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Corona Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Corona, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Corona, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6276.48. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental activities, including law enforcement operations. The CPRA mandates that public agencies make records available for inspection during regular office hours and provide copies upon request, subject to payment of applicable fees.

The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic purposes:

  • Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Facilitating public oversight of governmental activities
  • Providing necessary information for background checks and public safety
  • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Certain exceptions to disclosure exist under Government Code § 6254, which may limit access to specific information within arrest records. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if released.

How to Look Up Corona Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Corona have several methods available to obtain this information. The Corona Police Department Records Section serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides multiple access options:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Corona Police Department Records Section during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Photo identification is required, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.

Corona Police Department
730 Public Safety Way
Corona, CA 92880
Phone: 951-736-2330
Official Website

Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Section. Requests must include:

  • Full name of the subject
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Case number (if known)
  • Requestor's contact information
  • Check or money order for applicable fees

Online Access: The City of Corona provides an electronic public records request portal through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check services may provide access to Corona arrest records, though the information available through such services may not be as comprehensive or current as records obtained directly from official sources.

Contents of a Corona Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Corona Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Statutory violations cited as the basis for arrest
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Fingerprint records and other biometric identifiers
  • Arresting officer's information and badge number
  • Booking location and facility information
  • Case number and other administrative identifiers
  • Disposition information (if available)

Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals involved in the case.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Corona

California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Corona authorities. The process is governed primarily by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish criteria and procedures for record clearance.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Successful completion of probation or early termination of probation
  • No current charges pending against the petitioner
  • Not serving a sentence for any offense
  • No probation violations during the probationary period
  • Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under state law

Petition Process: Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Riverside County Superior Court, Corona Branch. The petition must include:

Riverside County Superior Court, Corona Branch
505 S. Buena Vista Ave., Room 201
Corona, CA 92882
Phone: 951-777-3147
Official Website

Required documentation includes:

  • Completed Petition for Dismissal (Form CR-180)
  • Order for Dismissal (Form CR-181)
  • Declaration in support of the petition
  • Proof of successful completion of probation
  • Filing fee or fee waiver request

Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. If granted, the expungement results in the dismissal of the case pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, though the record remains accessible to certain governmental agencies and for specific licensing purposes.

Legal Effects of Expungement

Expungement under California law does not completely erase arrest records but modifies their legal status and accessibility. Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, an expunged record:

  • Releases the petitioner from "all penalties and disabilities" resulting from the conviction
  • Does not restore firearm rights automatically (separate process required)
  • Must still be disclosed on applications for public office, state licensing, or contracting with the California State Lottery
  • Remains visible to law enforcement agencies and courts
  • May still be counted as a prior conviction for sentencing purposes if the individual reoffends

The Corona Police Department and other local agencies must update their records to reflect the expungement order once received from the court. However, third-party background check companies may continue to report expunged arrests unless specifically notified.

Restrictions on Use of Arrest Records

California law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records may be used, particularly in employment contexts. Under Labor Code § 432.7, employers with five or more employees are generally prohibited from:

  • Asking job applicants about arrests that did not result in conviction
  • Seeking information concerning participation in pretrial or post-trial diversion programs
  • Using such information as a factor in hiring decisions

Additionally, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code § 12940) prohibits discrimination based on arrest records that did not result in conviction. Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties and liability.

Commercial background check providers operating in Corona must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, which govern the collection, maintenance, and distribution of arrest record information.

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