Seaside Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Seaside, California?
Arrest records in Seaside, California are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Seaside Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available to members of the public upon proper request. Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in Government Code § 6254(f).
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) further reinforces this right to access public information, stating that "the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny." This constitutional provision underscores the importance of transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Seaside. Individuals seeking arrest records must follow established protocols and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b).
Law enforcement agencies in Seaside are required to maintain accurate records of all arrests and make non-confidential portions available for public inspection during regular business hours. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including community awareness, journalistic reporting, and individual research purposes.
How to Look Up Seaside Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Seaside, California. Each approach offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and time constraints. The following options are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information:
In-Person Requests can be submitted at the Seaside Police Department Records Division. Requesters must complete a Public Records Request form and present valid identification. The department typically processes these requests within 10 business days as required by Government Code § 6253(c).
Seaside Police Department
440 Harcourt Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 899-6748
Seaside Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access to certain arrest information is available through the Seaside Police Department's website. The online portal provides limited information about recent arrests, including date, time, location, and charges. For comprehensive records, additional steps may be necessary.
Mail Requests are accepted for individuals unable to visit in person. Written requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and the requester's contact information. Requests should be addressed to the Records Division at the Seaside Police Department address listed above.
Monterey County Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records and can provide information about arrests made in Seaside by county officers.
Monterey County Sheriff's Office
1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-3700
Monterey County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
Contents of a Seaside Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Seaside Police Department contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13100-13103. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, fingerprint identification number
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Seaside city limits
- Jurisdictional Information: Identification of the arresting agency, badge numbers of officers involved, and case identification numbers
- Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including applicable California Penal Code sections
- Booking Documentation: Photographs ("mugshots"), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory
- Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention
- Procedural Timeline: Documentation of Miranda rights advisement and other procedural requirements
- Initial Appearance: Date and time of arraignment or initial court appearance at Monterey County Superior Court
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by privacy protections established in Government Code § 6254. Certain information, such as medical details, victim information in specific cases, or details that might compromise ongoing investigations, may be redacted prior to public release.
Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats, with retention schedules governed by Government Code § 34090, which generally requires preservation for a minimum of two years.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Seaside
The expungement process for arrest records in Seaside follows California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have their arrest records sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. This legal remedy aims to mitigate the long-term consequences of an arrest on employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Seaside include:
- Successful completion of probation for the offense
- No current charges pending against the petitioner
- Not currently serving a sentence for any offense
- The conviction must not be for certain disqualified offenses listed in Penal Code § 1203.4(b)
The formal process requires filing a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the Monterey County Superior Court. Petitioners must also file a Statement of Eligibility (form CR-181) and pay applicable filing fees, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need.
Monterey County Superior Court
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Monterey County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition based on statutory grounds. If granted, the expungement results in the dismissal of the conviction pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, though certain disclosure requirements remain for specific employment applications, particularly those related to public office, licensing, or contracts with the California State Lottery.
It should be noted that expungement under California law does not completely erase all records of the arrest or conviction. Rather, the records are updated to show the case was dismissed. Additionally, expunged convictions may still be counted as prior convictions in any subsequent prosecution and may affect certain professional licenses.
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