Chico Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chico, California?
Arrest records in Chico, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is mandated by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies must be available for public inspection. The Chico Police Department, as a public agency, is required to comply with these regulations regarding arrest records. The fundamental principle underlying this legislation is to ensure governmental transparency and accountability through public oversight.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during the office hours of the relevant government agency. The law stipulates that every person has the right to inspect any public record except those specifically exempted by statute. In Chico, this means that arrest records not specifically protected by privacy laws or ongoing investigation exemptions are available for public review.
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b)(1), further reinforces this right by stating that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business." This constitutional provision underscores the importance of public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by local law enforcement agencies.
How to Look Up Chico Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Chico, California in 2025. The City of Chico has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these documents in accordance with state transparency laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Chico Police Department Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Chico Police Department
1460 Humboldt Road
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 897-4900
Chico Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMOnline Portal Access: The Chico Police Department maintains a digital records management system through which the public can search for and request arrest records. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay nominal processing fees as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b).
Written Requests: Pursuant to CPRA guidelines, individuals may submit written requests for specific arrest records. These requests must reasonably describe identifiable records and should be directed to the Records Division of the Chico Police Department.
County Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Butte County Superior Court.
Butte County Superior Court
One Court Street
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 532-7002
Butte County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Requestors should note that certain processing times apply to record requests. Under Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances.
Contents of a Chico Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Chico Police Department contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which governs criminal history information. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any documented aliases or known monikers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including applicable California Penal Code sections and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking Information: Processing location, assigned booking number, and timestamp of the booking procedure.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during the booking process and mugshot photographs taken according to departmental protocols.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts if applicable, detention facility assignment, and current custody status.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including whether charges were filed by the District Attorney's Office.
It should be noted that pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information within arrest records may be withheld if disclosure would endanger the successful completion of an investigation or the safety of a person involved in the investigation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chico
The process of expungement in Chico follows California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for the dismissal of convictions. Additionally, Penal Code § 851.8 governs the process for sealing and destroying arrest records in cases where no conviction occurred. These statutes establish specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals seeking expungement must meet the following statutory conditions:
- Successful completion of probation or other court-ordered requirements
- No current charges pending in any jurisdiction
- Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
- Satisfaction of all applicable waiting periods as specified in the Penal Code
The formal expungement process requires:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180 form) with the Butte County Superior Court
- Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Notification to the District Attorney's Office
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing if required by the presiding judge
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 that dismisses the conviction. While this does not completely erase the record, it does release the petitioner from many penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction. The record will be updated to show the case was dismissed pursuant to this section.
For arrests that did not result in convictions, individuals may petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8, which provides for the sealing and eventual destruction of arrest records. This more comprehensive remedy requires demonstrating that no reasonable cause existed to believe the arrestee committed the offense.
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