records request form.
Provide specific information about the individual, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of booking.
Specify that the request is specifically for booking photographs.
Pay any applicable reproduction fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page/image).

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some counties publish current inmate mugshots online, Sandoval County currently does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. The inmate search function provides custody information but does not include photographs. This policy helps balance public information access with privacy concerns.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official booking photographs is through the formal public records request process. Requests should be directed to:

Sandoval County Records Custodian
1500 Idalia Road, Building D
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-7500
Records Request

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:

Active investigations where release could compromise public safety
Juvenile arrests (protected under § 32A-2-32 NMSA 1978)
Cases where the court has ordered records sealed
Instances where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests

Requestors should note that while mugshots may be available through official channels, their publication or commercial use may be subject to legal restrictions under New Mexico law.