Union County Public Records / Union County Arrest Records

Union County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026

UnionCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Union County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, and criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records vary by agency and record type.

Official arrest records in Union County, New Jersey, may be searched through the county sheriff's office, the Superior Court of New Jersey, state law enforcement databases, and authorized online portals. The New Jersey Courts system and the New Jersey State Police maintain searchable repositories that members of the public may access through official channels.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county correctional facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so inquiries are handled by phone or in person.

2. Local Police Departments

Union County encompasses multiple municipalities, each with its own police department. Departments including the Elizabeth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, and Linden Police Department maintain arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may submit public records requests to individual municipal police departments pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), codified at N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., to obtain copies of arrest logs and related documents.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Criminal cases arising from arrests in Union County are processed through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County Vicinage. Members of the public may search court case records through the New Jersey Courts public case search portal, which allows searches by defendant name and returns associated case numbers, charge information, and court dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The New Jersey State Police maintains the New Jersey Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system. Members of the public may request a criminal history background check through the New Jersey State Police Records and Identification Unit. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based name searches. Fingerprint-based searches are available for authorized purposes and return more comprehensive results.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Union County Sheriff's Office
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4450
Union County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Police Departments:

Elizabeth Police Department
1 Police Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Phone: (908) 558-2000
Elizabeth Police Department

Plainfield Police Department
325 Watchung Ave
Plainfield, NJ 07060
Phone: (908) 753-3400
Plainfield Police Department

Records requests at municipal police departments are processed pursuant to OPRA. Requestors should submit a completed OPRA request form identifying the specific records sought, including the subject's name and approximate date of arrest.

Clerk of Court:

Union County Superior Court – Criminal Division
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 787-1650
New Jersey Courts – Union Vicinage

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the courthouse. Copy fees are assessed per page. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted by mail to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on volume.

By Phone:

Union County Sheriff's Office: (908) 527-4450
Automated inmate information is not currently available through a dedicated phone line; callers are directed to speak with records staff
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record copies cannot be provided by phone and require a written or in-person request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors receive access to materials governed by court rules beyond what is available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (which municipality or county agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County

Arrest records in Union County are public records under New Jersey law. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act, N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy government records, including arrest logs and booking information maintained by law enforcement agencies. As the New Jersey Government Records Council has stated, "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State."

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings. The public nature of arrest records reflects the principle that law enforcement activity conducted in the public interest warrants public accountability.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under New Jersey law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The New Jersey Constitution and the Open Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using background check reports must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act limits when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions is subject to legal scrutiny.

What's in Union County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the New Jersey State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
New Jersey statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as indictable offense (felony equivalent) or disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor equivalent)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance release
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, though comprehensive criminal history is maintained separately by the New Jersey State Police and is not always included in a single arrest record.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate OPRA request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and law enforcement databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Union County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Union County varies by agency and record type. Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, government agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, with standard rates established by statute.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (letter/legal size)	$0.05 per page (first 10 pages); $0.07 per page (pages 11–20); $0.10 per page (pages 21 and above)
Certified copies (Superior Court)	$10.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	No charge in many cases
Criminal history name search (State Police)	$15.00 (non-fingerprint)
Fingerprint-based criminal history	$30.00 or as set by the State Police

Inspection of records at a government office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
Electronic records provided in existing electronic format are available without a per-page fee under OPRA
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, at agency discretion
Accepted payment methods vary by agency and may include cash, check, or money order payable to the applicable government entity
The New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office assesses separate fees for certified copies of court documents

Members of the public may inspect arrest logs and booking records at the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments at no cost. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Union County

In New Jersey, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is called expungement. Expungement is a court-ordered process that results in the extraction and isolation of records related to an arrest, detention, or conviction. Sealing, a separate concept, restricts access to records without physical removal. New Jersey law primarily uses expungement rather than sealing for most criminal record relief.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not result in conviction, including dismissed charges, acquittals, and cases where no charges were filed — these are eligible for expungement without a waiting period
Disorderly persons offense convictions after a waiting period of three years from the date of conviction, payment of fines, or release from custody, whichever is later
Indictable offense (felony equivalent) convictions after a waiting period of six years, subject to eligibility criteria
Certain drug offenses may qualify for expungement under specific provisions

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the New Jersey State Police to identify all records subject to expungement
Complete the official expungement petition forms available through the New Jersey Courts
File the petition in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred — for Union County, this is the Union County Superior Court at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Serve copies of the petition on all required agencies, including the arresting law enforcement agency, the prosecutor's office, and the New Jersey State Police
Attend the expungement hearing if scheduled; many uncontested petitions are granted without a hearing
Upon entry of the expungement order, submit certified copies to each agency listed in the order for record removal

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Union County Superior Court – Criminal Division
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 787-1650
New Jersey Courts – Expungements

Union County Prosecutor's Office
32 Rahway Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: (908) 527-4500
Union County Prosecutor's Office

Following expungement, the records are removed from public access and the individual may lawfully answer "no" to most inquiries about the existence of the arrest or conviction. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes defined by statute.

