Modesto Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Modesto, California?
Arrest records in Modesto, California are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the California Public Records Act (CPRA), California Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this legislation, law enforcement agencies in Modesto are required to disclose arrest records upon request, unless specific exemptions apply.
The Modesto Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Standard arrest record information available to the public includes:
- Name of the arrested individual
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Booking information
- Charges filed
- Arresting agency information
- Case disposition
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), certain information may be withheld if disclosure would endanger an investigation, reveal confidential informant identity, or compromise the safety of persons involved in the case. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
How to Look Up Modesto Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Modesto have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Modesto Police Department has implemented several channels through which these records may be obtained:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Modesto Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records. Photo identification is required, and fees apply for document reproduction.
Modesto Police Department Records Division
600 10th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: (209) 572-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Access: The Modesto Police Department provides digital access to certain arrest information through their online portal. This system allows for preliminary searches of arrest data, though complete records may require formal requests.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Modesto Police Department lobby for public use in accessing non-confidential arrest information.
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees to cover the direct costs of duplication. The current fee structure for Modesto arrest records is $0.10 per page plus applicable taxes. Some records may be released immediately, while others require supervisor review and processing time of 7-10 business days.
Contents of a Modesto Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Modesto Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by California law. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of arrestee
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (as categorized by law enforcement)
- Height, weight, and other physical descriptors
- Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency making the arrest
- Booking number and facility
- Statutory authority for arrest
Case Information:
- Criminal charges filed (including California Penal Code sections)
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Bail or bond amount (if applicable)
- Custody status
- Preliminary hearing dates
Biometric Data:
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Disposition Information:
- Case outcome (if resolved)
- Sentencing details (if convicted)
- Probation terms (if applicable)
The Modesto Police Records Division maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Modesto
The expungement process in Modesto allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing or dismissal of arrest records under specific circumstances. This legal remedy is governed by California Penal Code § 1203.4 and related statutes.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement if they:
- Have successfully completed all terms of probation
- Are not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another offense
- Were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that did not result in a state prison sentence
- Have had charges dismissed or were acquitted at trial
- Were arrested but never charged with a crime
Application Process: The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a Petition for Dismissal (CR-180 form) with the Stanislaus County Superior Court
- Submit supporting documentation including proof of completed probation
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Attend a court hearing if scheduled by the judge
Stanislaus County Superior Court
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: (209) 530-3100
Effects of Expungement: When granted, an expungement:
- Changes the disposition of the case to "dismissed" in public records
- Relieves the petitioner from certain penalties and disabilities resulting from conviction
- Allows the petitioner to legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most employment applications
It is important to note that pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4(a), expungement does not:
- Remove the conviction from all government records
- Restore firearm rights in most cases
- Prevent the conviction from being used as a prior offense in future prosecutions
- Eliminate the requirement to register as a sex offender (if applicable)
- Prevent disclosure of the conviction for certain professional licenses or government employment
Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to expunged records for administrative purposes. Additionally, certain professional licensing boards may still require disclosure of expunged convictions.
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