Comanche County Public Records / Comanche County Arrest Records

Comanche County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Comanche County

Arrest records in Comanche County are considered public information under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, codified in Title 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq. This statute establishes that records created by public bodies and public officials in Oklahoma are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Pursuant to § 24A.8 of the Act, law enforcement agencies must make arrest records available for public inspection.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant for members of the public seeking information. Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the offense. Under Oklahoma law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain limitations may apply to juvenile records or records that have been ordered sealed by a court.

The Comanche County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records for the county and makes these records available in accordance with state law. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions provided in § 24A.5 of the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

What's in Comanche County Arrest Records

Comanche 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 categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and other physical descriptors
Address of residence
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Projected release date (if applicable)
Facility where individual is being held

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Protective orders
Known aliases
Vehicle information related to arrest

The Comanche County Detention Center maintains these records as part of their inmate management system, and portions of this information are made available to the public through various access methods in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Comanche County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Comanche County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:

Submit a Records Request Form:
- Complete the official records request form available through the Comanche County Records Request portal
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the completed form to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Department or Court Clerk)
Visit the Sheriff's Department in Person:

Comanche County Sheriff's Department
315 SW 5th Street, Suite 101
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 353-4280
Comanche County Sheriff's Department

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Visit the Court Clerk's Office:

Comanche County Court Clerk
315 SW 5th Street, Room 304
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Comanche County Court Clerk

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Request Records by Mail:
- Send a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to the Sheriff's Department or Court Clerk's address
Request Records by Email:
- Send a detailed request to the records division email address listed on the county website
- Include all relevant information to identify the specific record needed

Pursuant to Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and copying services. Currently, Comanche County charges $0.25 per page for copies of records and may assess additional fees for certified copies or extensive research.

How To Find Comanche County Arrest Records Online

Comanche County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. Members of the public may utilize these electronic systems to locate information without visiting county offices in person:

Comanche County Detention Center Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Comanche County Detention Center website
- Access the online inmate database search function
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current custody status and basic arrest information
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN):
- Visit the OSCN website
- Select "Comanche" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review court records related to arrests and criminal cases
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody
- Access the ODOC Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- Review incarceration status and offense information
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Records:
- The OSBI Criminal History Information Request Portal (CHIRP) provides access to criminal history records
- Create an account and submit a request
- Pay the required fee ($15 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically

When using online systems, users should note that pursuant to Title 51 O.S. § 24A.8, certain information may be redacted from public records available online, including personal identifier information and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.

How To Search Comanche County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Comanche County arrest records without incurring fees:

Comanche County Detention Center Inmate Lookup:
- The Comanche County Detention Center provides a free online database
- Search by name to find current inmates and recent bookings
- Basic information including charges and booking date is available at no cost
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Comanche County Courthouse
- Use the public access computer terminals in the Court Clerk's office
- Search court records related to criminal cases at no charge
Comanche County Courthouse
315 SW 5th Street
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214

Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN):
- Access the OSCN website
- Select Comanche County from the dropdown menu
- Search by name to view court records at no cost
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
Sheriff's Department Website:
- The Comanche County Sheriff's Department website provides limited information about recent arrests
- Check for press releases or public notices about significant arrests
Local Newspaper Archives:
- The Lawton Constitution and other local publications often report on arrests
- Many libraries provide free access to newspaper archives

It is important to note that while basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal history reports from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation require payment of statutory fees as established in Title 74 O.S. § 150.9. Additionally, certified copies of records from the Court Clerk or Sheriff's Department may incur copying fees as permitted under Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Comanche County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Comanche County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Oklahoma state law, specifically Title 22 O.S. § 18 and § 19, which establish eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement is the legal process of removing records from public view and, in some cases, physically destroying them
Sealing restricts access to records but maintains them for limited official purposes
In Oklahoma, most successful petitions result in records being sealed rather than completely destroyed

Eligibility for Expungement: Under Title 22 O.S. § 18, individuals may qualify for expungement if:

They were acquitted of the charges
The case was dismissed or no charges were filed after arrest
They received a deferred sentence that has been completed
They were convicted of a misdemeanor and have not been charged with any crime for at least 10 years
They were convicted of a non-violent felony and have not been charged with any crime for at least 10 years
They received a full pardon for a non-violent offense

Steps to Expunge Arrest Records:

Determine Eligibility:
- Review the criteria in Title 22 O.S. § 18
- Obtain a copy of your criminal record from the OSBI
File a Petition for Expungement:
- Prepare a petition for expungement in accordance with Title 22 O.S. § 19
- File the petition with the Comanche County Court Clerk
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150)
Comanche County Court Clerk
315 SW 5th Street, Room 304
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 355-5214
Serve Notice to Relevant Agencies:
- Provide copies of the petition to:
  - District Attorney's Office
  - Law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest
  - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
  - Any other agencies with records of the arrest
Attend the Expungement Hearing:
- Present your case before a judge
- Demonstrate how you meet the statutory requirements
- Address any objections from the District Attorney or other agencies
Distribute the Court Order:
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order
- Send copies to all agencies holding records related to the arrest

Legal representation is strongly recommended for this process, as expungement law is complex and procedural requirements must be strictly followed. The Comanche County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys who specialize in expungement cases.

