Ukiah Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ukiah, California?
Arrest records in Ukiah, California are public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes that records created, used, or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and Ukiah Police Department maintain arrest records that document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within their jurisdictions. These records typically become available to the public after the booking process has been completed and the information has been entered into the official record-keeping system.
Under California Government Code § 6254(f), certain information contained in arrest records must be disclosed to the public upon request, including the full name of the arrestee, the alleged offense, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest. However, specific information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile privacy rights as stipulated in Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
How to Look Up Ukiah Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ukiah have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to arrest documentation:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may submit requests directly at the records division of the appropriate agency. The Ukiah Police Department maintains public records at their headquarters located at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482. The public counter is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office provides records services at 951 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, with public hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Access Through Agency Portals: The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database accessible through their official website. Users may search for arrest information using the Mendocino County Court Case Information Portal which provides basic arrest and case status information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Government Code § 6256, written requests may be submitted to either the Ukiah Police Department or Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the arrestee's full name and approximate date of arrest.
Public Access Terminals: The Mendocino County Superior Court provides public access terminals at the courthouse located at 100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. These terminals are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct costs of duplication. The standard fee for photocopies is $0.25 per page, while certified copies may incur additional charges as established by local ordinance.
Contents of a Ukiah Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Ukiah law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known monikers
- Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in public versions)
- Arresting agency and identification of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking number and unique identifier within the records management system
- Custody status information including bail amount, if applicable
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if any exists
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, as the agency responsible for operating the county jail facility at 951 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, maintains the official booking records for all arrests within the county. These records are integrated with the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino case management system to facilitate tracking of cases through the judicial process.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ukiah
California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4 provide mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Ukiah. Expungement procedures are administered by the Mendocino County Superior Court and typically require the following conditions:
- Successful completion of all terms of probation or sentence
- Payment of all fines, restitution, and court-ordered fees
- No pending criminal charges or new convictions
- Satisfaction of statutory waiting periods as applicable to the offense
The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the Mendocino County Superior Court. Petition forms are available at the court clerk's office located at 100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, or may be accessed through the court's official website. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date and notify the District Attorney's Office, which may contest the petition based on statutory grounds.
If granted, an expungement order does not physically destroy the arrest record but rather modifies its status within official databases. Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4(a), the order will "release the petitioner from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense." However, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings, and must be disclosed in applications for certain professional licenses or public employment positions.
The Mendocino County Public Defender's Office, located at 175 South School Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals who cannot afford private legal representation. Their office can be reached at (707) 234-6950 during regular business hours.
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