Paradise Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Paradise, California?
Arrest records in Paradise, California are considered public documents under California state law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement departments, shall be accessible to the public upon request. This legislation ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to access information collected and maintained by public agencies. Arrest records typically contain information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities, including the Paradise Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of arrests and are maintained as part of the official criminal justice system documentation.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, members of the public may inspect public records during the office hours of the governmental agency. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, compromise an ongoing investigation, or endanger an individual's safety. The determination regarding which portions of arrest records may be withheld is made in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
How to Look Up Paradise Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Paradise, California in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following resources:
Paradise Police Department Records Division 6161 Center Street Paradise, CA 95969 (530) 872-6241 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Butte County Sheriff's Office 5 Gillick Way Oroville, CA 95965 (530) 538-7321 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Butte County Superior Court 1 Court Street Oroville, CA 95965 (530) 532-7002 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Requestors must complete a public records request form, which can be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically through the respective agency's website. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication of records, though inspection of records is generally provided without charge. The requesting party may be required to provide identification and specific information about the record being sought, such as the name of the individual, date of arrest, or case number.
Additionally, certain arrest records may be accessible through online portals maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Paradise Police Department and Butte County Sheriff's Office maintain databases that may be accessed remotely. These systems typically require registration and may impose usage fees for comprehensive searches.
Contents of a Paradise Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Paradise law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by California state regulations. These documents typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrestee and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory violations alleged (California Penal Code sections)
- Booking number and processing information
- Fingerprint classification and identification data
- Photographic documentation (mugshot)
- Arresting officer information
- Disposition of the case, if available
- Bail amount, if applicable
The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the policies of the arresting agency. Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to additional confidentiality protections under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, which restricts public access to such information.
Law enforcement agencies in Paradise maintain arrest records in both physical and digital formats. Digital records are stored in secure databases with restricted access, while physical records are typically housed in the records division of the respective agency. The retention period for arrest records is governed by the California Records Retention Act, which establishes minimum timeframes for maintaining various categories of public records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Paradise
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking to have their arrest records expunged in Paradise must comply with procedures established under California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4.
The expungement process typically involves:
- Filing a petition with the Butte County Superior Court
- Paying applicable filing fees (approximately $120-$150 as of 2025)
- Providing documentation of eligibility for expungement
- Attending a court hearing, if required by the presiding judge
Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
- Completion of probation or sentence for the offense
- No current charges pending against the petitioner
- No incarceration in state prison for the offense
- Fulfillment of all court-ordered restitution and financial obligations
Successful expungement does not result in the physical destruction of arrest records but rather restricts public access to such information. Law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities may retain access to expunged records for administrative purposes. Additionally, expunged convictions may still be considered in certain circumstances, such as professional licensing applications or subsequent criminal proceedings.
The Paradise Police Department and Butte County Sheriff's Office comply with court orders regarding the expungement of arrest records in accordance with California law. Individuals with questions regarding the expungement process may contact the Butte County Public Defender's Office at 1430 Myer Street, Oroville, CA 95965, (530) 538-7661.
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