What Happens After Arrest in Comanche County?

The criminal justice process in Comanche County follows a structured sequence from initial arrest through final disposition. Understanding this process helps individuals navigate the system effectively:

Arrest and Booking:
- Law enforcement officers take the individual into custody
- The arrestee is transported to the Comanche County Detention Center
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail amount is set or release on own recognizance is determined
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases Only):
- Prosecutor presents evidence to establish probable cause
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
- Typically occurs within 10 days for in-custody defendants or 30 days for those released on bail
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Trial date is set if a not guilty plea is entered
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery process where evidence is exchanged
- Motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution
Trial:
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Presentation of evidence by prosecution and defense
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
Sentencing:
- If convicted, a separate hearing determines punishment
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines and case factors
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 10 days of judgment
- Potential post-conviction relief through habeas corpus or other remedies
- Probation supervision or transfer to Department of Corrections custody

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the Comanche County Sheriff's Department, the Court Clerk, and the District Attorney's Office. These records become part of the public record as prescribed by the Oklahoma Open Records Act, subject to specific exemptions outlined in Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Comanche County?

Arrest records in Comanche County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Oklahoma state law, specifically the Local Government Records Act (Title 67 O.S. § 201-216) and guidelines from the Oklahoma Archives and Records Commission. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and court records.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

Arrest reports and booking information: Minimum 5 years
Investigation reports: Minimum 5 years after case closure
Fingerprint cards and photographs: Permanent retention
Incident reports: Minimum 5 years
Jail registers and booking logs: Permanent retention

Court Records Retention:

Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years after final disposition
Felony case files: Permanent retention
Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
Probation records: Minimum 5 years after completion of probation

Different agencies within Comanche County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Comanche County Sheriff's Department:
- Maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigation reports
- Follows the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule
- Some records may be transferred to digital format after initial retention period
Comanche County Court Clerk:
- Maintains court case files, dockets, and disposition information
- Court records are generally kept permanently, especially for felony cases
- Records may be archived after a certain period but remain accessible
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation:
- Maintains statewide criminal history repository
- Arrest fingerprints and photographs are retained permanently
- Criminal history records are maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order

The extended retention of these records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Provides documentation for background checks and security clearances
Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system

It is important to note that even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, information may persist in digital databases and indices. Complete removal of arrest information typically requires a court-ordered expungement as provided in Title 22 O.S. § 18-19.

How to Find Mugshots in Comanche County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Comanche County, these photographs are taken at the Comanche County Detention Center as part of the standard booking procedure. Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Comanche County are primarily maintained by:

Comanche County Sheriff's Department
315 SW 5th Street, Suite 101
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 353-4280
Comanche County Sheriff's Department
Comanche County Detention Center
315 SW 5th Street
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 353-4280
Comanche County Detention Center

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Comanche County have several options:

Submit a Records Request:
- Complete the official records request form
- Specify that you are seeking booking photographs
- Include the full name and approximate date of arrest
- Submit to the Sheriff's Department Records Division
Visit the Sheriff's Department:
- Request mugshots in person at the Records Division
- Provide identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Contact the Detention Center:
- Call the Detention Center directly
- Provide the name and booking information of the individual
- Inquire about procedures for obtaining booking photographs

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The availability of mugshots online through official Comanche County sources is limited:

The Comanche County Sheriff's Department and Detention Center do not currently publish a comprehensive online database of mugshots
The inmate search function on the county website provides basic information but typically does not include photographs
Some mugshots may appear in press releases for significant cases on the Sheriff's Department website

Pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act (Title 51 O.S. § 24A.8), mugshots are considered public records unless specifically exempted. However, the county is not required to publish them online proactively.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To ensure you receive accurate and official mugshot records:

Submit a formal records request through the Comanche County Records Request system
Provide specific information including full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of records
Allow 5-10 business days for processing as specified in Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5(6)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Certain limitations apply to mugshot access in Comanche County:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records under Oklahoma law
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Expunged records, including associated mugshots, are removed from public access
Records sealed by court order are not available to the general public

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation maintains a central repository of arrest photographs but requires specific authorization and payment of fees to access these records.