Apache County Court Records Search
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Apache County occupies the northeastern corner of Arizona, with its county seat in St. Johns. The county’s judicial system includes the Apache County Superior Court, four Justice Courts, and several Municipal Courts spread across a geographically vast region that includes portions of the Navajo Nation. These courts collectively generate criminal, civil, family, and probate records that attorneys, litigants, employers, researchers, and members of the public may need to access for various purposes—from background checks and legal proceedings to genealogy research and property transactions.
Individuals looking for Arizona court records have multiple options for conducting searches. Records can be obtained through local clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and online databases maintained by state and county agencies. ArizonaCourts.us may assist users in finding publicly available court case information across the state. The Arizona Judicial Branch also operates statewide search portals that cover Superior Court cases in all fifteen counties, including Apache County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Apache County?
Apache County court cases can be searched online at no cost, reviewed in person at the courthouse, or requested by mail or fax. The appropriate method depends on the court that handled the case, the age of the record, and the level of detail required.
Online Search
The Arizona Judicial Branch provides a Public Access to Court Case Information portal where users can look up Apache County Superior Court cases filed from 1995 to the present. Searches can be performed by case number, party name, or filing date, and the system returns basic case data including party names, case type, filing dates, and disposition information. For access to actual civil and criminal court documents filed on or after July 1, 2010, the eAccess portal allows users to purchase individual documents or subscribe to a monthly plan.
To search for an Apache County Superior Court case online:
- Navigate to the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access case lookup website.
- Select “Apache” from the county dropdown.
- Enter a case number or party name.
- Review the case summary for filing dates, parties, and status.
In-Person Search
The Clerk of the Superior Court’s office in St. Johns permits free in-person searches during business hours. Visitors may review files and search records without charge. The Clerk recommends calling ahead with the case number so staff can retrieve files from storage before your arrival.
Apache County Superior Court – Clerk of Court
Address: 70 West 3rd South Street, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Mailing: P.O. Box 365, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: (928) 337-7550
Fax: (928) 337-2771
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed government holidays)
Mail and Fax Requests
To request records by mail or fax, complete the Request for Access to Court Records form per Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123 and submit it to the Clerk’s office. Include the case number, party names, dates of birth, and as much identifying information as possible. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees. Requests are typically processed within three to five business days.
Search and Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online case lookup | No charge |
| In-person research at the courthouse | No charge |
| Research performed by the Clerk’s office | $35.00 |
| Copies of filed documents | $0.50 per page |
| Certification of a document | $35.00 per document |
| Mailing or faxing search results | $8.00 |
| Mailing results with a self-addressed stamped envelope | No charge |
The Clerk’s office accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, and Mastercard.
Are Court Records Public in Apache County?
Arizona follows a strong presumption of public access to court records. Under the Arizona Public Records Law (Title 39, Chapter 1), custodians of public records must maintain indexes and provide reasonable access to the records in their custody. Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123 specifically governs access to judicial records and provides that all case records are open to the public except as closed by law, court rule, or court order.
Records That Are Generally Public
Most case records in the Apache County Superior Court and Justice Courts are open for inspection. Public records include civil complaints and answers, criminal charging documents and dispositions, judgments, docket entries, orders, minute entries, and marriage license records. Essential information—case numbers, party names, and filing dates—is provided without charge.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Under Rule 123 and Arizona statutes, certain records are closed to public inspection:
- Adoption, dependency, and severance records
- Mental health proceeding records
- Juvenile court records (except certain traffic violations)
- Sealed records or records subject to a protective order
- Victim and witness information protected by law
- Sensitive security or confidential information
- Unpublished drafts of judicial opinions and orders
- Internal case management data and judicial conference memoranda
Requesting Sealed Records
Access to sealed files requires a written request to the assigned judge explaining the specific interest in the file and which documents are sought. The judge will review the request and issue a ruling. Allow time for this review process.
Record Sealing
Under A.R.S. § 13-911, individuals may petition to have certain criminal case records sealed. When records are sealed, they are removed from public view and are not disclosed through standard case search systems, though law enforcement and certain agencies may retain access under statutory exceptions.
Apache County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Apache County are heard at multiple court levels. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the Justice Courts handle misdemeanor offenses and criminal traffic violations. Municipal Courts in Eagar, Springerville, St. Johns, and other communities adjudicate city ordinance violations and certain traffic matters.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case information from the Superior Court is available through the Public Access case lookup for cases filed since 1995. Court documents for criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010 can be accessed through the eAccess portal. In-person searches at the Clerk of Court office in St. Johns are free.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Apache County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and police reports. Interested parties should complete the Sheriff’s records request form and submit it with required fees in person or by mail:
Apache County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 370 South Washington, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Mailing: P.O. Box 518, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: (928) 337-4321
Statewide Criminal History Records
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the state’s central repository for criminal records. DPS does not perform background searches for third parties. Only record subjects may review their own criminal history by requesting a Record Review Packet, which includes a blank fingerprint card, contact information sheet, and packet instructions. The completed forms and fingerprint card must be submitted to the DPS Central State Repository, which typically processes requests and mails results within 15 days. The DPS can be contacted at (602) 223-2222 for questions about record review.
