Stanislaus County, California Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Stanislaus County, California?
Arrest records in Stanislaus County, California are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information maintained by law enforcement agencies within the county. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b) further reinforces this right by declaring that "the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny."
Members of the public should note that certain arrest records may be subject to legal restrictions. Records that have been sealed by court order, juvenile arrest records, and records pertaining to ongoing investigations may have limited accessibility. Additionally, pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8, records of arrests that did not result in conviction may be eligible for sealing under specific circumstances.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Stanislaus County?
Stanislaus County provides multiple digital platforms through which arrest records can be accessed online. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department maintains a digital database that is regularly updated with current arrest information. This system operates in compliance with Government Code § 6253.1, which requires public agencies to assist individuals in making focused and effective requests for identifiable records.
The Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus offers an online case search portal where court records related to arrests can be accessed. Additionally, the Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder's Office maintains certain public records that may contain arrest-related information. These online resources are designed to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with privacy laws established under California Civil Code § 1798.24.
Users of these online systems should be aware that some records may require in-person verification or additional documentation to access, particularly those containing sensitive personal information as defined by Government Code § 6254(c).
How to Look Up Stanislaus County Arrest Records in 2025
Stanislaus County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple channels established by county authorities. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department Records Division 800 11th Street, Suite 2100 Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 525-7117 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Online access is available through the Stanislaus County Superior Court case search system, which provides information on criminal cases resulting from arrests
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the address listed above, pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b)
Public access terminals are available at the Stanislaus County Law Library 1101 13th Street Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 558-7759 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances.
Contents of a Stanislaus County Arrest Record
Stanislaus County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13125, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. A typical arrest record includes the following components:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye and hair color
- Unique identifiers including booking number, fingerprint classification, and California Identification and Index (CII) number when applicable
- Arrest details including date, time, location, and the arresting agency
- Enumeration of criminal charges filed, with reference to specific California Penal Code sections allegedly violated
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during the processing procedure
- Custody status information, including bail amount if established
- Case disposition information, when available
The information contained in these records is maintained in accordance with Government Code § 6254.4, which establishes protocols for the protection of certain personal identifying information while maintaining public access to arrest data. Fingerprint records are maintained pursuant to Penal Code § 11105, which governs the state's criminal history information system.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Stanislaus County
Individuals with arrest records in Stanislaus County may petition for expungement under provisions established in California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8. Expungement eligibility is determined by several factors, including the nature of the offense, the disposition of the case, and the petitioner's subsequent criminal history.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Stanislaus County Superior Court 800 11th Street Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 530-3100
Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have successfully completed probation, or who were convicted of certain misdemeanors or infractions and have satisfied all conditions of their sentence, may petition to have their conviction dismissed. Under Penal Code § 851.8, individuals who were arrested but not charged, or who were charged but not convicted, may petition to have their arrest record sealed and destroyed.
The Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for eligible individuals 1021 I Street, Suite 201 Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 525-4200 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Petitioners should be aware that expungement does not completely erase all records of an arrest or conviction. Certain government agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may still access expunged records under specific circumstances as outlined in Penal Code § 1203.4(a).
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