What Happens After Arrest in Union County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Union County Jail for processing.

Union County Jail
15 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4600
Union County Correctional Facility

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the correctional facility, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection and submission to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under New Jersey court rules, arrested individuals must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to counsel is addressed, including appointment of a public defender for those who qualify
Bail and conditions of release are determined under New Jersey's bail reform framework
The individual is advised of rights

New Jersey operates under a risk-based pretrial release system. Judges consider the Public Safety Assessment score, the prosecutor's recommendation, and statutory factors when setting conditions of release.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount paid in cash to the court
Refunded at case conclusion minus applicable fees
Amount set by the judge at first appearance

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bail
Applied in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed by the court may include:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted or PR Release Granted:

Processing for release takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Detained:

Housing assignment within the correctional facility
Inmate orientation
Commissary account setup
Phone and visitation privileges explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Union County Public Defender's Office
Administration Building, 3rd Floor
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 659-3900
New Jersey Office of the Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. An application is completed at or before the first appearance.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The New Jersey State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Union County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an accusation or indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of arrest.

Grand Jury:

For indictable offenses (the New Jersey equivalent of felonies), the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury to obtain an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and defense counsel does not participate.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement offering reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; may be followed by expungement petition
Diversion Programs: Pretrial Intervention (PTI), drug court, mental health court, and veterans court are available for eligible defendants; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: Defendant pleads guilty or no contest to agreed charges; sentencing hearing is scheduled
Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; if guilty, sentencing hearing follows

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes sentence, which may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: 48 to 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor (disorderly persons) cases: Resolved in municipal court, often within weeks to a few months
Felony (indictable offense) cases: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the New Jersey Constitution and court rules

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Union County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
15 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4600
Union County Sheriff's Office

Union County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 787-1650
New Jersey Courts – Union Vicinage

Union County Prosecutor's Office
32 Rahway Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: (908) 527-4500
Union County Prosecutor's Office

Union County Public Defender's Office
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 659-3900
New Jersey Office of the Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely stating the intention to do so
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Union County is governed by New Jersey law and the policies of the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management. The New Jersey Administrative Code and records retention schedules issued by the state establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records. As the New Jersey State Archives has noted, "records retention schedules establish the minimum period that records must be kept before they may be destroyed."

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Indictable Offense (Felony Equivalent) Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the New Jersey State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI
Part of the permanent criminal history record accessible to law enforcement nationwide

Disorderly Persons Offense (Misdemeanor Equivalent) Convictions:

Retained permanently in most state and local databases
Court records maintained permanently in electronic systems
State repository retains indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of several years per state retention schedules
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received
Records may remain accessible unless expunged

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Retained per applicable retention schedule
Court records: Often permanent
Eligible for expungement under N.J.S.A. § 2C:52-1

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum period per state schedule
Eligible for expungement without a waiting period

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per state schedule, minimum several years
Photographs: Retained in digital systems, often indefinitely

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Permanent retention in most cases
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
They may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Union County Sheriff's Office
15 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 527-4600
Union County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the New Jersey records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Investigative files are retained based on case disposition and offense classification.

Union County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: (908) 787-1650
New Jersey Courts – Union Vicinage

Felony (indictable offense) case files: Permanent retention
Disorderly persons cases (municipal court): Retained per applicable schedule
Electronic records: Permanent retention in the court's case management system

New Jersey State Police – Criminal History Repository:

Maintains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions in New Jersey
Retention is permanent for most records unless an expungement order is received
Members of the public may request their own criminal history through the New Jersey State Police Records and Identification Unit

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain records submitted by New Jersey agencies
Federal retention is typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all major databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely unless restricted by state law

Dismissal:

Remains in databases unless expunged
May not appear on standard employment background checks depending on reporting agency policy

Expungement:

Local records are extracted and isolated per the court order
State repository updates records upon receipt of certified expungement order
FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from all systems typically takes several weeks to months following entry of the order

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period in most cases
May be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
Eligible for immediate expungement petition

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available through online court case search and direct agency inquiry
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests:

May require in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time for older paper records

Very Old Arrests:

Records predating electronic systems may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office records division at (908) 527-4600 for inquiries about specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA for positions below a salary threshold
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited statutory purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate, more restrictive retention and access rules under New Jersey law

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (908) 527-4600 or submit a written OPRA request to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.