Arrest records are public in Fresno County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning the conduct of government business, including law enforcement activities. The California Public Records Act specifically mandates that public records, which include arrest records, shall be open to inspection during regular office hours of the governmental agency maintaining such records.
Members of the public should be aware that certain exceptions to disclosure exist under Government Code § 6254, which may limit access to specific information contained within arrest records. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that may compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest served by disclosure.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and makes them available in accordance with state law. Individuals seeking access to these records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through designated online portals maintained by county agencies.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3111
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Fresno County provides multiple digital platforms through which members of the public may access arrest records online. The Fresno Superior Court's online case management system serves as the primary portal for accessing court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This system operates in compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, which governs electronic access to court records.
Additionally, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate information system that provides data on current detainees, including booking information and charges. This resource is updated regularly and represents an official source of arrest-related information.
Third-party aggregators also compile and present arrest record information from Fresno County. However, the public should exercise caution when utilizing non-governmental sources, as these platforms may not maintain current information or may contain inaccuracies. Government Code § 6253.3 prohibits public agencies from transferring exclusive rights to public records to private entities, ensuring that official records remain accessible through governmental channels.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records, including protections for certain categories of sensitive information as outlined in Government Code § 6254.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Fresno County as of 2025. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws:
Submit a formal request to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide proper identification.
Access the Fresno Superior Court's online portal to search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This service is available 24 hours per day, with the exception of scheduled maintenance periods.
Visit the Fresno County Clerk-Recorder's Office in person to request certified copies of public records related to arrests. Staff members are available to assist with record location and retrieval.
Utilize public access terminals located at the B.F. Sisk Courthouse to search court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
Fresno County Clerk-Recorder's Office
2221 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-2575
Fresno County Clerk-Recorder
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 457-2000
Fresno Superior Court
Arrest records maintained by Fresno County law enforcement agencies and courts typically contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13125. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and subsequent processing of individuals accused of criminal offenses. Standard components of Fresno County arrest records include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, fingerprint identification data
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the jurisdiction within Fresno County where the arrest occurred
Statutory violations alleged, including California Penal Code sections and/or municipal code provisions that form the basis for the arrest
Booking information, including the facility where processing occurred and assigned booking number
Arresting agency and identification of the arresting officer(s)
Bail amount established, if applicable, pursuant to the Fresno County Bail Schedule
Case disposition information, including court case numbers, hearing dates, and outcomes of judicial proceedings
Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
The Fresno Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within the county maintain these records in accordance with state records retention requirements. Certain elements of arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure in compliance with privacy protections established under Government Code § 6254.
California Penal Code § 851.8 establishes procedures through which qualifying individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records in Fresno County. This process, commonly referred to as expungement, provides a mechanism for removing arrest information from public access under specific circumstances.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in Fresno County under the following conditions:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Fresno Superior Court. Petitioners must submit Form CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and Form CR-181 (Order for Dismissal) along with supporting documentation. The court may schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets statutory requirements for relief.
Upon granting an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to seal those records and, in certain cases, destroy them after a specified retention period. Expunged records are not accessible through standard public records searches, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as authorized by law.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records may obtain assistance through the Fresno County Public Defender's Office, which provides guidance on eligibility and procedural requirements.
Fresno County Public Defender's Office
2220 Tulare Street, Suite 300
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3546
Fresno County Public Defender