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Santa Clarita Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Santa Clarita, California?

Arrest records in Santa Clarita, California are classified as public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. The CPRA establishes that records created, maintained, or possessed by public agencies shall be accessible to members of the public upon request, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies within Santa Clarita jurisdiction, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Santa Clarita Valley Station, maintain these records as part of their official duties. The legislative intent behind public access to arrest records is to ensure governmental transparency, facilitate public oversight of law enforcement activities, and maintain accountability in the criminal justice system.

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Government Code § 6254, which provides exemptions for information that may compromise ongoing investigations, violate personal privacy rights, or jeopardize public safety. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and are generally not available for public inspection without a court order.

How to Look Up Santa Clarita Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Santa Clarita as of 2025. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws:

  • In-person requests may be submitted at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Santa Clarita Valley Station located at 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requestors should be prepared to complete a Public Records Request form and provide identification.

  • The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department maintains an online portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. This system allows for remote retrieval of non-confidential arrest data in accordance with Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record access.

  • The Los Angeles County Superior Court, North Valley District - Santa Clarita Courthouse at 23747 West Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (telephone: 661-253-7400) maintains court records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. Court records may be accessed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Public records requests may also be submitted through the City of Santa Clarita's Resident Service Center for arrest-related information maintained by municipal agencies.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.

Contents of a Santa Clarita Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within Santa Clarita contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13100-13128, which establishes requirements for criminal justice record keeping. A comprehensive arrest record typically contains the following components:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, fingerprint identification number

  • Date, time, and specific geographic location of the arrest within Santa Clarita city limits or unincorporated areas served by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station

  • Statutory violations for which the individual was arrested, including California Penal Code section numbers and offense descriptions

  • Arresting officer's name, badge or identification number, and affiliated agency

  • Booking information, including booking number, date and time of booking, and facility where the individual was processed

  • Photographic documentation (commonly referred to as "booking photographs" or "mugshots") taken during the booking process

  • Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process, which are subsequently transmitted to the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for identification verification and criminal history record updates

  • Disposition information indicating whether the case was referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for prosecution, rejected for filing, or otherwise resolved

These records are maintained in compliance with records retention schedules established under Government Code § 34090 and related provisions governing law enforcement record keeping.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Santa Clarita

The expungement process for arrest records in Santa Clarita is governed by California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, which provide mechanisms for the sealing and destruction of arrest records under specified circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility criteria and follow prescribed procedural requirements.

For arrests that did not result in a conviction, Penal Code § 851.8 establishes a petition process for a determination of factual innocence. If granted, this results in the sealing and subsequent destruction of arrest records. The petition must be filed with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest within two years of the arrest date, unless good cause for delay is shown. If the law enforcement agency denies the petition, the petitioner may request a court hearing on the matter.

For arrests that resulted in conviction, Penal Code § 1203.4 provides relief in the form of dismissal after successful completion of probation or, in certain cases, after completion of a sentence. This process does not physically destroy records but changes their status to reflect the dismissal. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Successful completion of all terms and conditions of probation
  • No current charges pending for any criminal offense
  • Not currently serving a sentence for any other offense
  • No probation violations during the probationary period

The Community Court program in Santa Clarita offers diversion opportunities that may lead to eligibility for expungement upon successful completion.

Petitions for expungement must be filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, North Valley District - Santa Clarita Courthouse. The court charges filing fees for these petitions, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need. The District Attorney's Office receives notice of the petition and may contest the requested relief.

It should be noted that even after expungement, certain government agencies, particularly law enforcement and licensing bodies, may retain access to the expunged record information for administrative purposes as permitted under California law.

Search Arrest Records in Santa Clarita

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Santa Clarita Valley Station
23740 Magic Mountain Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 255-1121
Official Website