Apache County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Apache County are distributed among the Superior Court, the Justice Courts, and to a limited extent the Municipal Courts. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases of all amounts, as well as equity matters, domestic relations, tax cases, and appeals from lower courts. Justice Courts handle civil disputes involving $10,000 or less and small claims matters involving $5,000 or less.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from the Superior Court can be searched free of charge through the statewide Public Access case lookup tool for cases filed since 1995. Document-level access for cases filed on or after July 1, 2010 is available through eAccess for a per-document fee. In-person research at the Clerk’s office is free, and copies cost $0.50 per page.
For civil records from Justice Courts, contact the appropriate court directly:
Northstar Justice Court – Puerco District (Sanders)
Address: Apache County Road 7080, Sanders, AZ 86512
Mailing: P.O. Box 610, Sanders, AZ 86512
Phone: (928) 688-2729
Fax: (928) 688-2244
Northstar Justice Court – Chinle District
Address: US Highway 191 MP 447, Chinle, AZ 86503
Mailing: P.O. Box 888, Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone: (928) 674-5922
Fax: (928) 674-5926
Round Valley Justice Court (Springerville)
Address: 130 South Mountain Avenue, Springerville, AZ 85938
Mailing: P.O. Box 1356, Springerville, AZ 85938
Phone: (928) 333-4613
Fax: (928) 333-4205
St. Johns Justice Court
Address: 70 West 3rd Avenue South, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Mailing: P.O. Box 308, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: (928) 337-7558
Fax: (928) 337-2683
Filing Fees
Superior Court civil filing fees in Apache County follow the statewide schedule. A civil complaint or petition costs $312.00, and an answer or initial appearance costs $208.00. The complete filing fee schedule is published on the Apache County website. Justice Court filing fees are lower and vary by case type; contact the relevant court for current amounts.
Property Records
Property records including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, and liens are maintained by the Apache County Recorder’s Office. Recording fees are $30.00 per document, and copies cost $1.00 per page. The Recorder’s office is located at 75 West Cleveland Street, P.O. Box 425, St. Johns, AZ 85936, and can be reached at (928) 337-7515. The Apache County Assessor’s Office maintains a public assessment database where users can search property records by account number, parcel number, or owner name.
Apache County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Apache County are adjudicated by the Superior Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, paternity, orders of protection, and adoption. The Clerk of Court’s office manages all family court filings and records.
Divorce Records
Divorce and dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court. Records can be obtained in person, by mail, or by fax using the court records request form. Standard copy fees of $0.50 per page apply, plus $35.00 for certification if needed. Online case information for dissolution cases filed since 1995 is available through the statewide Public Access portal.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Apache County are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court and by each of the four Justice Courts. The license fee is $98.00. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. Arizona does not require blood tests or a waiting period. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $35.00.
Orders of Protection
Petitions for orders of protection may be filed at the Superior Court or at any Justice Court in the county. These filings are part of the public case record unless sealed by the court.
Adoption, Dependency, and Juvenile Records
Adoption, dependency, severance, and delinquency actions fall under the Superior Court’s juvenile division. These records are confidential and closed to the public. Access requires a court order from the assigned judge. To petition for release of a sealed file, submit a written request to the judge explaining your specific interest and the documents sought.
Birth and Death Records
Although not court records, vital records are frequently sought alongside family law matters. The Apache County Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth and death certificates at $20.00 per copy:
Apache County Office of Vital Records
Address: 75 West Cleveland Street (2nd Floor), St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: (928) 337-7525
Arizona is a closed-record state for vital records. Only eligible parties—including the record subject, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, spouses, and those with power of attorney—may obtain birth and death certificates under A.A.C. R9-19-210 and R9-19-211. Requesters must be at least 18 years of age. Birth and death certificates can also be ordered through the Arizona Department of Health Services using the appropriate application form (birth certificate or death certificate).
Apache County Probate Court Records
Probate cases in Apache County are heard by the Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over the administration of estates, probate of wills, appointment of personal representatives, guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults, and conservatorship proceedings. The Clerk of the Superior Court preserves all probate case records.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is available through the statewide Public Access case lookup for cases filed from 1995 onward. In-person inspection of probate files is available at the Clerk’s office in St. Johns during regular business hours at no charge. Copies of filed documents cost $0.50 per page, and certification is $35.00 per document.
Requesting Probate Records
To request copies of probate records by mail or fax, complete the Request for Access to Court Records form and submit it to:
Apache County Clerk of Court
Address: 70 West 3rd South Street, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Mailing: P.O. Box 365, St. Johns, AZ 85936
Phone: (928) 337-7550
Fax: (928) 337-2771
Provide as much identifying information as possible, including the decedent’s or ward’s name, Social Security number, case number, and date of birth. The Clerk’s office typically responds to search requests within three to five business days.
Confidentiality in Probate
Most probate records—including wills admitted to probate, inventories, accountings, and orders—are public and may be inspected by any person. However, certain guardianship and conservatorship records may contain confidential information. Records relating to mental health proceedings are closed to the public and require a court order to access. Information such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers may be redacted from publicly available documents in accordance with court rules governing personal identifier protection.