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Chino Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chino, California?

Arrest records are public documents in Chino, California, accessible to members of the general public under provisions established by state law. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) mandates that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, must be made available for public inspection and copying upon request. The Chino Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties and must comply with disclosure requirements pursuant to this legislation.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in law enforcement operations, public safety awareness, and accountability of public officials. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld based on statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified in Government Code § 6254.

Requesters seeking arrest records should note that while the records themselves are public, the agencies maintaining such records may impose reasonable fees for duplication services as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b).

How to Look Up Chino Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Chino, California. Individuals seeking such information should utilize the following authorized methods:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Chino Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records.

    • Chino Police Department
    • 5450 Guardian Way
    • Chino, CA 91710
    • (909) 334-3000
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Alternatively, records may be requested from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Records Division if the arrest was conducted by county law enforcement.

    • San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
    • 655 East Third Street
    • San Bernardino, CA 92415
    • (909) 387-3545
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Access:

  • The Chino Police Department maintains an online portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed electronically.
  • The San Bernardino County Superior Court provides online access to case information through its case management system for arrests that have resulted in formal charges.
    • San Bernardino County Superior Court
    • 247 West Third Street
    • San Bernardino, CA 92415
    • (909) 708-8678
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Written Requests:

  • Submit a written Public Records Act request via mail or email to the appropriate agency, specifying the information sought.
  • Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may qualify for a 14-day extension.

Requesters should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the record search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval.

Contents of a Chino Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Chino law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. These records typically include:

Biographical Information:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Known aliases or alternative names
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars

Arrest Details:

  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Statutory violations cited (California Penal Code sections)
  • Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Incident report number
  • Booking number assigned during processing

Case Processing Information:

  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint records
  • Bail amount established
  • Court case number (if formal charges were filed)
  • Arraignment date
  • Disposition of the case (if concluded)

Pursuant to California law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Medical information
  • Information related to victims of certain crimes
  • Information that might compromise ongoing investigations

The level of detail available in publicly accessible arrest records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable exemptions under Government Code § 6254.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chino

California law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by Chino law enforcement agencies. The process is governed primarily by Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8, which establish distinct pathways for record clearance based on case circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Individuals who were arrested but never charged may petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8.
  • Persons convicted of misdemeanors or felonies who have successfully completed probation may petition for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4.
  • Certain convictions are ineligible for expungement, including specified sex offenses against minors and certain serious felonies.

Procedural Requirements:

  • Petitioners must file appropriate forms with the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

    • Rancho Cucamonga District - Criminal Division
    • 8303 Haven Avenue
    • Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
    • (909) 350-9764
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • A filing fee is required unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver based on financial hardship.

  • The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the petition and may contest the request.

    • San Bernardino County District Attorney
    • 303 West Third Street, 5th Floor
    • San Bernardino, CA 92415
    • (909) 382-3800
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Effects of Expungement:

  • Successful expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 does not completely erase the record but changes its status to dismissed.
  • The record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions and future criminal proceedings.
  • Expunged convictions need not be disclosed on most employment applications, with exceptions for public office positions and state licensing applications.
  • A finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8 provides more comprehensive relief, requiring the destruction of arrest records.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process typically takes 90-120 days from filing to judicial determination. The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals.

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