Lakewood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lakewood, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Lakewood, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which provides law enforcement services to Lakewood under contract, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations.
Members of the public may access arrest records unless specific statutory exemptions apply. Such exemptions may include records related to ongoing investigations (Government Code § 6254(f)), juvenile arrests (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827), or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. The California Constitution (Article I, Section 1) recognizes privacy as an inalienable right, which must be balanced against the public's right to information.
The City of Lakewood and Los Angeles County maintain these records as part of their commitment to governmental transparency and public accountability. Records are typically retained for a minimum of five years, in compliance with the records retention schedules established under Government Code § 34090.
How to Look Up Lakewood Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Lakewood. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Lakewood Sheriff's Station, located at 5130 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide identification.
Online requests may be submitted through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Records Management System. This digital platform operates 24 hours per day and provides a streamlined method for obtaining non-confidential arrest information.
Written requests can be mailed to: Records Division, Lakewood Sheriff's Station, 5130 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific information sought, and applicable date ranges.
Los Angeles County Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records can be accessed at the Bellflower Courthouse, 10025 Flower Street, Bellflower, CA 90706, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are posted at each facility and on official government websites.
Contents of a Lakewood Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Lakewood contain specific categories of information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13103. These records typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
- Criminal charges filed, including applicable Penal Code sections
- Booking number and facility information
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Photographic images taken during the booking process
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Disposition information, if available
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6254, including:
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of law enforcement personnel
- Medical or health information protected under HIPAA
- Information that would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Personal identifying information that could facilitate identity theft
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats, with standardized retention periods established by departmental policy and state law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lakewood
California law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Penal Code § 851.8 establishes the process for sealing and destroying arrest records in cases where no accusatory pleading was filed, charges were dismissed, or the arrestee was acquitted.
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the court that would have had jurisdiction over the case
- Serving notice on the prosecuting attorney
- Attending a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate factual innocence
- Obtaining a court order directing all agencies to seal and eventually destroy records
For arrests that resulted in convictions, Penal Code § 1203.4 provides relief through dismissal of charges after successful completion of probation or sentence. While not a true expungement, this process releases the individual from many penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction.
Petitions for expungement must be filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Bellflower Courthouse, located at 10025 Flower Street, Bellflower, CA 90706. The court maintains standard forms for these petitions, and filing fees apply unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver under Government Code § 68632.
The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions and can be contacted at:
Los Angeles County Public Defender
210 West Temple Street, 19th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-2811
Los Angeles County Public Defender
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