Mountain View Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mountain View, California?
Arrest records in Mountain View, California are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The Mountain View Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities.
Under California law, the following arrest record information is typically available to the public:
- Name of the individual arrested
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Booking information and charges filed
- Bail amount (if applicable)
- Physical description of the arrestee
Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that could compromise public safety if released. The California Public Records Act balances transparency with privacy considerations, particularly in cases involving minors or sensitive investigations.
Members of the public seeking arrest records must submit their requests to the appropriate agency, typically the Mountain View Police Department or Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, depending on which agency made the arrest.
How to Look Up Mountain View Arrest Records in 2025
Mountain View residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through several official channels. The City of Mountain View has implemented digital modernization initiatives to improve public access to these records while maintaining compliance with state regulations.
To obtain arrest records in Mountain View, individuals may utilize the following methods:
In-person requests at the Mountain View Police Department Records Division, located at 1000 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a Public Records Request form and present valid identification.
Online requests through the Mountain View Police Department's Records Management System. The department's digital portal allows users to search for basic arrest information using name, date, or case number parameters.
Written requests sent via postal mail to: Records Division, Mountain View Police Department, 1000 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. Include specific information about the record being requested, such as name, date of arrest, and case number (if known).
County court records maintained by the Santa Clara County Superior Court for cases that proceeded to prosecution. These records can be accessed at the courthouse located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic delivery of records. The Mountain View Police Department currently charges $0.25 per page for paper copies and $15 for digital copies of reports on electronic media.
Contents of a Mountain View Arrest Record
Mountain View arrest records contain standardized information as required by California law and local regulations. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest procedure.
A comprehensive Mountain View arrest record typically includes:
- Demographic information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Arrest details: Date, time, and specific location of arrest, arresting officer's name and badge number
- Agency information: Identification of the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest (Mountain View Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
- Offense information: Criminal code violations, description of alleged offenses, classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Processing data: Booking number, fingerprint records, photograph (mugshot)
- Custody status: Detention facility, bail amount, release conditions (if applicable)
- Case disposition: Court case number, arraignment date, and preliminary hearing information
Law enforcement agencies in Mountain View adhere to the California Department of Justice's standardized arrest record format, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and may be accessed by authorized entities for background checks, employment screening, and other legitimate purposes as permitted by law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mountain View
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process through which an arrest record is sealed or removed from public access, though it remains available to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8, individuals may petition for the sealing and destruction of arrest records when:
- No charges were filed following the arrest
- Charges were filed but later dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was set aside or vacated by the court
The expungement process in Mountain View requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Dismissal (Form CR-180) with the Santa Clara County Superior Court
- Submit supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
- Pay applicable filing fees (currently $120, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals)
- Attend a court hearing if scheduled by the judge
Successful expungement under California Penal Code § 1203.4 allows individuals to legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances, with exceptions for certain professional license applications and public office candidacy.
The Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office, located at 120 West Mission Street, San Jose, CA 95110, provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals. Their Clean Slate Program offers guidance through the expungement process, particularly for those who cannot afford private legal representation.
Expungement does not completely erase all records from all systems. Federal databases, private background check companies, and internet archives may still contain information about the arrest. Additionally, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and can be considered in sentencing for subsequent offenses.
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