If you have an arrest record, it can be shockingly difficult to acquire at times. There’s almost always red tape involved, and it can require you to wait for the government to locate the arrest record in the first place. As such, we’ve compiled the 4 most common ways of acquiring your arrest record, from easiest to hardest.
1. Utilize an online public records database
Online public records databases are a collection of various public records stored over the years. Databases like SpyFly have access to over a billion pieces of information, all of which can be found with a few quick searches.
All you need to use an online public records database is the name of the person you’re searching for. That’s it. However, if the name you’re searching is rather common, then it may help to know additional information that can narrow down your search. Luckily, SpyFly shows the arrest records mugshot when you search, allowing you to narrow down your result with a quick glance to identify the subject of your search.
Another advantage of SpyFly is that it can be used from a mobile device. That way, if you need to pull up an arrest record quickly, you can access it just from pulling out your smartphone and looking it up. In addition, SpyFly is extraordinarily inexpensive, and you can even browse for some records for free.
2. Visit a local attorney’s office
Most law offices pay for access to some form of a legal database. These databases tend to be far more advanced than typical ones you can find online, and tend to store more confidential and specific files than just public records. By visiting a lawyer, you can quickly and easily acquire the record you need.
However, there is a significant disadvantage to this method; money. A law office is unlikely to provide any kind of help to someone who isn’t already a client. As such, you’ll be expected to pay a consultation fee at least, and that’s assuming they’ll allow you to utilize their services in such a trivial fashion.
3. Visit a local sheriff’s office
Arrest records, and the mugshots attached to them, are created at the police station responsible for jailing the person in question. As such, you can visit that station, and ask to speak with an officer assigned to clerical duty. They’ll be able to assist you in your search, and can help turn up the record.
However, the main issue present here is one of interconnection. Many police departments lack any form of digital record keeping, and many more lack a way to access other department’s files in a speedy manner. If the arrest was made by a different police department, then there’s a decent chance that the one nearest to you won’t have access to the arrest record, and won’t be of much help in your search as a result.
4. Visit a county courthouse
This is perhaps the most inconvenient way. You’ll be required to visit the courthouse in person, and wait to speak with a county clerk. You can make your case known to them, and if they choose to help you, then they’ll add your request to their queue. Most county clerks tend to have several days of backlog and can take up to a week just to begin searching for your arrest record. Even after that, you’ll have to wait several days, as they’ll mail the record to you, and that is never a speedy process.
And before any of that happens, you’ll need to pay a clerical fee. This is not an efficient way of obtaining your arrest record.
SpyFly provides consumers affordable, immediate access to public record information. Federal laws prohibit businesses from using SpyFly’s service to make decisions about employment, insurance, consumer credit, tenant screening, or for any other purpose subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq.
