Valencia County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Valencia County
Arrest records in Valencia County are considered public information under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA § 14-2-1). This statute establishes that every person has the right to inspect public records of the state, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. However, certain exceptions apply to protect ongoing investigations, privacy rights, and confidential information.
The Law Enforcement Records Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information, including arrest records from Valencia County. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings
Under New Mexico law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though access to certain information may be restricted based on the status of the case, the age of the individual, or other factors outlined in NMSA § 14-2-1(A). The Valencia County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests made by their deputies, while municipal police departments maintain their own arrest records.
What's in Valencia County Arrest Records
Valencia 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 elements:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identification numbers (state ID, FBI number if applicable)
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Valencia County Sheriff's Office, Los Lunas Police Department)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility (typically the Valencia County Detention Center)
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (Valencia County Magistrate Court or District Court)
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing the individual
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical or mental health alerts
- Special housing requirements
- Probation/parole status
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in the New Mexico Criminal Procedure Act.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Valencia County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Valencia County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing these public records:
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Submit a written request to the Valencia County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Public Records Request Form available at the Sheriff's Office
- Include specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
1206 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2400
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Contact the Valencia County Detention Center
- Request inmate information and booking records
- Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
- Inquire about current custody status and charges
Valencia County Detention Center
3210 Highway 314
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2465
Valencia County Detention Center
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Visit the Valencia County Magistrate Court
- Request case information related to arrests
- Provide the defendant's name and case number if available
- Review public court records associated with arrests
Valencia County Magistrate Court
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2405
Valencia County Magistrate Court
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Request records from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
- Submit a request for a criminal history record check
- Complete the appropriate forms and provide required identification
- Pay applicable fees for record searches
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Law Enforcement Records Bureau
6301 Indian School Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 827-9181
Law Enforcement Records Bureau
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, agencies must respond to requests within three business days, though they may take up to 15 days for more complex requests.
How To Find Valencia County Arrest Records Online
Valencia County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are available to the public:
-
Valencia County Sheriff's Office Website
- Navigate to the Valencia County Sheriff's Office official website
- Locate the "Records" or "Public Information" section
- Follow the instructions for submitting an electronic records request
- Provide required information including the subject's name and date of birth
- Submit the request through the online portal
-
New Mexico Courts Case Lookup
- Visit the New Mexico Courts Public Records portal
- Select "Case Lookup" from the available options
- Choose "Valencia County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
-
New Mexico Department of Public Safety Online Records
- Access the Law Enforcement Records Bureau website
- Navigate to the "Criminal History" section
- Follow the instructions for requesting records electronically
- Complete the required forms and provide identification
- Submit payment for the record search through the secure payment portal
-
Valencia County Detention Center Inmate Search
- Visit the Valencia County Detention Center website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" feature
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- View current custody status, charges, and booking information
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with NMSA § 14-2-1(A) to protect privacy rights and sensitive information. Additionally, the most recent arrest information may not be immediately available online as records require processing time.
How To Search Valencia County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access Valencia County arrest records without incurring fees through several available methods. The following no-cost options are provided in accordance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act:
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In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Valencia County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a Public Records Request Form specifying the desired records
- Request to inspect records rather than receive copies
- Review the records on-site at no charge
- Note that while inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
1206 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2400
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Valencia County Magistrate Court Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Valencia County Magistrate Court during regular business hours
- Request access to the public computer terminals
- Search for case information related to arrests and criminal proceedings
- View publicly available court records at no cost
Valencia County Magistrate Court
1835 Highway 314 SW
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-2405
Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Online Court Case Lookup
- Access the New Mexico Courts Public Records website
- Use the free case lookup feature to search for criminal cases
- Enter the individual's name to locate court records related to arrests
- View basic case information at no charge
-
Valencia County Detention Center Website
- Visit the Valencia County Detention Center website
- Use the free inmate lookup feature
- Search by name to find current inmates and their charges
- Access basic booking information without fees
Under NMSA § 14-2-9, while agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, they cannot charge for inspection of public records. Additionally, agencies are required to provide the first four pages of records at no charge to requesters.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Valencia County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Valencia County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These procedures are governed by New Mexico state law and require specific legal actions:
Expungement of Arrest Records
Under the Criminal Record Expungement Act (NMSA § 29-3A-1), individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in conviction
- The conviction was dismissed, discharged, or pardoned
- The person has completed all terms of their sentence and rehabilitation
The process for expungement in Valencia County includes:
- File a petition with the Valencia County Magistrate Court or District Court (depending on the original case jurisdiction)
- Submit required documentation including:
- Original case information
- Proof of identity
- Documentation showing eligibility for expungement
- Pay the filing fee (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Attend the scheduled court hearing
- If granted, obtain the court order for expungement
- Submit the court order to all agencies holding the records
Sealing of Arrest Records
For cases that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may seek to have records sealed under limited circumstances:
- Juvenile records may be sealed pursuant to the Children's Code (NMSA § 32A-2-26)
- Records related to certain drug offenses after completion of a drug court program
- Records in cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The sealing process requires:
- Filing a petition with the appropriate court
- Demonstrating that the public interest in sealing the records outweighs the public interest in access
- Obtaining a court order directing agencies to restrict access to the records
It is important to note that even when records are expunged or sealed, certain government agencies may still retain access for law enforcement and judicial purposes. Additionally, some federal agencies may maintain records despite state-level expungement.
