> >Sacramento Arrest Records

Sacramento Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sacramento, California?

Arrest records are public in Sacramento, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement departments, shall be accessible to the public upon request. The Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and make these records available in accordance with state law.

Public access to arrest records serves several governmental and civic purposes:

• Ensures transparency in law enforcement operations • Facilitates public oversight of governmental activities • Promotes accountability within the criminal justice system • Enables individuals to verify information that may affect their personal or professional interests • Supports journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under Government Code § 6254. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available for public inspection.

How to Look Up Sacramento Arrest Records in 2025

Sacramento County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The Sacramento Police Department maintains a comprehensive records management system that allows for various methods of access. Individuals seeking arrest records should be prepared to provide specific information about the case, including the full name of the arrested individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.

Online Access Options

The Sacramento Police Department offers digital access to certain arrest records through their official website. Users may search for:

• Recent arrests within city limits • Booking information • Custody status of individuals currently in detention • Crime statistics and reports by neighborhood

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office also maintains an online inmate information system that provides booking details and custody status for individuals processed through county facilities.

In-Person Requests

Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the Records Division of the Sacramento Police Department:

Sacramento Police Department Records Division
5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-0620
Sacramento Police Department Records

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

For county-wide arrest records, requests may be submitted to:

Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
711 G Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5115
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to either agency listed above. Requests must include:

• Full name of the subject • Date of birth (if known) • Approximate date of arrest • Case number (if available) • Requestor's contact information • A self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents • Payment of applicable fees

Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b) and are subject to annual adjustment.

Contents of a Sacramento Arrest Record

Sacramento arrest records contain standardized information collected during the booking process as mandated by California Penal Code § 7(e) and local ordinances. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's encounter with law enforcement and subsequent processing into the criminal justice system.

Standard arrest records in Sacramento County typically include:

• Biographical information of the arrested individual:

Full legal name and any documented aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address at time of arrest
Fingerprints and biometric identifiers

• Arrest details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory authority for the arrest
Booking number and facility information

• Criminal charges:

Specific violations of state law or local ordinances
Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
Case numbers assigned by the arresting agency

• Judicial processing information:

Court appearance dates
Bail or bond information
Custody status

• Photographic documentation:

Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken from multiple angles
Images of identifying marks or tattoos when relevant to identification

The booking process follows standardized protocols established by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and includes medical screening and property inventory procedures.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sacramento

Under California law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed from public view. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 851.8 for arrests not resulting in conviction and Penal Code § 1203.4 for convictions followed by successful completion of probation.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement of Sacramento arrest records under the following circumstances:

• Arrests not resulting in charges: If an arrest did not lead to the filing of formal charges, individuals may petition for a finding of factual innocence.

• Arrests resulting in dismissed charges: When charges were filed but subsequently dismissed, individuals may petition for sealing and destruction of records.

• Convictions followed by probation: After successful completion of all terms of probation, individuals may petition to withdraw their plea of guilty or set aside a verdict of guilt.

• Diversion program completion: Participants who successfully complete pretrial diversion, drug diversion, or mental health diversion programs may be eligible for record sealing.

Certain serious offenses, including most sex crimes against minors and violent felonies listed under Penal Code § 667.5(c), are generally ineligible for expungement.

Application Process

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sacramento County Superior Court:

Sacramento County Superior Court - Criminal Division
720 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5522
Sacramento County Superior Court

Petitioners must:

• Complete the appropriate Judicial Council forms • Provide certified copies of relevant court documents • Pay filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals) • Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney and arresting agency

The court will schedule a hearing where a judge will evaluate the petition based on statutory criteria and the petitioner's post-arrest conduct. If granted, the court will issue an order to seal and eventually destroy records of the arrest.