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Sonora Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sonora, California?

Arrest records in Sonora, California are public documents pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. The CPRA establishes that information collected by public agencies shall be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. This legislation affirms the principle that access to governmental records is a fundamental right of citizens and promotes transparency in governmental operations.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over Sonora, maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may request access to these records subject to applicable state laws and local ordinances that govern the dissemination of criminal justice information.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Government Code § 6254, which provides exemptions for records that may compromise ongoing investigations, violate personal privacy rights, or jeopardize public safety.

How to Look Up Sonora Arrest Records in 2025

Residents seeking arrest records in Sonora have multiple methods available through the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. The following procedures are established for public access to arrest information:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office located at 28 Lower Sunset Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the aforementioned address. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to requests within 10 days.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the official Tuolumne County website, which provides a dedicated portal for public records requests.
Public access terminals are available at the Sheriff's Office for individuals who wish to conduct searches on-site.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. A fee schedule for copies of records is established by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b).

Contents of a Sonora Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office contain the following categories of information as prescribed by California Penal Code § 13100-13326:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
Criminal charges filed, including applicable California Penal Code sections
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available
Arresting agency and officer identification

The Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne maintains related court records that may supplement arrest information with subsequent judicial proceedings. These records are maintained separately from law enforcement records and may be accessed through the court's public access system.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sonora

Under California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed or destroyed, limiting their accessibility to the public.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Sonora include:

Cases where no charges were filed following arrest
Cases that were dismissed by the court
Cases resulting in acquittal after trial
Successful completion of probation for convicted offenses
Fulfillment of all court-ordered obligations

The petition for expungement must be filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne located at 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Petitioners may be required to attend a hearing where the court will evaluate the statutory eligibility for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order to seal or destroy the relevant records. However, certain agencies, including law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain limited access to expunged records for specific administrative purposes as permitted by California Penal Code § 11105.

Expungement does not eliminate all consequences of an arrest or conviction. Certain professional licensing boards, government employers, and law enforcement agencies may still have access to expunged records under specific circumstances outlined in the Tuolumne County Ordinance Code.

Limitations on Public Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public, California law establishes several important limitations on public access. These restrictions are codified in various sections of the California Penal Code and Government Code:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and § 828, with limited exceptions for specific agencies and individuals with a legitimate interest.
Information regarding victims of certain offenses, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is subject to confidentiality protections under Penal Code § 293.
Arrests that did not result in conviction may have restricted access after specified time periods in accordance with Labor Code § 432.7, which prohibits employers from considering certain arrest records in employment decisions.
Active investigations may have temporarily restricted access under Government Code § 6254(f) to preserve the integrity of ongoing law enforcement activities.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office is responsible for ensuring that dissemination of arrest records complies with these statutory limitations. Individuals who believe their records have been improperly disclosed may file a complaint with the Sheriff's Office or seek judicial review through appropriate legal channels.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Sonora

Arrest records obtained from Sonora authorities may be utilized for various legitimate purposes as permitted by California law:

Background checks for employment in positions involving public safety, vulnerable populations, or financial responsibility, subject to the limitations established in Labor Code § 432.7.
Tenant screening by property owners and managers, though subject to fair housing laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory practices.
Professional licensing determinations by state regulatory boards that oversee occupations requiring specific character and fitness standards.
Immigration proceedings where criminal history may affect immigration status or naturalization eligibility.
Personal safety assessments by individuals seeking information about specific persons with whom they may interact.

The Traffic Division of the Superior Court maintains related records for traffic violations that may result in arrest, such as driving under the influence offenses.

Misuse of arrest record information may result in civil liability under various California privacy statutes, including Civil Code § 1798.53, which provides remedies for individuals harmed by the improper disclosure of personal information maintained in government records.