Sandoval County Criminal Records
What Is Sandoval County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sandoval County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass the complete history of a person's criminal activity as documented by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities operating in Sandoval County, New Mexico.
Criminal records are categorized into several distinct types:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, regardless of whether charges are filed or convictions obtained
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Criminal records of individuals 18 years or older, which are generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Records of offenses committed by minors (under 18), which are typically sealed pursuant to § 32A-2-26 NMSA
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal activities, including dismissed cases and expunged records (with limited accessibility)
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Sandoval County:
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
7255 Oersted Rd NE
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-7526
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office
Thirteenth Judicial District Court - Sandoval County
1500 Idalia Rd
Bernalillo, NM 87004
(505) 867-2376
Thirteenth Judicial District Court
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
4491 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505) 827-9300
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and booking information
- Formal charges filed
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing details
- Probation and parole information
The maintenance and accessibility of criminal records in Sandoval County are governed by the New Mexico Criminal Record Screening Act § 28-2-1 NMSA, which establishes parameters for record creation, maintenance, and public access.
Are Criminal Records Public In Sandoval County
Criminal records in Sandoval County are generally considered public documents under New Mexico law. The primary legislation governing public access to these records is the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) § 14-2-1 NMSA, which establishes that:
"Every person has a right to inspect public records of this state except as otherwise provided by law."
This statute creates a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal records maintained by county agencies. The law further states that "all exceptions to the right to inspect public records shall be specifically provided for by statute or constitution."
Public criminal records in Sandoval County typically include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sentencing details
- Sex offender registry information
- Incarceration records
However, certain categories of criminal records are restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or pardoned offenses
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Mental health evaluations
- Certain victim information in sensitive cases
The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office and the Thirteenth Judicial District Court maintain most publicly accessible criminal records in the county. The New Mexico Courts provide online access to case information, though some documents may only be available for in-person inspection.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, particularly employment decisions, is regulated by the New Mexico Criminal Offender Employment Act § 28-2-3 NMSA, which prohibits discrimination based solely on criminal records unless directly related to the position sought.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sandoval County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sandoval County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which criminal records may be obtained, depending on the specific information sought and its intended use.
For in-person requests at the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Complete the Public Records Request Form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, case number)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Allow up to 15 calendar days for processing as permitted under IPRA
For court records from the Thirteenth Judicial District Court:
- Visit the court clerk's office at 1500 Idalia Rd, Bernalillo, NM 87004
- Request access to public terminals for case searches
- Identify specific cases using name, case number, or filing date
- Request copies of non-confidential documents from the clerk
- Pay required fees for certified or uncertified copies
- For extensive searches, submit a written request to the court clerk
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a completed fingerprint card to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
- Include a signed release authorization form
- Pay the required fee (currently $15.00 for name-based searches, $22.00 for fingerprint-based searches)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
- Receive results by mail or secure electronic delivery
For sex offender registry information:
- Access the New Mexico Sex Offender Registry website
- Search by name, location, or other identifiers
- Review publicly available information on registered offenders
- Note that certain detailed information may require in-person verification
Requestors should note that while many records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or comply with state law regarding confidential information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Sandoval County Online?
Sandoval County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Sandoval County include:
New Mexico Case Lookup Portal
- Access at https://caselookup.nmcourts.gov
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- View case information including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions
- No registration required for basic searches
- Documents not viewable online; must be requested in person
- Information updated daily from court records
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- Access through the Sheriff's Office website
- Search current jail population by name
- View booking information, charges, and bond amounts
- No registration required
- Information limited to current inmates only
- Updated multiple times daily
New Mexico Corrections Department Offender Search
- Access through the NMCD website
- Search for current and former state inmates
- View conviction information, sentence details, and custody status
- No registration required
- Includes only individuals sentenced to state custody
- Updated weekly with current offender information
New Mexico Courts Secure Case Access
- Access at https://securecourtcaseaccess.nmcourts.gov
- Registration required with verified attorney bar number or approved account
- View detailed case information and some document images
- Access restricted to authorized users (attorneys, agencies)
- Comprehensive case information for registered users
- Real-time updates from court system
New Mexico Department of Public Safety Records
- Limited online access for authorized agencies
- Public requests require submission of forms and payment
- Background check results delivered electronically to authorized recipients
- Registration and verification required
- Processing fees apply for all searches
- Results typically available within 3-5 business days
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. For comprehensive background checks, fingerprint-based searches through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety are recommended.
