Bernalillo County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bernalillo County
Arrest records in Bernalillo County are considered public information under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified in § 14-2-1 NMSA. This statute establishes that "every person has a right to inspect public records of this state" with certain exceptions.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding.
Under current New Mexico law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public. However, pursuant to § 14-2-1(A)(4) NMSA, certain law enforcement records may be exempt from disclosure if they would:
- Reveal confidential sources, methods, or information
- Reveal names of victims of certain crimes
- Seriously interfere with the effectiveness of an investigation
- Expose an individual to danger
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
What's in Bernalillo County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bernalillo County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and after an arrest. The following elements are commonly included:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Home address
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
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
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprints
- Mugshot photograph
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Criminal history summary
- Risk assessment scores
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and other factors as determined by the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bernalillo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bernalillo County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect:
- In-Person Requests
- Visit the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 468-7100
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
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Written Requests
- Submit a formal written request via mail or email
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Provide requestor contact information
- Specify the purpose of the request
- Allow 3-15 business days for processing pursuant to § 14-2-8 NMSA
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Online Requests
- Visit the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Records Request Portal
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Complete the electronic request form
- Upload any supporting documentation
- Submit payment for applicable fees electronically
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Court Records Requests
- For arrest records associated with court cases, contact the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
- Request records by case number or defendant name
- Follow court-specific procedures for record retrieval
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8151
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act.
How To Find Bernalillo County Arrest Records Online
Bernalillo County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following platforms are currently available for electronic record searches:
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Bernalillo County Detention Center Inmate Lookup
- Navigate to the Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- View current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Note that this database only includes currently incarcerated individuals
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New Mexico Judiciary Case Lookup
- Access the New Mexico Courts Case Lookup
- Select "Bernalillo County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Download publicly available documents related to the case
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Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Records Portal
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Online Records Portal
- Create a user account for tracking requests
- Submit a specific request for arrest records
- Pay applicable fees electronically
- Receive documents via secure download
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New Mexico Department of Public Safety Records
- Access the DPS Records Bureau
- Request a criminal history background check
- Submit fingerprints and required identification
- Pay the statutory fee for record search
- Receive comprehensive arrest history information
When searching for arrest records online, users should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject, including full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Online searches may not return complete records, as certain information may be restricted from public view pursuant to § 14-2-1 NMSA.
How To Search Bernalillo County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Bernalillo County arrest records without payment through several available resources:
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Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center Inmate Search
- The MDC Inmate Lookup provides free access to current inmate information
- Search by name to view booking information, charges, and custody status
- Updated in real-time with current inmate population
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New Mexico Courts Case Lookup
- The New Mexico Judiciary's public access portal offers free basic case information
- Search by name or case number for Bernalillo County cases
- View charge information, court dates, and case status
- Basic case information is available without charge, though document copies may incur fees
-
Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in person
- Use public access computer terminals in the clerk's office
- Search court records related to arrests at no cost
- Print copies for a nominal fee
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
401 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8151
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court
- Public Libraries
- Local public libraries often provide free internet access
- Use library computers to access public court and detention center databases
- Librarians may assist with navigating public records resources
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System - Main Library
501 Copper Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 768-5141
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library
- Media Reports
- Local news outlets often report on significant arrests
- Search media websites for arrest information
- These sources may provide arrest details at no cost
While basic arrest information is available without charge, comprehensive records or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, in-person inspection of non-exempt public records is available at no cost during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bernalillo County
In Bernalillo County, individuals cannot "delete" arrest records in the conventional sense, but may pursue legal remedies to limit public access through expungement or sealing processes under New Mexico law.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement refers to the legal process of removing arrest and conviction records from public view and, in some cases, from government agency records.
- Record sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use by law enforcement and courts.
