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Los Angeles Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Los Angeles, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Los Angeles, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes that information prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency shall be accessible to the public upon request, with certain statutory exceptions. The CPRA specifically designates arrest records as public information to promote governmental transparency, ensure accountability of law enforcement agencies, and uphold the public's constitutional right to information.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) maintains arrest records in accordance with California Penal Code § 13300, which governs the dissemination of criminal history information. Members of the public may access these records through established protocols that balance transparency with privacy considerations as mandated by state law. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as specified in Government Code § 6254.

How to Look Up Los Angeles Arrest Records in 2025

The Los Angeles County criminal justice system provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records:

  • Online Portal Access: The Los Angeles County Superior Court maintains a Criminal Case Summary Search system where case information related to arrests can be accessed electronically. Users must create an account and may be subject to access fees pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.506.

  • Records and Identification Division: The Los Angeles Police Department's Records and Identification Division processes in-person requests for arrest records at their headquarters.

    Los Angeles Police Department Records and Identification Division
    100 West First Street, Room 150
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
    (213) 486-8130
    LAPD Records Division
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the custodian of records at the relevant law enforcement agency. Requests must reasonably describe identifiable records and may require payment of duplication fees.

  • Sheriff's Department Records: For arrests made by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, requests may be directed to:

    Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Records and Identification Bureau
    12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400
    Norwalk, CA 90650
    (562) 345-4400
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Authorized Commercial Providers: Third-party vendors authorized under California Civil Code § 1786.28 may provide arrest record information, though such reports are subject to restrictions under the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

Contents of a Los Angeles Arrest Record

Los Angeles arrest records contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include:

  • Subject's full legal name and documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing marks
  • Biometric data including fingerprints and booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Arresting agency identification and badge number of arresting officer(s)
  • Criminal charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections
  • Date, time, and geographic location of the arrest
  • Booking information including assigned booking number
  • Bail determination and amount, if applicable
  • Court case number and scheduled appearance information
  • Disposition of the case, if resolved

The Los Angeles Police Department maintains these records in compliance with departmental policies and state regulations governing records retention. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f), particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Los Angeles

California Penal Code § 851.8 provides a legal mechanism through which individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Los Angeles County requires petitioners to demonstrate factual innocence through a formal legal procedure.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

  • Completion of all terms of probation or sentence
  • No current charges pending against the petitioner
  • No current incarceration for any offense
  • Satisfaction of waiting periods specified in Penal Code § 1203.4

The petition process requires submission of formal documentation to the Superior Court of Los Angeles County where the case was adjudicated. Forms must be filed with the court clerk at the appropriate courthouse location, accompanied by the required filing fee or fee waiver application. The District Attorney's Office must be served with notice of the petition and may contest the expungement request.

Upon successful petition, the court issues an order directing agencies to seal the arrest record and, in cases of factual innocence, destroy the record after the statutory waiting period. Expunged records are removed from public access but may remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities for limited purposes as specified in Penal Code § 11105.

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals:

Los Angeles County Public Defender
210 West Temple Street, 19th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-2811
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

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