Utah Arrest Records

Utah Public Records /Utah Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Utah?

In Utah, arrest records are generally considered public information under the state's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). This means that most citizens can access these records, though there are specific limitations and exceptions that protect certain information from public disclosure. Utah maintains a balance between public transparency and individual privacy rights when it comes to criminal justice records.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Utah?

Access to arrest records in Utah is primarily governed by the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified in Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 2. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for how government records, including arrest records, are classified, accessed, and managed throughout the state.

GRAMA categorizes government records into several classifications:

Public records (generally available to anyone)
Private records (available to the subject of the record and authorized government officials)
Controlled records (available under specific circumstances)
Protected records (restricted to protect various interests)

Additionally, the Utah Criminal History Information Act (Utah Code Title 53, Chapter 10, Part 2) specifically addresses criminal history information, including arrest records, and establishes guidelines for their dissemination.

The Utah Public Safety Code also contains provisions related to the maintenance and sharing of criminal justice information, while the Utah Expungement Act (Utah Code Title 77, Chapter 40) provides the legal framework for sealing or expunging arrest records under certain circumstances.

These laws collectively ensure that while arrest records remain generally accessible to the public, there are appropriate safeguards in place to protect privacy and prevent misuse of sensitive information.

What Information Is Included in a Utah Arrest Record?

A typical arrest record in Utah contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. These records generally include:

Personal identifying information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including statute numbers and charge descriptions)
- Bail or bond information
Case processing information:
- Court case number (if applicable)
- Scheduled court appearances
- Detention facility information

Arrest records may also contain narrative reports written by arresting officers describing the circumstances of the arrest. These narratives often include details about the alleged criminal activity, witness statements, and other evidence that led to the arrest.

Some information may be redacted or restricted from public versions of arrest records, particularly details that could compromise ongoing investigations, identify confidential informants, or violate privacy protections for certain categories of individuals (such as juveniles).

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Utah in 2025

In 2025, Utah offers several methods to obtain arrest records, depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking:

Through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)

The BCI is the central repository for criminal history information in Utah and provides official criminal history reports that include arrest data.

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Taylorsville, UT 84129
(801) 965-4445
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification

To request records from BCI:

Complete the appropriate request form (available on their website)
Provide required identification
Submit fingerprints (for complete criminal history checks)
Pay applicable fees
Submit your request in person, by mail, or through their online portal

From Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The arresting agency often maintains its own records that can be requested directly:

Visit the agency in person
Submit a GRAMA request form
Provide identification and case-specific information

Through the Utah Courts System

Court records related to arrests can be accessed through:

Utah State Courts
450 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 578-3800
Utah State Courts

The courts maintain the XChange system for online case lookup and the CORIS (Court Record Information System) database for court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.

Utah Department of Corrections

For records related to individuals who were incarcerated following arrest:

Utah Department of Corrections
14717 South Minuteman Drive
Draper, UT 84020
(801) 545-5500
Utah Department of Corrections

When requesting arrest records, be prepared to provide:

The full name of the subject
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Case number (if known)
Your relationship to the subject (if requesting on behalf of someone else)

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Utah

Utah offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally:

Utah Public Safety Criminal History Portal The Utah Criminal History Portal allows authorized users to search for criminal history information, including arrests. This service requires registration and payment of fees.
Utah XChange System The Utah XChange platform provides online access to court records, including cases stemming from arrests. This subscription-based service is available to registered users and provides comprehensive case information.
Utah Inmate Lookup The Utah Department of Corrections Inmate Search allows you to find information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities.
County Sheriff's Office Websites Many county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate lookup tools that provide information about recent arrests:
Municipal Police Department Websites Larger city police departments often provide online access to recent arrest logs or booking information.

When using online resources, be aware that:

Information may not be complete or comprehensive
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some systems require registration or subscription fees
Certain sensitive information may be redacted
The most complete records typically require formal requests

For the most accurate and comprehensive arrest information, it's often best to combine online research with formal record requests through official channels.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Utah?

Under Utah law, access to arrest records varies based on the requester's identity and purpose:

General Public Members of the general public can access basic arrest record information, though some details may be redacted. Public access is governed by GRAMA provisions for public records.
The Subject of the Record Individuals have the right to access their own arrest records in full, including information that might be redacted in versions provided to the general public.
Criminal Justice Agencies Law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and corrections officials have comprehensive access to arrest records for official purposes.
Licensed Professionals Certain licensed professionals, such as attorneys representing clients, may have enhanced access to arrest records relevant to their cases.
Employers and Licensing Boards Some employers and licensing boards have statutory authority to access arrest records for background check purposes, particularly for positions involving vulnerable populations or security concerns.
Researchers Qualified researchers may access arrest data for statistical analysis, though typically in anonymized form.
Media Organizations News media can access arrest records as part of public information, though they must follow the same GRAMA procedures as other requesters.