What Happens After Arrest in Valencia County?
Following an arrest in Valencia County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Valencia County Detention Center for processing. The booking procedure includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
2. Initial Appearance
Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge at the Valencia County Magistrate Court where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Preliminary bail determinations are made
- Public defender representation is arranged if needed
- Conditions of release may be established
3. Bail Determination
The court determines whether the defendant may be released pending trial based on:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Criminal history and community ties
- Risk of flight or danger to the community
- Ability to pay monetary bail
- Potential for pretrial supervision
4. Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (Felony Cases)
For felony charges, the case proceeds through either:
- A preliminary hearing where a judge determines if probable cause exists, or
- A grand jury proceeding where jurors decide whether to issue an indictment
5. Arraignment
At arraignment, the defendant:
- Is formally charged
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Receives trial date information
- May have counsel appointed if not already arranged
6. Pretrial Proceedings
Before trial, several legal procedures may occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions regarding evidence and procedure
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
- Pretrial detention hearings if applicable
7. Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases are resolved through:
- Trial by jury or judge where evidence is presented and a verdict rendered, or
- Plea agreement where the defendant admits guilt in exchange for sentencing considerations
8. Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
9. Post-Conviction
Following conviction, defendants may:
- Appeal the verdict or sentence
- Seek post-conviction relief
- Serve their sentence as imposed
- Apply for early release programs if eligible
Throughout this process, records are maintained by the Valencia County Sheriff's Office, the Detention Center, and the court system, documenting each stage of the criminal justice proceedings.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Valencia County?
Arrest records in Valencia County are maintained according to the New Mexico Administrative Code § 1.21.2 which establishes the Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for law enforcement agencies. These schedules mandate specific timeframes for preserving various types of records:
Law Enforcement Arrest Records
- Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 10 years after date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches 21 years of age, then subject to sealing provisions
- DWI/DUI arrest records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Domestic violence arrest records: 15 years from date of arrest
Booking and Detention Records
The Valencia County Detention Center maintains:
- Booking photographs (mugshots): 5 years after release from custody
- Booking reports and logs: 5 years after date of creation
- Inmate files: 10 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention (also forwarded to state and federal repositories)
Court Records Related to Arrests
The Valencia County Magistrate Court and District Court maintain:
- Case files for felony matters: 25 years after case closure
- Case files for misdemeanor matters: 10 years after case closure
- Case files for dismissed charges: 5 years after dismissal
- Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
Different agencies within Valencia County have varying requirements for records retention, with law enforcement generally maintaining records longer than other county departments. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information indefinitely, even after local records may have been purged.
Records retention serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Ensures accountability of the criminal justice system
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Supports public safety through access to criminal history information
How to Find Mugshots in Valencia County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images document the physical appearance of arrested individuals at the time they enter custody and become part of the official arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies in Valencia County.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Valencia County are primarily maintained by:
- The Valencia County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies
- The Valencia County Detention Center as part of booking records
- Municipal police departments for arrests within city jurisdictions
- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety in the state's central criminal history repository
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Valencia County, individuals may:
-
Submit a public records request to the Valencia County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the required request form
- Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, case number)
- Pay applicable fees for copies of photographs
-
Contact the Valencia County Detention Center
- Request booking photographs through the records division
- Provide identifying information about the individual
- Follow the facility's procedures for obtaining copies
-
Submit a request to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety
- Request a criminal history record that may include booking photographs
- Complete required forms and provide proper identification
- Pay the established fees for record searches
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Valencia County does not currently maintain a public-facing database of mugshots online. While some New Mexico counties do publish booking photos on their websites, Valencia County has adopted a more restrictive approach to online mugshot publication. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of publicly accessible mugshots on individuals who may later be found not guilty or have charges dismissed.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:
- Submitting a written request under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act
- Providing specific information to identify the record being sought
- Following agency procedures for records requests
- Paying applicable fees for reproduction of photographs
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest photographs are generally confidential under NMSA § 32A-2-32
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be redacted
- Mugshots that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
Lookup Arrest Records in Valencia County
Valencia County Sheriff's Office
Valencia County Detention Center
Valencia County Magistrate Court