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Visalia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Visalia, California?

Arrest records are public in Visalia, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The California Public Records Act mandates that all government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Members of the public may access arrest records that typically contain information such as:

  • Name of the arrested individual
  • Date and location of arrest
  • Charges filed
  • Booking information
  • Arresting agency details

Certain exemptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6254, particularly when:

  • Release would endanger an ongoing investigation
  • Disclosure would compromise the safety of a witness or other individual
  • The information pertains to juvenile records, which are generally confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
  • The record contains medical or mental health information protected under HIPAA

The Visalia Police Department and Tulare County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in compliance with state regulations governing public access to criminal justice information.

How to Look Up Visalia Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Visalia, California. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make records promptly available upon request during regular business hours. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

  1. In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency to submit a formal request.

Visalia Police Department
303 S. Johnson Street
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 734-8116
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tulare County Sheriff's Office
833 S. Akers Street
Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 802-9400
Official Website

  1. Online Access: The Tulare County Sheriff's Inmate Search provides current custody information for individuals arrested in Visalia and throughout Tulare County.

  2. Court Records: The Superior Court of California, County of Tulare maintains records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests.

Tulare County Superior Court
221 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93291-8940
(559) 730-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  1. Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records by 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
    • Notarized authorization (if requesting records of another person)

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b), which permits agencies to charge for the direct cost of duplication or a statutory fee, if applicable.

Contents of a Visalia Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Visalia law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13125. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, hair and eye color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest, arresting agency, name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
  • Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), date and time of booking
  • Criminal Charges: California Penal Code violations, charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction), and charge description
  • Case Disposition: Court case number, arraignment date, bail or bond amount, custody status, and preliminary hearing information
  • Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable and permitted by law

The California Department of Justice maintains standards for arrest record information pursuant to Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes uniform recording, reporting, storage, analysis, and dissemination requirements for criminal offender record information.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under Government Code § 6254(c), including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Medical information
  • Financial account information
  • Information pertaining to victims of certain crimes

Expungement of Arrest Records in Visalia

California law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, individuals may petition for relief from the adverse consequences of an arrest or conviction.

The expungement process in Visalia requires filing a petition with the Tulare County Superior Court. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Successful completion of probation for the offense
  • No current criminal charges pending
  • Not serving a sentence for any other offense
  • Meeting statutory waiting periods (typically 1-3 years depending on the offense)

For arrests that did not result in a conviction, Penal Code § 851.8 permits individuals to petition for a finding of factual innocence, which, if granted, requires the sealing and destruction of arrest records. The petition must be filed:

  • Within two years of the arrest date
  • With the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
  • Subsequently with the court, if denied by the law enforcement agency

The Tulare County Superior Court Self-Help Center provides assistance with expungement petitions:

Tulare County Superior Court Self-Help Center
221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 203
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 737-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Expungement does not completely erase all records but generally:

  • Releases the petitioner from penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction
  • Allows the petitioner to legally state they have not been convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances
  • Restricts public access to the record

Certain convictions, particularly serious or violent felonies listed under Penal Code § 1192.7(c) or § 667.5(c), may have limited eligibility for expungement relief.

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