Montebello Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Montebello, California?
Arrest records are public in Montebello, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. The CPRA establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including those related to arrests made within the jurisdiction. This legislation serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies to the citizens they serve.
The Montebello Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. Members of the public may request access to these records, subject to certain exemptions and limitations prescribed by state law. These exemptions typically pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and information that may compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest.
Records requests may be submitted to the Montebello Police Department or through the City Clerk's Office, which processes public records requests for all city departments. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for duplication of records, though viewing of records typically incurs no cost.
Montebello Police Department
1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 887-1313
Official Website
City of Montebello City Clerk's Office
1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 887-1437
Official Website
How to Look Up Montebello Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Montebello, California. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Request System: The City of Montebello has implemented digital systems for public records requests. Requestors may submit formal inquiries through the city's online portal, which facilitates the processing and tracking of requests. The system allows for specification of the desired records and provides updates on request status.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may appear in person at the Montebello Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary request forms. Identification may be required, particularly for requests involving specific cases or incidents.
Written Correspondence: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Montebello Police Department Records Division. Such requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information sought (date of arrest, case number if known)
- Purpose of the request (if relevant)
- Signature and date
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions. While these services may offer convenience, the information provided may not be as current or comprehensive as records obtained directly from official sources.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may qualify for a 14-day extension with written notice to the requestor.
Contents of a Montebello Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Montebello Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard components include:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory violations cited (California Penal Code references)
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arresting officer identification
- Agency case number and booking reference
Procedural Documentation:
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records and biometric identifiers
- Property inventory from time of arrest
- Initial appearance information
Case Disposition:
- Bail or bond determination
- Court assignment information
- Preliminary hearing dates
- Case status indicators
It should be noted that pursuant to California law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, including but not limited to: medical information, personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, and information pertaining to victims of certain offenses as specified in Government Code § 6254.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Montebello
The process of expungement provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to clear or seal arrest records from public access in Montebello. Expungement proceedings are governed by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes, which establish criteria and procedures for relief.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement if they:
- Have completed all terms of probation successfully
- Are not currently charged with a criminal offense
- Are not serving a sentence for any offense
- Have no pending criminal proceedings
Certain convictions, particularly those resulting in state prison sentences rather than county jail or probation, may be ineligible for standard expungement procedures.
Application Process: The expungement procedure typically involves:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, East District - Montebello Courthouse
- Payment of applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Notification to the prosecuting agency
- Judicial review and determination
Legal Effect of Expungement: Upon granting of expungement:
- The plea or verdict of guilty is set aside
- A plea of not guilty is entered
- The case is dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4
- Disclosure of the arrest and conviction may not be required on most employment applications
It should be noted that expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings or certain licensing applications. Additionally, expungement does not restore firearm rights or eliminate sex offender registration requirements where applicable.
Legal assistance is advisable for navigating the expungement process. The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides services for eligible individuals seeking expungement.
Los Angeles County Superior Court, East District - Montebello Courthouse
1600 W. Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, CA 90640
(213) 830-0803
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