>Santa Barbara County Arrest Records Online

Santa Barbara County, California Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Santa Barbara County, California?

Arrest records are public in Santa Barbara 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 law enforcement records, shall be accessible to the public with certain exceptions. The California Public Records Act operates under the principle that governmental transparency and accountability are essential to a functioning democracy, and that public access to arrest records serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as specified under Government Code § 6254. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies governing records retention and public disclosure.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Santa Barbara County?

Santa Barbara County arrest records can be accessed online through several official digital platforms. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for public access to current custody information. Additionally, the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara provides online case record searches for court proceedings related to arrests.

The digital availability of these records is governed by California Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record formats. Online access systems are designed to balance public transparency with privacy considerations. Users of these systems should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through appropriate channels.

Digital access to arrest records is subject to system limitations and regular maintenance schedules. The Sheriff's Office updates the online custody information regularly, but there may be a delay between an arrest and when the information appears in the online system.

How to Look Up Santa Barbara County Arrest Records in 2025

Santa Barbara County provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records, each with specific procedures and requirements:

Online Public Access Systems: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office maintains a "Who Is In Custody" database that can be accessed through their official website. The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara offers an online case records search system for court proceedings related to arrests.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office or the Santa Barbara Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-4100
Official Website

Santa Barbara Police Department
215 East Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2300
Official Website

Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. A self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees should accompany the request.
Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be obtained through the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-4520
Official Website

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Current fee schedules are available from each respective agency.

Contents of a Santa Barbara County Arrest Record

Santa Barbara County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by California Penal Code § 13150. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific statute violations cited; and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, arresting agency identification, name and badge number of the arresting officer, and the facility where the individual was detained.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during booking and mugshot photographs taken from front and side angles.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount if applicable, court appearance dates, and current detention status.
Disposition Information: The outcome of the case, including whether charges were filed by the District Attorney's Office, case dismissal, conviction details, or acquittal information.

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the policies of the specific agency maintaining the records. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative requirements.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Santa Barbara County

Individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Santa Barbara County under specific circumstances outlined in California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8. The expungement process involves filing a formal petition with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.

Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:

Successful completion of probation terms
Payment of all fines, restitution, and court fees
No current charges pending
No serving of a sentence for any offense
Specific time periods elapsed since the conviction or arrest

The expungement process requires the submission of appropriate forms, payment of filing fees, and potentially a court hearing. If granted, an expungement does not completely destroy the arrest record but changes its status to dismissed. Law enforcement agencies and courts may still access the record for limited purposes, but it will not appear in standard background checks conducted by most employers.

Certain serious offenses, including some felonies and sex crimes, may not be eligible for expungement. Additionally, arrests that resulted in convictions requiring registration as a sex offender under Penal Code § 290 generally cannot be expunged.

The County Executive Office can provide information about local programs that may assist eligible individuals with the expungement process, including possible fee waivers for those who qualify based on financial need.

Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office
1100 Anacapa Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-3470
Official Website