Arrests.org Delaware: Official Arrest Records & Expungement Guide
Finding an arrest record or mugshot in Delaware requires a completely different approach than most states. Delaware only has three counties and operates a unified, state-level correctional system. This means standard county jail searches won’t work here. Whether you need to locate a loved one immediately or remove an old booking photo from the web, this guide gives you the exact operational steps.
🔍 1. How to Search Delaware Arrests (Step-by-Step)
If you want a quick visual overview of recent local police bookings, Arrests.org is the fastest tool. Here is how to use it:
Visit the State Portal: Open the official state database at arrests.org.
Select Your County: Delaware only has three counties: New Castle (Wilmington area), Kent (Dover area), and Sussex. Click the county where the local police made the arrest.
Execute Name Search: Use the search bar to type in a first and last name, or browse the recent blotter to see the latest arrests in the state.
Extract Booking Data: Review the profile carefully. Note the specific Statute Charges (like DUI or theft) and the arresting agency. You will need this for the bail bondsman.
🏛️ 2. Official Delaware Search Portals (The Source of Truth)
Critical Fact: Delaware does not have county jails. All arrested individuals who do not post bail immediately are transferred to a State of Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) facility. You must use state-level tools to find them.
Agency / Jurisdiction | Official Resource | Search Tool & Details |
|---|---|---|
Statewide Inmates | Delaware DOC / VINElink | 🔗 DE VINE Inmate Search The official custody tracker for anyone held in a Delaware state facility (like Howard R. Young or Sussex Correctional). |
Pending Court Cases | Delaware State Courts | 🔗 CourtConnect Portal The absolute best tool for finding upcoming arraignment dates, case statuses, and docket information. |
State Police Backgrounds | Delaware State Police (DSP) | 🔗 SBI Criminal History The official portal for requesting a formal, certified Delaware criminal background check (requires fingerprinting). |
⚖️ 3. Delaware FOIA & Expungement Laws
Delaware has robust laws balancing public transparency with a person’s right to a second chance.
Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Under Delaware law, police arrest logs and booking photos (mugshots) are generally considered public records. This allows data brokers like Arrests.org to legally collect and publish this information online.
Delaware Title 11 Expungement Laws
Delaware allows for both Mandatory and Discretionary expungements. If your charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty, you are generally eligible for a mandatory expungement. Once a judge signs the expungement order, the state destroys the public record. Once erased, you can legally state you were never arrested, and data brokers are obligated to remove your profile.
🛑 4. Arrests.org Opt-Out: Remove Your DE Mugshot
If your case was dismissed or expunged under Delaware law, you shouldn’t have to suffer reputational damage. Arrests.org provides a free, legally compliant opt-out process.
Locate Your Record ID: Find your profile on Arrests.org. Look at the URL in your browser’s address bar. Copy the numbers at the exact end of the URL (e.g., .../Delaware/12345678 -> Your ID is 12345678).
Access the Hidden Portal: Type this exact URL into your browser, replacing the brackets with your ID: https://arrests.org/remove/?id=[Insert Your ID]
Upload Legal Proof: Upload a scanned copy of your official Delaware court disposition showing the case was dismissed or your formal Expungement Order. Also upload a redacted copy of your State ID.
💰 5. Bail Bonds & The JP Courts
The Arraignment Process (Justice of the Peace)
When someone is arrested in Delaware, they are typically taken to a Justice of the Peace (JP) Court (often operating 24/7 or via video) for their initial appearance. The magistrate judge here will determine the bail amount.
Securing Release
- 💵 Cash Bail: You pay the full cash amount directly to the court. It is refunded when the case concludes (minus standard court fees).
- 📜 Secured Bond (Bondsman): You hire a licensed Delaware Bail Bondsman. You pay a non-refundable premium (state law dictates the fees, generally around 10%), and they guarantee the rest to the court.
- 🤝 Unsecured Bond / OR: The judge allows the individual to leave without paying cash upfront, based on a signed promise to return for court dates (or they are liable for the bond amount).
❓ 6. Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware operates a unified correctional system. There are no county jails managed by sheriffs in Delaware. All pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates are held by the state-level Delaware Department of Correction (DOC).
No. Under Delaware state law, records for minors (handled in Family Court) are strictly sealed to protect their future prospects and are exempt from FOIA requests.
The Delaware DOC uses third-party telecom vendors (currently GTL / ViaPath). You must create a prepaid account on their platform to receive collect calls from Delaware state facilities.