Kings County, California Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kings County, California?
Arrest records in Kings County, California are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental affairs, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy and sensitive information. The Kings County Superior Court maintains these records as part of its commitment to judicial transparency and public accountability.
Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels established by county authorities. The accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enabling background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of criminal justice trends
- Supporting journalistic investigations of public concern
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or restricted in accordance with California law, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under Government Code § 6254(c).
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Kings County?
Kings County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Kings County Superior Court provides digital access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. The court's Records Division maintains a comprehensive database of public court documents that can be searched electronically.
Online access to arrest records is governed by California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, which establishes parameters for electronic access to court records. The following online resources are available to the public:
- The Kings County Superior Court's online services portal provides case information lookup capabilities
- The Criminal Division's case management system contains information on arrests that have resulted in criminal charges
- The Kings County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmate information and recent arrests
Users should be aware that online records may not be comprehensive, as certain historical records may only be available in physical format at the courthouse. Additionally, pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain arrest information may be restricted from online access to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public nature of the records through in-person access.
How to Look Up Kings County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Kings County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests:
Visit the Kings County Superior Court Records Division 1640 Kings County Drive Hanford, CA 93230 Phone: (559) 582-1010 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact the Kings County Sheriff's Office 1444 W. Lacey Blvd. Hanford, CA 93230 Phone: (559) 852-2720 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Electronic Access:
- Utilize the court's public access terminals located in the courthouse lobby
- Submit requests through the official court website's records request portal
- Access the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system
When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide specific identifying information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic delivery of records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.
Certified copies of arrest records may be required for certain legal or employment purposes and can be obtained for an additional fee as established by Government Code § 70627.
Contents of a Kings County Arrest Record
Kings County arrest records contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13125. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Aliases or known monikers
- Date and precise time of arrest
- Geographic location where the arrest occurred
- Booking number and facility information
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Enumeration of all charges, including California Penal Code citations
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Bail amount, if applicable
- Case disposition information, when available
- Court docket number for associated criminal proceedings
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the policies of the specific agency maintaining the records. Records maintained by the Kings County Superior Court may contain additional information regarding court appearances, plea entries, and case outcomes that may not be present in initial arrest documentation.
It should be noted that pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300(a)(2), certain sensitive information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information is typically redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public nature of the arrest information itself.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kings County
Kings County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8 under specific circumstances. Expungement does not physically destroy records but rather changes their status and limits their disclosure. The process involves filing a petition with the Kings County Superior Court and may require a hearing before a judge.
Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:
- Successful completion of probation for the offense
- No current charges pending against the petitioner
- Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
- Fulfillment of all court-ordered restitution and fine payments
- No prison sentence served for the offense (with certain exceptions under Proposition 47)
The expungement process requires submission of specific forms to the Kings County Superior Court:
- Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180)
- Order for Dismissal (form CR-181)
- Declaration of the petitioner supporting the request
- Proof of service to the District Attorney's Office
Petitioners may file these documents at:
Kings County Superior Court 1640 Kings County Drive Hanford, CA 93230 Phone: (559) 582-1010 Superior Court of California, County of Kings
Filing fees apply pursuant to Government Code § 70627, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under Government Code § 68632. The court typically processes expungement petitions within 60-90 days, depending on case complexity and court calendar availability.
Search Arrest Records in Kings County
