>Contra Costa County Arrest Records Online

Contra Costa County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Contra Costa County, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Contra Costa County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system. The Act mandates that all government agencies, including law enforcement departments in Contra Costa County, must make their records available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply under Government Code § 6254, which protects records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile arrests, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. However, basic arrest information including the arrestee's name, charges, and arrest date typically remains accessible to the public.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that conducted the arrest. The county maintains these records as part of its commitment to governmental transparency and public safety.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa County provides limited online access to arrest records through several official channels. The Contra Costa County Superior Court maintains an electronic case index that allows the public to search for criminal cases by name. This system provides basic case information including charges filed, court dates, and case disposition.

The county's public records portal offers another avenue for accessing certain arrest information digitally. However, comprehensive arrest records may not be fully available online due to privacy considerations and technical limitations of county systems.

For complete arrest records, individuals may need to:

Submit a formal request through the county's online public records request system
Visit the appropriate law enforcement agency in person
Contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Records Division at:

Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
651 Pine Street, 7th Floor
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335-1500
Official Website

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication when providing copies of arrest records.

How to Look Up Contra Costa County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Contra Costa County. The county has established procedures in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which requires public agencies to make records promptly available upon request. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following options:

In-Person Requests: Visit the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Bring government-issued identification and be prepared to complete a records request form. The primary agencies maintaining arrest records include:

Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office
651 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335-1500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website

Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office
900 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 957-8600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Requests: Submit a public records request through the county's official website. The system allows for specific requests related to arrest information.
Mail Requests: Send a written request including the arrestee's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and your contact information to the appropriate agency.
Court Records: Search criminal court records for cases resulting from arrests. The Superior Court maintains records of all criminal proceedings in the county.

Fees for record retrieval vary based on the type and volume of records requested. Standard processing times range from 10-15 business days, though complex requests may require additional time under Government Code § 6253(c).

Contents of a Contra Costa County Arrest Record

Arrest records in Contra Costa County contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes uniform record-keeping requirements for criminal justice agencies. A typical arrest record includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Known aliases or alternative names
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of arrest
Statutory authority for the arrest (specific code sections violated)
Booking number and facility information
Arresting agency and officer identification
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Bail amount, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available

The Contra Costa County Enterprise System Catalog maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Law enforcement agencies utilize standardized forms and digital systems to ensure consistency in record-keeping across jurisdictions within the county.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations as permitted under Government Code § 6254.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Contra Costa County

California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4 provide legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records in Contra Costa County. Expungement is a legal process that seals or removes arrest records from public access, though the records remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Contra Costa County include:

Completion of probation or sentence for the offense
No current charges pending against the individual
Not currently serving a sentence for any other offense
Sufficient time elapsed since the arrest or conviction
Evidence of rehabilitation

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance through the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office, which provides services to eligible residents.

Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office
800 Ferry Street
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 335-8000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing agencies to seal the record. The California Department of Justice maintains a Live Scan fingerprinting service that can verify the status of expunged records. Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks, though they may be disclosed in certain circumstances as permitted by law.

Search Arrest Records in Contra Costa County

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