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Imperial County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Imperial County, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Imperial County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This legislation establishes the public's right to access information maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities. The CPRA operates under the principle that governmental transparency is essential for a functioning democracy, allowing citizens to monitor the actions of public officials and agencies.

The accessibility of arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations. Pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), specific information may be withheld if disclosure would:

  • Endanger the safety of a witness or other person involved in the investigation
  • Jeopardize the successful completion of an investigation
  • Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, with limited exceptions for specific agencies and individuals with legitimate interest in the case. Additionally, records related to arrests that did not result in conviction may have restricted access under specific circumstances as outlined in Penal Code § 851.8.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Imperial County should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to comply with privacy protections mandated by state law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Imperial County?

Imperial County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by jurisdiction and record type. The Superior Court of California, County of Imperial provides electronic access to certain court records through its official online portal systems.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, electronic access to court records must be provided to the extent feasible, though certain limitations apply. The following online resources are maintained by Imperial County authorities:

Users of these systems should note that California Government Code § 6254.4 prohibits the disclosure of certain personal identifying information, such as driver's license numbers and social security numbers, which will be redacted from online records. Additionally, pursuant to Penal Code § 13300, criminal history information ("rap sheets") compiled by the Department of Justice is not available to the general public through online systems.

Online access may require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Government Code § 6253.9, which permits agencies to charge for the direct cost of duplication or for the programming required to produce electronic records.

How to Look Up Imperial County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Imperial County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which requires public agencies to make records promptly available upon request:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Imperial County Sheriff's Office Records Division Imperial County Sheriff's Office 328 Applestill Road El Centro, CA 92243 (442) 265-2021 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Submit requests at the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial El Centro Courthouse 939 West Main Street El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 482-2200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    El Centro Criminal Courthouse 650 Wake Avenue El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 482-2200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Electronic Methods:

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records.

Individuals should note that requests for certified copies of court records require additional verification and may incur higher fees as established by the Uniform Civil Fees and Standard Fee Schedule Act of 2005.

Contents of an Imperial County Arrest Record

Imperial County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Penal Code § 13150, which mandates reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies. These official documents typically include the following components:

Biographical Information:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Known aliases or alternative names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye and hair color
  • Gender and race/ethnicity as reported by arresting officer
  • Residence address at time of arrest (may be redacted in public copies)

Arrest Details:

  • Date, time, and specific location of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer identification information
  • Booking number and facility information
  • Enumeration of charges with corresponding California Penal Code sections
  • Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
  • Weapon information if applicable to the offense

Case Processing Information:

  • Court case number if formal charges were filed
  • Bail amount and custody status
  • Scheduled court appearance dates
  • Disposition information if available

Identification Records:

  • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Criminal Identification and Information (CII) number

Pursuant to Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain information contained in arrest records may be subject to restricted access. Complete criminal history information ("rap sheets") compiled by the Department of Justice is not available to the general public and requires specific statutory authorization for access.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Imperial County

The expungement process in Imperial County operates under California Penal Code § 1203.4, which provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for dismissal of convictions. Additionally, Penal Code § 851.8 establishes procedures for sealing and destroying arrest records in cases where no conviction occurred.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Individuals who have successfully completed probation for a conviction
  • Persons who were arrested but never charged with a crime
  • Those whose cases were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
  • Individuals granted early termination of probation

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under state law, including specified sex offenses against minors (PC § 290.5) and certain vehicle code violations (VC § 12810(a)-(e)).

Application Process:

  1. Petitioners must file the appropriate forms with the Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
  2. A filing fee is required unless the court grants a fee waiver based on financial hardship
  3. The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the petition
  4. A hearing may be scheduled where a judge will review the petition

Effect of Expungement: Upon granting relief under PC § 1203.4, the court sets aside the verdict of guilty, dismisses the accusations or information, and releases the petitioner from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense. However, the expunged conviction must still be disclosed in certain circumstances, including:

  • Applications for public office
  • Applications for state licensure
  • Contracting with the California State Lottery Commission

For arrests that did not result in conviction, PC § 851.8 provides for the sealing and destruction of arrest records when factual innocence is established. This more complete remedy removes the arrest from the individual's record for most purposes.

The Imperial County Probation Department, which oversees many aspects of the criminal justice system in the county, can provide guidance on expungement eligibility and processes.

Imperial County Probation Department 324 Applestill Road El Centro, CA 92243 (442) 265-2400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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