Arrest records in Lincoln, California are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, with certain statutory exceptions. The Lincoln Police Department and Placer County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within their jurisdictions.
Members of the public may request access to arrest records for purposes including background checks, personal information verification, or research. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified under Government Code § 6254. The disclosure of arrest records serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in governmental operations and providing citizens with access to information that may affect public safety.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Lincoln, California. Interested parties may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
In-Person Requests:
Lincoln Police Department 600 Sixth Street Lincoln, CA 95648 (916) 645-4040 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Placer County Sheriff's Office - South Placer Station 6140 Horseshoe Bar Road Loomis, CA 95650 (916) 652-2400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Placer County Superior Court 10820 Justice Center Drive Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 408-6000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Access:
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the City Clerk's Office: City of Lincoln Attn: City Clerk's Office 600 Sixth Street Lincoln, CA 95648
All requests should include specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known) to facilitate record location. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, with a possible extension of 14 additional days under unusual circumstances.
Arrest records maintained by Lincoln law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event. Standard information included in these records consists of:
Biographical data of the arrested individual:
Arrest details:
Processing information:
Case disposition:
The completeness of records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and statutory restrictions on disclosure. Certain sensitive information, such as confidential informant identities, may be redacted prior to public release in accordance with Government Code § 6254(f).
The State of California provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records or dismissal of convictions.
Eligibility Requirements:
For arrests not resulting in conviction (PC § 851.8):
For convictions (PC § 1203.4):
Application Process:
Eligible individuals must file a Petition for Dismissal or Certificate of Rehabilitation with the Placer County Superior Court where the case was adjudicated.
The petition must be served on the Placer County District Attorney's Office at: 10810 Justice Center Drive, Suite 240 Roseville, CA 95678
A hearing may be scheduled where a judge will determine whether granting the petition serves the interests of justice.
If granted, the court will issue an order to seal and eventually destroy records of the arrest or dismiss the conviction.
The expungement process does not completely erase all records from government databases. Certain agencies, including the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation, may retain records for limited purposes. Additionally, expunged convictions may still be considered in certain professional licensing decisions, immigration proceedings, and subsequent criminal prosecutions.