Access may be restricted for:

Juvenile records (with exceptions)
Records related to ongoing investigations
Records sealed by court order
Expunged records
Records containing protected personal information

The Utah Code § 53-10-108 specifically outlines who may access criminal history record information and under what circumstances.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Utah?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Utah typically involves fees that vary depending on the agency providing the records and the type of request:

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Fees:

Criminal History Review: $15-$33 (depending on request type)
Fingerprint-based background checks: $33.25
Name-based background checks: $15

Utah Courts Fees:

XChange subscription: $30 per month or $300 annually
Copies of court documents: $0.25 per page
Certified copies: $4 per document plus copy fees
Record search fee: $15 per name

County Sheriff's Offices:

Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $5-$25 per record
Additional fees may apply for certified copies

Municipal Police Departments:

Fees typically range from $5-$20 per record
Some departments may charge additional fees for research time

Fee Waivers: Under GRAMA, fees may be waived if:

The request benefits the public rather than an individual
The requester is the subject of the record and has limited means
The requester is the victim of a crime documented in the record

Government agencies are required to provide the first quarter-hour of search time free of charge. Additional research time may be billed at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work.

Payment methods typically include cash, check, money order, and in many cases, credit or debit cards for online or in-person payments.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Utah

Utah maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying by record type and maintaining agency:

State-Level Records:

The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains criminal history information, including arrest records, permanently in their central repository.
Digital fingerprint records associated with arrests are kept indefinitely.

Court Records:

Felony case records: Permanently maintained
Misdemeanor case records: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
Infraction case records: Minimum of 3 years after case closure
Juvenile court records: Generally maintained until the individual turns 21, with exceptions for serious offenses

Law Enforcement Agency Records:

Arrest reports: Typically maintained for 10-75 years, depending on the severity of the alleged offense
Booking photographs and fingerprints: Usually kept permanently
Incident reports leading to arrest: Generally maintained for 10 years minimum

These retention periods are established under the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service retention schedules and may be subject to change based on administrative rules or legislative updates.

Even when physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital information often remains in databases for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as mugshots that appeared in news media) may persist indefinitely outside official government repositories.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Utah Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Utah, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals:

Commonly Redacted Information:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Medical and mental health information
Home addresses and personal phone numbers of:
- Law enforcement officers
- Victims of crimes
- Witnesses
Information about confidential informants
Juvenile information (with limited exceptions)
Information that would interfere with ongoing investigations
Details that would disclose investigative techniques
Information protected by court order

Special Protections:

Utah law provides enhanced privacy protections for certain categories of arrests, including:

Domestic violence cases where victim safety is a concern
Sexual assault cases
Cases involving minors
Arrests related to mental health crises
Cases involving vulnerable adults

The Utah Code § 63G-2-305 specifically outlines records that are protected from disclosure, while Utah Code § 63G-2-302 details private records that have restricted access.

Government agencies are required to apply the "least restrictive" redaction necessary, meaning they should only withhold information that is specifically protected by law while releasing the remainder of the record.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Utah

Utah law provides mechanisms for eligible individuals to seal or expunge their arrest records under certain circumstances:

Expungement Process:

Under the Utah Expungement Act, individuals may petition to expunge records of arrests and convictions if they meet specific eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Requirements:
- Completion of waiting periods (ranging from 1-10 years depending on offense level)
- Payment of all fines, fees, restitution, and interest
- No pending criminal proceedings
- Meeting offense-specific criteria
Application Process:
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
- File a Petition for Expungement with the court where the case was handled
- Pay filing fees (approximately $150)
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting agency
- Attend a hearing if required by the court
Effect of Expungement: When granted, an expungement order requires all government agencies to seal records of the arrest and any related proceedings. The individual may legally respond to questions as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions.

Clean Slate Act:

Utah's Clean Slate Law provides for automatic expungement of certain low-level offenses without requiring a petition:

Eligible cases include certain misdemeanors and infractions
Records must meet specific criteria, including completed sentences and waiting periods
The process occurs automatically through a coordinated system between courts and the Bureau of Criminal Identification

Petition for Factual Innocence:

For those who were arrested but factually innocent of the alleged crime, Utah provides a separate process under Utah Code § 78B-9-401 et seq. to petition for a determination of factual innocence, which can result in record expungement and potential compensation.

