South Lake Tahoe Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in South Lake Tahoe, California?
Arrest records in South Lake Tahoe, 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, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities.
The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, allowing citizens to request and review these documents. However, certain statutory exemptions may apply in cases where:
- The release would compromise an active investigation
- Disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- The information pertains to juvenile offenders
- Records are sealed by court order
- Disclosure would endanger the safety of a witness or other person
Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), law enforcement agencies must disclose certain information about arrests, including the full name of the arrestee, occupation, physical description, date of birth, time and date of arrest, factual circumstances surrounding the arrest, time and date of booking, location of the arrest, amount of bail set, and charges.
How to Look Up South Lake Tahoe Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in South Lake Tahoe have multiple methods available to access this information. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department Records Division serves as the primary custodian of these documents and processes requests in accordance with state law. Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following official channels:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply.
South Lake Tahoe Police Department
1352 Johnson Boulevard
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 542-6100
Police Department Records Division
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include contact information for the requestor.
Online Access: The City of South Lake Tahoe Information Systems Catalog provides digital access to certain public records. While not all arrest information may be available online, the catalog serves as a starting point for electronic records requests.
City Clerk's Office: The City Clerk maintains certain public records and can assist with locating the appropriate department for specific arrest record requests.
City Clerk's Office
1901 Lisa Maloff Way, Suite 206
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 542-6005
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days under unusual circumstances.
Contents of a South Lake Tahoe Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department contain standardized information as required by California law. These documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), gender, race, and any known aliases or nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number; and booking number.
Criminal Charges: Complete list of charges filed, including California Penal Code sections allegedly violated and the classification of each offense (infraction, misdemeanor, or felony).
Arrest Circumstances: Factual narrative describing the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination.
Processing Information: Time and date of booking, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount, if applicable, or indication of release on own recognizance.
Court Information: Scheduled court appearances, case numbers, and disposition information if available.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or confidential informants.
Expungement of Arrest Records in South Lake Tahoe
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking to clear their arrest records in South Lake Tahoe must follow procedures established in the California Penal Code.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8, a person who was arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence and the sealing and destruction of arrest records. This petition must be filed with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest within two years of the arrest date.
For arrests that resulted in charges but no conviction, Penal Code § 1203.4 provides a pathway for expungement if:
- The individual has successfully completed all terms of probation
- The individual is not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for any other offense
- The individual has paid all fines, restitution, and other financial obligations
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the El Dorado County Superior Court:
El Dorado County Superior Court - South Lake Tahoe Branch
1354 Johnson Boulevard
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3075
Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court will order the dismissal of the case and release the petitioner from many penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction. However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions or subsequent criminal proceedings.
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