Fairfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fairfield, California?
Arrest records are public documents in Fairfield, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that records created, used, or maintained by public agencies in the course of conducting public business are subject to public disclosure, with certain exceptions. The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to maintain public accountability.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Fairfield Police Department and the Solano County Sheriff's Office. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel during the arrest process and subsequent booking procedures. Public access to these records serves the legislative intent of promoting open government while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in Government Code § 6254.
The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) further reinforces the public's right to access information concerning governmental proceedings. Law enforcement agencies in Fairfield must comply with these constitutional and statutory provisions when responding to requests for arrest records, subject to applicable exemptions that may protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information.
How to Look Up Fairfield Arrest Records in 2025
The Fairfield Police Department and Solano County Sheriff's Office maintain systems for public access to arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Records Division of the Fairfield Police Department, located at 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Records Division, Fairfield Police Department, 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA 94533. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Fairfield Police Department's online portal. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253.9, agencies must make electronic records available in electronic format when requested.
Telephone inquiries regarding arrest record availability may be directed to the Records Division at (707) 428-7300. Staff cannot release detailed arrest information via telephone but can provide guidance on proper request procedures.
The Solano County Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records may be accessed at the courthouse located at 600 Union Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533, or through the Solano County Superior Court online case search system.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records.
Contents of a Fairfield Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Fairfield law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as required by California Penal Code § 13300:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, fingerprint classification.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal charges filed at the time of booking, referenced by the applicable California Penal Code sections or municipal code violations.
Booking information, including the booking number, date and time of booking, and the facility where the individual was detained.
Bail information, including the amount set by the bail schedule or court, and whether the individual was released on their own recognizance.
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed by the District Attorney's Office, case numbers assigned by the Solano County Superior Court, and preliminary hearing dates.
Photographic images, commonly referred to as "mugshots," taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process, which are subsequently submitted to the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for identification verification.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300(c), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including confidential informant information, juvenile records, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Fairfield
California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process for expungement in Fairfield adheres to the following statutory provisions:
Penal Code § 851.8 establishes the procedure for sealing and destroying arrest records when no accusatory pleading has been filed or when a person has been acquitted of charges. Eligible individuals must file a petition with the Solano County Superior Court demonstrating factual innocence.
Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement of conviction records for individuals who have successfully completed probation. This process does not physically destroy records but changes their status to reflect dismissal pursuant to this section.
Penal Code § 1203.4a provides similar relief for misdemeanor or infraction convictions where probation was not imposed.
The petition for expungement must be filed with the Solano County Superior Court at:
Solano County Superior Court
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Solano County Superior Court
Petitioners may be required to pay filing fees unless granted a fee waiver based on financial hardship. The court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement under the applicable statute.
Upon granting an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing all agencies maintaining the arrest record to seal or modify it according to the provisions of the relevant statute. The California Department of Justice and local law enforcement agencies must comply with this court order within a specified timeframe.
It should be noted that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as authorized by law. Additionally, expungement under California law does not relieve individuals of the obligation to disclose the arrest or conviction when applying for government employment, public office, or licensure by state or local agencies.
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