California Arrest Records

California Public Records /California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in California?

In California, arrest records are generally considered public records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code §§ 6250–6276.48. However, public access is subject to several limitations, particularly where the release of information could compromise an individual’s privacy or interfere with ongoing investigations.

The California Department of Justice (CA DOJ), local police departments, and county sheriff’s offices maintain these records. Certain information may be available to the public, but more sensitive data, such as juvenile records or sealed arrests, are exempt from disclosure.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in California?

Arrest records in California are governed by a combination of federal and state laws:

California Public Records Act (CPRA) – Establishes public access to government records.
California Penal Code § 13300 et seq. – Governs criminal offender record information (CORI). Access to CORI is limited to authorized agencies and individuals.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552 – Governs federal agency records, though it does not override California’s laws for state and local records.
California Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 827–828 – Restricts access to juvenile arrest and court records.

California Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Justice Information Services 4949 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820 Phone: (916) 227-3849 Official Website: California Department of Justice

What Information Is Included in a California Arrest Record?

A California arrest record typically contains the following:

Full name and known aliases of the individual
Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed (Penal Code sections, Health & Safety Code violations, etc.)
Booking information (including fingerprints and booking photographs)
Bail or bond amount (if applicable)
Court case number and jurisdiction
Disposition of charges, if available

For employment, licensing, or immigration purposes, an individual may be required to provide a complete criminal history record (commonly called a “Live Scan” fingerprint record).

How To Obtain Arrest Records in California in 2025

Individuals and agencies may request arrest records through various official channels:

Requesting Your Own Record California residents may request a copy of their own state summary criminal history record by submitting fingerprints via Live Scan. Application forms and instructions are available through the CA DOJ – Criminal Records.
Law Enforcement and Courts Arrest reports may be requested directly from the police department or sheriff’s office that made the arrest, subject to CPRA exemptions.
Court Records Arrest-related court filings may be obtained from the Superior Court of California in the county where the case was filed. Most counties provide online case access portals.

California DOJ – Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Phone: (916) 210-3310
Official Website: California DOJ Record Review

How to Find Arrest Records Online in California

California provides online portals for limited access to arrest and criminal records:

California Courts – Online Case Search: Each county’s Superior Court maintains online databases of criminal cases. For example:
California Megan’s Law Website (for sex offender records): Megan’s Law Website
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator: CDCR Inmate Locator

Who Can Access Arrest Records in California?

Access to arrest records depends on the type of requester:

The Public – May access certain records through CPRA but not full criminal history information.
Authorized Employers – Some employers, especially those in law enforcement, healthcare, or security, may access records for background checks.
Government Agencies – Agencies such as law enforcement, courts, and licensing boards have broader access to criminal history data.
The Individual – Any individual may request their own arrest and criminal record.

California State Public Defender’s Office
770 L Street, Suite 1000, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 322-2676
Official Website: California State Public Defender

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in California?

Yes. Fees may apply depending on the type of request:

Live Scan fingerprinting – $25 processing fee for DOJ record review, plus local Live Scan operator fees (ranging from $20 to $40).
Court Records – Certified copies of arrest-related court documents often require a per-page fee ($0.50 to $1.00 per page in most counties).
Police Departments – May charge nominal fees for copies of police reports, often ranging from $10 to $25.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in California

California law requires that adult arrest and criminal records are retained indefinitely unless expunged or sealed. However:

Juvenile Records – May be sealed upon reaching age 18 if specific conditions are met.
Expunged Records – Records may be dismissed under California Penal Code § 1203.4 but still remain accessible to law enforcement.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
1515 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (916) 324-7308
Official Website: CDCR

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in California Arrest Records?

Certain details are withheld from public release, including:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted under Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 827–828)
Ongoing investigation details
Victim and witness personal information
Sealed or expunged records
Sensitive health-related data in specific cases

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in California

California law provides options for sealing or expunging arrest records:

Penal Code § 851.8 – Allows individuals to petition for sealing if found factually innocent.
Penal Code § 1203.4 – Permits expungement of certain convictions after completion of probation.
Assembly Bill 1076 (2019) – Automates the sealing of certain arrest and conviction records for eligible individuals.

Superior Court of California – Sacramento County
720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Public Counter Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday
Phone: (916) 874-5522
Official Website: Sacramento Superior Court

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

Employment Restrictions: Under the California Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code § 12952), employers with five or more employees may not ask about criminal history until after a conditional job offer.
Housing Applications: Landlords must comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws when considering arrest records.
Professional Licensing: Licensing agencies may review arrest and conviction records, subject to rehabilitation consideration requirements.

Lookup Arrest Records in California

Official resources for arrest and criminal records in California include: