Placer County, California Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Placer County, California?
Arrest records in Placer County, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is mandated by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this legislation, all records created, used, or maintained by public agencies in Placer County are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b), further reinforces this right by stating that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business." Arrest records, being documentation of law enforcement activities conducted on behalf of the public, generally fall within this scope of accessible information.
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if they contain information that falls under statutory exemptions, such as:
- Information that would endanger an ongoing investigation
- Personal identifying information that could compromise privacy or safety
- Records related to juvenile arrests (subject to different disclosure rules under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
Requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the Placer County Superior Court, depending on the specific information sought.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Placer County?
Placer County provides digital access to certain arrest record information through official government websites. The Placer County Sheriff's Office maintains an in-custody roster and booking reports that are updated regularly. These online resources are provided pursuant to Government Code § 6254.4, which permits agencies to make public records available in electronic format.
The online availability of arrest records serves several governmental purposes:
- Enhances transparency in law enforcement operations
- Reduces administrative burden on agency staff who would otherwise process individual record requests
- Provides timely information to the public regarding detention status of individuals
- Facilitates access for legal professionals working within the criminal justice system
Members of the public should note that online records may not contain complete arrest information. The digital records typically include basic booking details, charges, and custody status. For comprehensive arrest records, including arrest reports and related documentation, individuals may need to submit formal requests to the appropriate agency.
How to Look Up Placer County Arrest Records in 2025
Placer County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
Placer County Sheriff's Office 2929 Richardson Drive Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: (530) 889-7800 Sheriff's Office website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains the Press Log - Arrests and in-custody roster, which provides current information on individuals detained in county facilities. Requests for specific arrest records may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated online portals.
Placer County Superior Court 10820 Justice Center Drive Roseville, CA 95678 Phone: (916) 408-6000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Court records related to arrests, including case information and disposition, may be accessed through the court's public terminals or by submitting a records request form to the clerk's office.
Local Police Departments Records may also be requested from the municipal police department that conducted the arrest:
Auburn Police Department 1215 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: (530) 823-4234 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lincoln Police Department 640 5th Street Lincoln, CA 95648 Phone: (916) 645-4040 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the records request, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Contents of a Placer County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Placer County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Penal Code § 13150. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system. Standard components of Placer County arrest records include:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory authority for arrest (with or without warrant)
- Booking number and processing information
Criminal charges:
- California Penal Code violations alleged
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Enhancement factors, if applicable
Case processing information:
- Bail or bond amount established
- Court appearance dates
- Case number assigned by the court
- Disposition information (if available)
Law enforcement agencies in Placer County maintain these records in accordance with Government Code § 26202, which establishes retention requirements for county records. Arrest records are typically retained permanently, though access restrictions may apply to older records or those subject to sealing or expungement orders.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Placer County
Placer County residents with arrest records may be eligible for expungement under California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes. Expungement is a legal process that allows for the dismissal of convictions and the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Placer County Superior Court processes expungement petitions according to statutory guidelines.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Placer County include:
- Successful completion of probation or sentence
- No current charges pending
- Not serving a sentence for any other offense
- Compliance with all court-ordered restitution and financial obligations
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including specified sex offenses against minors and certain serious felonies. Additionally, Penal Code § 851.8 provides a separate process for factually innocent individuals to petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records.
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal with the Placer County Superior Court
- Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Notification to the District Attorney's Office
- Court hearing (if contested or at judicial discretion)
- Judicial determination and issuance of expungement order
Expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for limited purposes, including prosecution of subsequent offenses and consideration in sentencing for future convictions. However, expungement relieves individuals of many adverse consequences associated with criminal records in employment and housing contexts.
The Placer County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals:
Placer County Public Defender 11532 B Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: (530) 889-7928 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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