Legal assistance is highly recommended for navigating these processes, as requirements are complex and mistakes can result in petition denial.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Utah?

Utah law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts:

Employment Restrictions:

Under Utah Code § 34-52-201, employers with 15 or more employees cannot ask about arrest or criminal history on initial job applications (known as "Ban the Box" provisions)
Employers must wait until after an initial interview (or conditional job offer) to inquire about criminal history
Employers must consider factors such as:
- Nature and gravity of the offense
- Time elapsed since the offense
- Nature of the job sought
- Rehabilitation efforts

Housing Limitations:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines regarding the use of arrest records
Private landlords should establish consistent, non-discriminatory policies regarding criminal background checks

Licensing Restrictions:

Professional licensing boards must follow the Utah Occupational and Professional Licensure Review Committee Act, which requires that licensing restrictions based on criminal history be directly related to the duties of the occupation

Anti-Discrimination Provisions:

Using arrest records in a manner that has a disparate impact on protected classes may violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws
The Utah Antidiscrimination Act prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity

Expunged Records:

It is unlawful to discriminate against individuals based on expunged arrest records
Employers and others cannot require disclosure of expunged arrests or use such information in decision-making

Penalties for Misuse:

Improper use or disclosure of arrest record information may result in:

Civil liability
Administrative penalties
Criminal charges in certain circumstances

These limitations reflect Utah's effort to balance public safety concerns with the recognition that arrest records, particularly those not resulting in conviction, should not create undue barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Lookup Arrest Records in Utah

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
3888 West 5400 South
Taylorsville, UT 84129
(801) 965-4445
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification

State Department of Public Safety:

Utah Department of Public Safety
4501 South 2700 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 965-4461
Utah Department of Public Safety

State Department of Corrections:

Utah Department of Corrections
14717 South Minuteman Drive
Draper, UT 84020
(801) 545-5500
Utah Department of Corrections

State Court System:

Utah State Courts Administrative Office
450 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 578-3800
Utah State Courts

Utah Supreme Court
450 South State Street, 5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 578-3900
Utah Supreme Court

Utah Court of Appeals
450 South State Street, 5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 578-3900
Utah Court of Appeals

Attorney General's Office:

Utah Attorney General's Office
350 North State Street, Suite 230
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 366-0260
Utah Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office
3365 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
(385) 468-9800
Salt Lake County Sheriff

Utah County Sheriff's Office
3075 North Main Street
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
(801) 851-4000
Utah County Sheriff

Davis County Sheriff's Office
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-4100
Davis County Sheriff

Weber County Sheriff's Office
721 West 12th Street
Ogden, UT 84404
(801) 778-6600
Weber County Sheriff

Washington County Sheriff's Office
750 South 5300 West
Hurricane, UT 84737
(435) 656-6500
Washington County Sheriff

Cache County Sheriff's Office
1225 West Valley View Highway, Suite 200
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 755-1000
Cache County Sheriff

Tooele County Sheriff's Office
47 South Main Street
Tooele, UT 84074
(435) 882-5600
Tooele County Sheriff

Box Elder County Sheriff's Office
52 South 100 East
Brigham City, UT 84302
(435) 734-3800
Box Elder County Sheriff

Summit County Sheriff's Office
6300 Justice Center Road
Park City, UT 84098
(435) 615-3500
Summit County Sheriff

Iron County Sheriff's Office
2132 North Main Street
Cedar City, UT 84721
(435) 867-7500
Iron County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Salt Lake City Police Department
475 South 300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 799-3000
Salt Lake City Police

West Valley City Police Department
3600 South Constitution Boulevard
West Valley City, UT 84119
(801) 840-4000
West Valley City Police

Provo Police Department
48 South 300 West
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 852-6210
Provo Police

West Jordan Police Department
8040 South Redwood Road
West Jordan, UT 84088
(801) 256-2000
West Jordan Police

Orem Police Department
95 East Center Street
Orem, UT 84057
(801) 229-7070
Orem Police

State Archives:

Utah State Archives and Records Service
346 South Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 531-3800
Utah State Archives

Federal Agencies Operating in Utah:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Salt Lake City Field Office
257 East 200 South, Suite 1200
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 579-1400
FBI Salt Lake City

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Utah
351 South West Temple, Room 4.200
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 524-5693
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Utah

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FCI Englewood (nearest federal facility)
9595 West Quincy Avenue
Littleton, CO 80123
(303) 985-1566
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
351 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 524-6100
U.S. District Court - District of Utah