Arrest records are public in Ventura County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including arrest information maintained by law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may inspect these records unless they fall under specific statutory exemptions or have been sealed by court order.
The California Public Records Act mandates that public agencies make non-exempt records promptly available during regular office hours. Arrest records typically remain accessible unless they have been:
Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is generally public, certain details may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing law enforcement activities.
Ventura County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office and Superior Court of California, County of Ventura maintain digital databases that allow public access to certain arrest information. These online systems have been implemented to enhance transparency and facilitate public access in accordance with California law.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate information system that provides data on currently incarcerated individuals, including booking information and charges. The Superior Court of California, County of Ventura offers an online case information system where members of the public may search for court cases related to arrests.
Online access is subject to the following limitations:
Users of these online systems should note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and may not constitute a certified record for official use.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Ventura County. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to access this information:
Visit the Ventura County Sheriff's Records Bureau in person:
Submit a written request to the Ventura County Superior Court Records Department:
Access the Ventura County Superior Court Case Inquiry System online for court case information related to arrests
Check the Ventura County Sheriff's Inmate Information portal for current custody status
Request records from the Ventura Police Department:
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, agencies must respond to requests within 10 days. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b).
Arrest records maintained by Ventura County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
The level of detail may vary depending on the specific agency maintaining the record and the nature of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Government Code § 6254, particularly details that might compromise an ongoing investigation or infringe upon protected privacy interests.
Law enforcement agencies in Ventura County maintain these records in compliance with state regulations regarding records retention. The California Department of Justice also maintains a central repository of arrest records that can be accessed through the Criminal Records Review Unit.
Individuals with arrest records in Ventura County may be eligible to petition for expungement under California Penal Code § 1203.4. Expungement is a legal process that can provide relief from certain consequences of an arrest or conviction by removing it from public access. The Ventura County Superior Court processes these petitions according to established statutory guidelines.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Ventura County include:
The expungement process requires:
It is important to note that expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 does not completely erase the record but changes its status. Expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions or subsequent criminal proceedings. Additionally, expungement does not relieve individuals of obligations to register as sex offenders under Penal Code § 290 or restore firearm rights in most cases.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain forms and information from the Ventura County Superior Court Self-Help Legal Access Center, located at 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.