Search Public Records

South Pasadena Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in South Pasadena, California?

Arrest records in South Pasadena, California are considered public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation ensures transparency in government operations by providing citizens with access to governmental records, including those related to law enforcement activities. The South Pasadena Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of arrests within city limits.

Under California law, arrest records typically contain information such as the individual's name, date of birth, charges filed, arrest date, and booking information. These records remain accessible to the public unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order. Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in Government Code § 6254(c).

Members of the public seeking arrest information should note that while these records are legally accessible, the process for obtaining them follows specific protocols established by local law enforcement agencies and the California Department of Justice.

How to Look Up South Pasadena Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in South Pasadena. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:

  • Visit the South Pasadena Police Department Records Division in person to submit a formal request for arrest records.

    South Pasadena Police Department
    1422 Mission Street
    South Pasadena, CA 91030
    (626) 403-7270
    Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Submit a request to the Los Angeles County Superior Court for cases that have proceeded to court proceedings.

    Los Angeles County Superior Court - Alhambra Courthouse
    150 West Commonwealth Avenue
    Alhambra, CA 91801
    (626) 308-5100
    Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Access the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center for current custody status of individuals arrested in South Pasadena but held in county facilities.

  • Submit a formal California Public Records Act request in writing, specifying the information sought. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days under normal circumstances.

  • Utilize the California Department of Justice's official record request system for statewide criminal history information, which may include South Pasadena arrests.

    California Department of Justice
    P.O. Box 903417
    Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
    (916) 210-3000

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the record search, including full name and date of birth. Fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct costs of duplication.

Contents of a South Pasadena Arrest Record

South Pasadena arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual:

    • Full legal name and any documented aliases
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
    • Residential address at time of arrest
    • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Arrest-specific details:

    • Date, time, and location of the arrest
    • Booking number assigned by the arresting agency
    • Enumeration of all charges with corresponding California Penal Code sections
    • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
    • Circumstances leading to the arrest (probable cause)
  • Processing information:

    • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
    • Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
    • Property inventory taken during booking
    • Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated
  • Case disposition data:

    • Court case number (if applicable)
    • Preliminary hearing information
    • Bail or bond amount set
    • Release date and conditions (if applicable)

Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with California Government Code § 34090, which requires retention of police records for a minimum of two years. However, arrest records are typically maintained for significantly longer periods in electronic database systems.

Expungement of Arrest Records in South Pasadena

The expungement process for South Pasadena arrest records follows California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes. Eligible individuals may petition to have their arrest records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances:

  • Eligibility criteria for expungement in South Pasadena include:

    • Successful completion of probation for the offense
    • No current charges pending against the petitioner
    • Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
    • No convictions for certain serious offenses listed in Penal Code § 1192.7(c)
  • The formal expungement procedure requires:

    • Filing a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180 form) with the Los Angeles County Superior Court
    • Payment of filing fees (approximately $120-150, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
    • Submission of supporting documentation demonstrating rehabilitation
    • Notification to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

    Los Angeles County Superior Court - Criminal Records Division
    210 West Temple Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
    (213) 974-6000
    Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Upon approval, the court issues an order under Penal Code § 1203.4 that:

    • Dismisses the conviction
    • Releases the petitioner from penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction
    • Restricts public access to the arrest record

Individuals should note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as authorized by California law. Additionally, expungement does not eliminate the requirement to disclose the arrest when applying for government employment, public office, or state licensing.

The California Department of Justice maintains the official record of expungement orders and implements the necessary modifications to criminal history information pursuant to Penal Code § 11105. Individuals seeking verification of expungement status may request their own criminal history record from the Department of Justice.

Search Arrest Records in South Pasadena

  • South Pasadena Police Department Records
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Case Information
  • California Department of Justice Criminal History Records
  • South Pasadena Municipal Code Violations