How to Look Up Someone's Arrest Records Online

Arrest records are public documents in most jurisdictions and there are several ways to access them depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.

Free official sources

For federal cases, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system known as PACER at pacer.gov provides access to federal court documents, including criminal cases. There is a small per page fee but it is the most authoritative source for federal case records.

For state cases each state maintains its own court records system. Most state court websites allow you to search case records by name and many are free to access. Search for your state name plus court records search to find the right portal.

For county-level arrest records, many sheriff departments and county jails maintain online inmate rosters and booking publicly searchable records.

Comprehensive background search

When you need a broader picture across multiple jurisdictions quickly InmateAid's arrest record search can pull records across multiple databases simultaneously. This is particularly useful when you are not sure which county or state a record may be filed in or when you need current status information quickly.

What arrest records typically show

Arrest records include the charges filed, booking information, court dates, case status, and in many cases, disposition information showing how a case resolved. They do not always show records that were expunged or sealed.