Can You Search Sandoval County Criminal Records for Free?
Sandoval County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). This statute establishes that "a custodian may charge reasonable fees for copying public records," but also mandates that "no fee shall be charged for the right to inspect public records."
Free access to criminal records is available through the following channels:
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
- Examine non-confidential records on-site without charge
- Take notes from records without incurring fees
- Records custodians must provide reasonable facilities for inspection
- Appointment recommended for extensive research
Thirteenth Judicial District Court Public Terminals
- Access court case information via public computer terminals at the courthouse
- Search cases by name, case number, or filing date
- View docket information and case status
- No fee for terminal use or basic searches
- Available during regular court business hours
Online Resources
- New Mexico Courts Case Lookup: Free basic case information
- Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster: Free current inmate information
- New Mexico Sex Offender Registry: Free public access to registry information
- New Mexico Corrections Department Offender Search: Free information on state inmates
While inspection of records is free, fees apply for the following services:
- Paper copies of documents ($0.25 per page standard fee)
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00 per certification plus copy fees)
- Electronic copies provided on media ($6.75 for CD/DVD)
- Extensive searches requiring staff research time (hourly fee may apply)
- Certified criminal history reports from the Department of Public Safety ($15.00-$22.00)
The Sandoval County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Records Division accept payment by cash, check, or money order. Some online services may accept credit card payments with additional processing fees.
Pursuant to § 14-2-9 NMSA, agencies must provide the first four pages of any record at no charge to individuals who state in writing that they have an income at or below the federal poverty level.
What's Included in a Sandoval County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Sandoval County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot photographs when available
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (may differ from formal charges)
- Bail or bond information
- Detention location and status
- Arresting circumstances (redacted as necessary)
Court Case Information
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District, Magistrate, Municipal)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications
- Felony or misdemeanor designation
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Motion filings and rulings
Disposition Information
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Dismissal information (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records varies based on the maintaining agency and case status. Court records typically contain the most detailed information regarding case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus on arrest details and initial charges.
How Long Does Sandoval County Keep Criminal Records?
Sandoval County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New Mexico Commission of Public Records under the authority of the Public Records Act § 14-3-6 NMSA. These schedules vary by record type and maintaining agency.
Law Enforcement Records
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Incident reports: 5 years after date of incident
- Investigation files (non-homicide): 25 years after case closure
- Homicide investigation files: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: 3 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Sex offender registration records: 99 years from registration date
- Warrant files: Until warrant is served or recalled
Court Records
- Felony case files: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 3 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 25 years after case closure
- Juvenile case files: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
- Grand jury proceedings: Permanent retention
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 5 years after completion of probation
Corrections Records
- Inmate files: 15 years after final release from custody
- Jail booking logs: Permanent retention
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years after incident
Administrative Records
- Criminal history summaries: Permanent retention
- Background check results: 3 years after completion
- Expungement orders: Permanent retention (with records removed as ordered)
- Pardon documentation: Permanent retention
It is important to note that while records may be scheduled for destruction after their retention period expires, many criminal records are maintained indefinitely in practice, particularly those related to serious offenses. Additionally, even when physical records are destroyed, electronic indexes or summaries may be retained permanently.
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state and retains these records permanently, even after local copies may have been destroyed according to county retention schedules.
Records subject to expungement orders under § 29-3A-5 NMSA are removed from public access upon court order, regardless of retention schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in Sandoval County
Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Records
Sandoval County Public Records Request Portal
Thirteenth Judicial District Court Case Information