Albany Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Albany, California?
Arrest records in Albany, California are considered public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies must be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions for privacy, ongoing investigations, and national security concerns. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) further reinforces this right to access governmental information, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. Members of the public may request and obtain copies of arrest records from relevant agencies, subject to applicable fees and identification requirements as stipulated in Government Code § 6253.
The Albany Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through established protocols. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy rights of victims, witnesses, or juveniles as provided under California Penal Code § 841.5 and Welfare and Institutions Code § 827. Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, the dissemination and use of such information is regulated by the California Civil Code § 1786.18 regarding consumer reporting and background checks.
How to Look Up Albany Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Albany, California. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods in accordance with established governmental procedures:
Online Portal Access: The Albany Police Department maintains a digital records management system accessible through the city's official website. Users must create an account and provide identification verification to access non-confidential arrest information. The system operates 24 hours daily with scheduled maintenance periods typically occurring on Sundays from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM PST.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Albany Police Department Records Division. Staff will assist with completing the required forms and verifying identification.
Albany Police Department Records Division
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 525-7300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Albany Police Department Official Website
- Alameda County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained by the county court system. These records may be accessed through the court's public terminals or by submitting a records request form.
Alameda County Superior Court - René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Alameda County Superior Court
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6256, written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Albany Police Department Records Division. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. A self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees must accompany all mail requests.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions. Users should be aware that these services may not contain the most current information and typically charge additional fees beyond those assessed by government agencies.
Fees for record retrieval are established by Albany Municipal Code § 2-16-4 and are subject to annual review. Current fees include $25 for standard record searches and $0.25 per page for photocopies. Certified copies incur an additional $10 fee per document. Payment methods include credit card, money order, or check made payable to "City of Albany."
Contents of an Albany Arrest Record
Albany arrest records contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, hair and eye color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification numbers; booking number; and facility where the individual was processed.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including California Penal Code section numbers, charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction), and charge descriptions.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed by the district attorney, case numbers assigned by the court, and outcomes of proceedings if concluded.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification information and reference to digital fingerprint records maintained in the California Department of Justice Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) pursuant to Penal Code § 11105.
Photographic Evidence: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during the processing procedure, typically including front and profile views.
Bail Information: Amount of bail set, whether bail was posted, and method of release if applicable.
Court Appearances: Scheduled arraignment dates, preliminary hearings, and trial information if the case proceeded to court.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations as provided under Government Code § 6254(f).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Albany
The expungement process in Albany follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides mechanisms for sealing or clearing arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The conviction was dismissed after successful completion of probation
- The offense qualifies under Proposition 47, 64, or other reform legislation
- The individual received a certificate of rehabilitation
The procedural requirements for expungement include filing a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the Alameda County Superior Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must also submit a completed Order for Dismissal (form CR-181) for the judge's signature if the petition is granted. Filing fees amount to $120 per case as established by Government Code § 70373, though fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income applicants.
Expungement does not completely destroy records but rather changes their status to reflect dismissal pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still access expunged records for specific purposes authorized by statute. Additionally, expunged convictions must still be disclosed on applications for government employment, professional licensing, or public office as required by Business and Professions Code § 480.
The timeline for processing expungement petitions typically ranges from 60 to 120 days depending on court caseloads. Petitioners may represent themselves or retain legal counsel, and assistance programs are available through the Alameda County Public Defender's Office Clean Slate Program.
Alameda County Public Defender's Office
1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 400
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Alameda County Public Defender
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