Hawthorne Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hawthorne, California?
Arrest records in Hawthorne, California are classified as public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access information maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Hawthorne Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries.
Members of the public may access these records with certain statutory limitations. California law provides specific protections for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and cases involving certain sensitive crimes. Additionally, pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8, records pertaining to arrests that did not result in conviction may be subject to sealing under specific circumstances.
The California Public Records Act requires the Hawthorne Police Department to respond to requests for arrest records within 10 days, though this period may be extended by an additional 14 days in cases involving complex record retrieval. Government agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic transmission of requested records.
How to Look Up Hawthorne Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Hawthorne, California. Individuals seeking such information must follow established protocols to ensure proper processing of their requests.
In-person requests may be submitted at the Hawthorne Police Department Records Division during standard business hours. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide sufficient information to identify the specific records sought. Valid government-issued identification is required when requesting records in person.
Hawthorne Police Department
12501 South Hawthorne Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 349-2700
Hawthorne Police Department
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Such requests must include:
- Full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Nature of the alleged offense
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized authorization if requesting records on behalf of another individual
Electronic requests may be submitted through the city's online portal. The California Public Records Act does not require agencies to create new records or compile data in response to requests; only existing records are subject to disclosure.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), the Hawthorne Police Department may charge fees for duplication costs. Current fee schedules are available at the Records Division counter or on the department's official website.
Contents of a Hawthorne Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Hawthorne Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by California law and departmental policy. These documents serve as the official record of law enforcement actions taken during the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity.
Arrest records typically include the following elements:
- Subject identification information (full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical descriptors)
- Arrest date, time, and location
- Statutory violations cited (California Penal Code references)
- Arresting officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Custody status
- Bail amount (if applicable)
- Case disposition information
- Fingerprint classification data
- Photographic identification (mugshot)
Certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with California Government Code § 6254, which exempts specific categories of information from disclosure. These exemptions include information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, endanger the safety of a witness or other person, or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Medical information contained within arrest records is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Civil Code § 56 et seq.) and is generally not subject to public disclosure.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hawthorne
The State of California provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed primarily by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes.
Individuals may petition for expungement if they meet the following criteria:
- Successful completion of probation for the offense
- No current charges pending
- Not serving a sentence for any other offense
- Fulfillment of all court-ordered restitution and fine requirements
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the court that handled the original case. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals based on financial need. The District Attorney's Office receives notification of all expungement petitions and may contest the request.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 dismissing the conviction. While this does not completely erase the record, it releases the petitioner from "all penalties and disabilities" resulting from the conviction. The arrest and conviction remain in the criminal history record with a notation indicating the case was dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4.
Certain convictions are ineligible for expungement, including:
- Specific sex offenses against minors (as enumerated in Penal Code § 286(c), § 288, § 288a(c), and § 289(j))
- Violations of Vehicle Code § 42002.1 (failure to stop at an accident resulting in injury or death)
- Felony convictions resulting in state prison sentences (unless the sentence would have been served in county jail under current law)
The Los Angeles County Superior Court - Inglewood Courthouse processes expungement petitions for cases originating in Hawthorne.
Los Angeles County Superior Court - Inglewood Courthouse
One East Regent Street
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 419-1300
Los Angeles Superior Court
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