>San Francisco County Arrest Records Online

San Francisco County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in San Francisco County, California?

Arrest records are public in San Francisco County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records maintained by state and local agencies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The San Francisco Sheriff's Office and the San Francisco Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state law. Public access to arrest records serves the dual purpose of ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations and maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827. Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4 are not accessible to the general public.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in San Francisco County?

San Francisco County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco provides online access to criminal case information through their official portal. This system allows users to search for cases by name or case number, providing basic information about criminal proceedings.

The San Francisco Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate locator system that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including their booking date, charges, and custody status. This information is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.

It should be noted that online access may be limited compared to in-person requests. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253.9, agencies may provide electronic records in the format in which they are maintained, but are not required to reconstruct records in a new format specifically for public access. Some detailed arrest information may therefore require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

How to Look Up San Francisco County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking San Francisco County arrest records have multiple methods available to obtain this information:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the San Francisco Police Department's Records Management Section located at 1245 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide valid identification.
Online Case Information System: The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco provides an online portal for accessing case information. This system allows searches by name or case number for criminal proceedings.
Criminal Records Unit: Located at the Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, Room 475, San Francisco, CA 94103. Telephone: (415) 553-1142. This unit provides certified copies of criminal records upon proper request.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the San Francisco Sheriff's Office, Records Division, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 456, San Francisco, CA 94102. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a copy of the requestor's identification.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fees for copies of arrest records are $0.10 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies of records.

Contents of a San Francisco County Arrest Record

San Francisco County arrest records contain specific information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13100-13326. A standard arrest record typically includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking number and arresting agency information
Enumeration of charges with corresponding California Penal Code sections
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
Fingerprint information and other biometric data collected during booking
Bail or bond information, including amount set and status
Case disposition information, if available
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Incident report number for cross-reference purposes

It should be noted that pursuant to California Senate Bill 1421 and Assembly Bill 748, certain information related to police conduct during arrests may be subject to additional disclosure requirements, particularly in cases involving use of force or alleged misconduct.

Legal Restrictions on San Francisco Arrest Records Access

While arrest records are generally public, several legal restrictions limit access to certain information. The California Department of Justice and local San Francisco agencies must comply with the following limitations:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not available to the general public without a court order.
Sealed and Expunged Records: Records that have been sealed by court order or expunged under California Penal Code § 1203.4 are not accessible through standard public records requests.
Privacy Protections: Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be redacted, including medical information, certain personal identifiers, and victim information in sensitive cases.
Active Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under Government Code § 6254(f) if disclosure would compromise the investigation.
Clean Slate Program: The San Francisco Public Defender's Office administers a Clean Slate Program at 555 7th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, telephone (415) 553-9337, which assists eligible individuals in clearing their criminal records.

The ACCESS Legal Self-Help Center at the San Francisco Superior Court provides guidance to individuals seeking information about their rights regarding criminal records. The center is located at 400 McAllister Street, Room 509, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone (415) 551-0605.

Expungement of Arrest Records in San Francisco County

Individuals seeking to expunge arrest records in San Francisco County must follow procedures established under California Penal Code § 851.8 for arrests not resulting in conviction, or § 1203.4 for convictions. The expungement process typically involves:

Filing a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180 form) with the Criminal Division of the Superior Court
Payment of filing fees (currently $120, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Submission of supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
Attendance at a court hearing, if scheduled by the presiding judge
Notification of relevant agencies upon successful expungement

Eligibility criteria generally include completion of probation, payment of all fines and restitution, and absence of current criminal proceedings. Certain serious offenses, including most felonies requiring state prison sentences, are ineligible for expungement.

The San Francisco Public Defender's Office offers free assistance with expungement through their Clean Slate Program. Additionally, the Superior Court Records Division provides necessary forms and procedural information at 400 McAllister Street, Room 101, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone (415) 551-3851.

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