Yes, arrest records are public in Lakewood, California. This accessibility is in accordance with the California Public Records Act, which mandates the disclosure of government records to the public upon request. The law aims to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, allowing citizens to obtain information on arrest records unless exempted by law.
To get Lakewood arrest records, individuals have several options available, especially as digital platforms become increasingly utilized. Here are the primary methods to access these records:
A Lakewood arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Lakewood, individuals may have their arrest records expunged, meaning these records are sealed or destroyed, under certain conditions. Expungement is typically available to those who have completed their sentence, including probation, and have not committed any further crimes. The process requires filing a petition in the court where the arrest or conviction occurred. The court then reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the expungement based on factors such as the nature of the crime and the petitioner’s subsequent behavior.