Under the New Mexico Criminal Record Expungement Act, codified in § 29-3A-1 through § 29-3A-9 NMSA, the following situations may qualify for expungement:
- Arrests without charges - If an arrest did not result in charges being filed within one year
- Dismissed charges - When charges were dismissed by the prosecutor or court
- Acquittals - Following a not guilty verdict at trial
- Completed deferred sentences - After successful completion of a deferred sentencing agreement
- Pardoned convictions - Following a governor's pardon
- Completed sentences - After serving the full sentence and waiting period (varies by offense type)
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
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Determine Eligibility
- Review arrest and case records
- Confirm qualifying circumstances under § 29-3A-5 NMSA
- Verify completion of waiting periods if applicable
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Prepare Petition
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form
- Gather supporting documentation (disposition records, completion certificates)
- Prepare affidavit attesting to eligibility
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File Petition
- Submit petition to the Bernalillo County District Court
- Pay filing fee (currently $132, with fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
- Serve copies on the District Attorney and arresting agency
Bernalillo County District Court
400 Lomas Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 841-8400
Second Judicial District Court
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Attend Hearing
- If the District Attorney objects, a hearing will be scheduled
- Present evidence supporting eligibility for expungement
- Address any concerns raised by the prosecutor or court
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Obtain Order
- If granted, receive signed Order of Expungement
- Distribute copies to all agencies holding records
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal representation. The New Mexico Legal Aid and State Bar of New Mexico offer resources for those unable to afford private counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Bernalillo County?
Following an arrest in Bernalillo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several key stages:
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Booking Process
- Transportation to the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
- Collection of personal information and biometric data
- Photograph (mugshot) and fingerprinting
- Property inventory and storage
- Medical screening
- Assignment to appropriate housing unit
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Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Appoints public defender if defendant qualifies
- Sets conditions of release or detention
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Pretrial Release Decision
- Assessment of flight risk and public safety concerns
- Determination of appropriate release conditions
- Options include:
- Release on recognizance (ROR)
- Release with non-monetary conditions
- Release on bond
- Preventive detention for dangerous defendants
-
Charging Decision
- District Attorney reviews evidence
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May decline prosecution, refer to diversion, or proceed with charges
- For felonies, may present case to grand jury for indictment
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Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court confirms counsel representation
- Sets schedule for future proceedings
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Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences and case management hearings
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Trial
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- Approximately 90% of cases resolve through plea agreements rather than trial
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Sentencing
- Following guilty plea or conviction
- Presentence investigation report preparation
- Victim impact statements
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Potential sentences include probation, incarceration, fines, restitution
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Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Potential post-conviction relief motions
- Probation supervision or incarceration
- Reentry planning for incarcerated individuals
Throughout this process, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court handles misdemeanor cases, while the Second Judicial District Court processes felony matters.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bernalillo County?
Arrest records in Bernalillo County are maintained according to the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 1.19.11, which establishes records retention schedules for law enforcement agencies. These retention periods vary based on record type and case disposition:
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest records without charges: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Retained for 10 years after completion of sentence
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanently maintained
- Arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal: Retained for 5 years from date of disposition
- Juvenile arrest records: Generally sealed upon reaching age 18, with exceptions for serious offenses
- DWI/DUI arrests: Maintained for 25 years regardless of disposition
- Sex offense arrests: Permanently maintained regardless of disposition
- Homicide-related arrests: Permanently maintained
Different agencies within Bernalillo County maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention schedules:
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Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigative files according to state retention schedules.
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Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center retains booking records, inmate files, and custody documentation.
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Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court and Second Judicial District Court maintain court case files related to arrests according to judicial retention schedules.
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New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository of criminal history information at the state level.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations
- Provides accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables background checks for public safety purposes
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records before the expiration of retention periods may petition for expungement under the New Mexico Criminal Record Expungement Act if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
How to Find Mugshots in Bernalillo County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically show the front and side view of an arrestee's face and upper body, and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Bernalillo County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
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Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center
100 Deputy Dean Miera Dr SW
Albuquerque, NM 87151
(505) 839-8700
Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center -
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 468-7100
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office -
Albuquerque Police Department
400 Roma Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 242-2677
Albuquerque Police Department
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Bernalillo County, individuals may:
- Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency or detention center under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act
- Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency in person
- Contact the Metropolitan Detention Center for booking photos of current or former inmates
- Submit a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Bernalillo County law enforcement agencies do not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center inmate lookup system for currently incarcerated individuals
- Media outlets that publish mugshots of notable arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshot information (though these may contain outdated or inaccurate information)
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Complete a public records request form specifying the mugshot being requested
- Provide identifying information about the subject
- Submit the request to the appropriate agency
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow 3-15 business days for processing as required by § 14-2-8 NMSA
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrests - Mugshots of minors are generally not public records
- Expunged records - If an arrest record has been expunged, the mugshot is no longer publicly accessible
- Ongoing investigations - Mugshots may be temporarily withheld if release would compromise an active investigation
- Privacy concerns - Certain identifying information may be redacted from released mugshots
Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing online may seek legal remedies through the expungement process if they qualify under New Mexico law.