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Corte Madera Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Corte Madera, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Corte Madera, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The Central Marin Police Authority, which serves Corte Madera, maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements. Public access to arrest records supports governmental accountability and community awareness while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in California law.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile privacy, or victim information pursuant to Government Code § 6254. The Town of Corte Madera adheres to these statutory exemptions when processing public records requests for arrest information.

How to Look Up Corte Madera Arrest Records in 2025

The Town of Corte Madera provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These procedures comply with California Government Code § 6253, which requires public agencies to make records promptly available upon request. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following official methods:

Central Marin Police Authority: Requests may be submitted in person at the police headquarters. The Central Marin Police Authority maintains records for Corte Madera, Larkspur, and San Anselmo.

Central Marin Police Authority
250 Doherty Drive
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-927-5150
Central Marin Police Authority website
Marin County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the county courthouse.

Marin County Superior Court
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-444-7000
Town Clerk's Office: The Town Clerk processes public records requests for all town departments, including police records.

Corte Madera Town Clerk
300 Tamalpais Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
415-927-5050
Request for Public Records
Online Public Records Portal: The Town of Corte Madera maintains a Transparency Portal through which certain public records may be accessed electronically. Requestors may submit a Public Records Request Form through this system.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge a fee to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. The standard processing time for records requests is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted by law.

Contents of a Corte Madera Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Central Marin Police Authority typically contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13300. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and identification numbers (such as driver's license or state ID)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest
Criminal Charges: California Penal Code sections allegedly violated, classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity
Case Processing Information: Booking number, case number, court docket information, and initial appearance date if applicable
Custody Status: Information regarding release on own recognizance, bail amount, or continued detention
Disposition Information: When available, the outcome of the case including dismissals, convictions, sentences, or other judicial determinations

Pursuant to California law, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, juvenile information, victim details in specific cases, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

The California Public Records Act establishes specific exemptions that limit access to certain arrest record information. These restrictions serve to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and law enforcement operational needs. The following statutory limitations apply to arrest records in Corte Madera:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not available to the general public.
Sealed and Expunged Records: Records that have been judicially sealed or expunged under Penal Code § 1203.4 or § 851.8 are not accessible through public records requests.
Active Investigations: Information that would endanger an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential sources may be withheld under Government Code § 6254(f).
Privacy Protections: Personal information including medical details, Social Security numbers, and certain victim information is exempt from disclosure under Government Code § 6254(c).
Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse: Records related to elder or dependent adult abuse investigations have specific confidentiality protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 15633.

The Central Marin Police Authority and Town of Corte Madera are required to cite specific exemptions when denying access to requested records. Requestors have the right to appeal denials through administrative and judicial channels as provided in Government Code § 6258.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Corte Madera

California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts their disclosure to the public. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, with specific eligibility requirements and procedures.

Individuals seeking expungement in Corte Madera must:

File a Petition: Submit appropriate forms with the Marin County Superior Court, including Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) and Order for Dismissal (CR-181) for convicted cases, or Petition to Seal and Destroy Arrest Records (CR-409) for arrests not resulting in conviction.
Meet Statutory Eligibility Requirements: Generally, petitioners must have completed probation, paid all fines and restitution, and not be serving a sentence for any offense or facing pending charges.
Attend Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner, prosecution, and judge review the case and determine if expungement serves the interests of justice.

Certain serious offenses, including specified sex crimes and violent felonies listed in Penal Code § 667.5(c), have limited eligibility for expungement. Additionally, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions and subsequent criminal proceedings.

Legal assistance for expungement is available through the Marin County Public Defender's Office:

Marin County Public Defender
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 139
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-473-6321

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Corte Madera seeking to use arrest records for background screening purposes must comply with state and federal regulations governing such use. The following legal frameworks apply:

California Labor Code § 432.7: Prohibits employers from asking about arrests that did not result in conviction, sealed or expunged records, or participation in pretrial or post-trial diversion programs.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Requires disclosure to and authorization from the subject before obtaining background reports, and mandates specific adverse action procedures when denying employment based on record information.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Requires employers to conduct an individualized assessment of criminal history information rather than implementing blanket exclusions based on criminal records.
California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA): Limits reporting of arrest records to seven years and imposes additional restrictions on consumer reporting agencies.

Public agencies and private entities conducting background checks using Corte Madera arrest records must ensure compliance with these regulations. Violations may result in civil penalties, administrative actions, or private lawsuits for damages.