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Huntington Beach Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Huntington Beach, California?

Arrest records are public in Huntington Beach, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest information, must be accessible to citizens to promote transparency in public administration. The Huntington Beach Police Department maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

Members of the public may access arrest records through formal channels established by municipal authorities. These records typically contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel operating within Huntington Beach city limits. The public nature of these documents serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
Allowing community members to remain informed about public safety matters
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted in accordance with California law to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile privacy rights (pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827), or other legally protected information.

How to Look Up Huntington Beach Arrest Records in 2025

The Huntington Beach Police Department maintains several official channels through which members of the public may request and obtain arrest record information. Individuals seeking such documentation may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests

Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Bureau of the Huntington Beach Police Department:

Huntington Beach Police Department Records Bureau
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: (714) 960-8843
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Police Records Bureau

Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide valid identification. Processing times vary based on the complexity and volume of the request.

Online Access

The Huntington Beach Police Department maintains an online portal where certain arrest information is published. The department regularly updates its Adult Arrest Log, which contains basic information about recent arrests within the jurisdiction.

Additionally, the City of Huntington Beach Public Records portal provides access to various municipal records, including certain law enforcement documentation.

Written Requests

Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Bureau address listed above. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Court Records

For case disposition information following an arrest, inquiries should be directed to:

Superior Court of California, County of Orange
West Justice Center
8141 13th Street
Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: (657) 622-5900
Orange County Superior Court

Contents of a Huntington Beach Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Huntington Beach Police Department contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These documents typically include the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Booking number and facility information
Enumeration of charges with corresponding California Penal Code sections
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint information
Bail amount, if applicable
Case disposition status

It should be noted that arrest records document only the fact that an individual was taken into custody and the circumstances thereof. These records do not constitute proof of guilt, as all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law pursuant to constitutional protections.

The level of detail available to the public may vary based on the status of any related investigation, court orders, or statutory privacy protections. Certain sensitive information, such as medical details, may be redacted from public copies in accordance with California Civil Code § 1798.24.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Huntington Beach

California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Huntington Beach authorities. Expungement procedures are governed primarily by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish criteria and processes for record sealing or dismissal.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may qualify for expungement of Huntington Beach arrest records under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The conviction was subsequently dismissed after successful completion of probation
The conviction was for certain misdemeanors or felonies that qualify under state law
The individual has completed all terms of sentencing, including probation
The individual is not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another offense

Certain serious offenses, particularly those requiring registration as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290, may be ineligible for expungement.

Application Process

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. For Huntington Beach arrests, this is typically:

Orange County Superior Court - West Justice Center
8141 13th Street
Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: (657) 622-5900
Orange County Superior Court

Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms, including:

Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180)
Order for Dismissal (form CR-181)
Declaration of the petitioner supporting the request

Filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need. The court may schedule a hearing to review the petition, during which the district attorney's office may present objections.

Effects of Expungement

When an expungement is granted for Huntington Beach arrest records, the following outcomes typically result:

The case is dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4
The individual is legally permitted to state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances
The arrest and conviction information remains accessible to criminal justice agencies
Certain licensing boards and government employers may still access the expunged record
The expungement does not restore firearm rights or eliminate sex offender registration requirements

It should be noted that expungement does not physically destroy records but rather changes their legal status. Expunged records remain available for certain governmental purposes, including subsequent sentencing if the individual is convicted of a new offense.