Oxnard Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Oxnard, California?
Arrest records in Oxnard, California are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access information concerning governmental affairs, including records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The CPRA operates under the principle that governmental transparency is essential to a functioning democracy, allowing members of the public to monitor the activities of public agencies.
The Oxnard Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents once they are filed with the appropriate governmental agencies. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in Government Code § 6254.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes within the judicial system:
- It ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- It provides transparency in the criminal justice process
- It allows individuals to verify the accuracy of information pertaining to themselves
- It enables researchers, journalists, and community organizations to analyze patterns in law enforcement activities
Individuals seeking arrest records in Oxnard should be aware that while these documents are public, certain procedural requirements must be followed to obtain them, as detailed in subsequent sections.
How to Look Up Oxnard Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Oxnard, California. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during regular office hours of governmental agencies. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: The Oxnard Police Department maintains records that may be requested in person at their headquarters: Oxnard Police Department 251 South C Street Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 385-7600 Oxnard Police Department Official Website
Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide proper identification. Processing times vary based on the complexity and age of the requested records.
Ventura County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement in the Oxnard area: Ventura County Sheriff's Office 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 (805) 654-2380 Ventura County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Court Records Access: The Ventura County Superior Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings: Ventura County Superior Court - Records Department Hall of Justice 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 (805) 289-8525 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Court Records Access
Online Access Options: The Ventura County Superior Court provides limited online access to case information through their Case Inquiry System. This system allows users to search for cases by name or case number, though complete arrest records may require in-person requests.
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at the Records Department lobby of the Ventura County Superior Court. These terminals provide access to the court's case management system for cases filed after January 1, 1989.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. Current fees for copies of arrest records are $0.25 per page for standard documents and $5.00 for certified copies.
Contents of an Oxnard Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Oxnard law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 13150. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest procedure. Standard arrest records in Oxnard typically contain the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address at time of arrest
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including GPS coordinates when available
- Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, including California Penal Code section numbers and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Booking Information: Processing location, booking number, and time of booking procedure
- Agency Information: Name and badge number of arresting officer(s), department case number, and jurisdiction of arrest
- Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during booking process, stored in both physical and digital formats
- Photographic Evidence: Mugshot photographs taken from front and side angles
- Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, amount set by court, or release on own recognizance
- Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions when applicable to current charges
These records are maintained in compliance with California Government Code § 6200-6203, which establishes requirements for the preservation of public records. The Oxnard Police Department retains arrest records for a minimum of five years, while records of arrests resulting in convictions are maintained permanently in accordance with departmental policy and state regulations.
Law enforcement agencies in Oxnard utilize the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) to store and manage arrest records electronically. This system facilitates information sharing between agencies while maintaining security protocols required by California law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Oxnard
The process of expungement provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to have arrest records sealed or dismissed pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8. Expungement does not physically destroy records but rather changes their status and restricts public access. The Ventura County Superior Court administers the expungement process for arrests occurring within Oxnard city limits.
Eligibility Criteria for Expungement:
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Oxnard arrest records under the following circumstances:
- Successful completion of all terms of probation for the offense
- No current charges pending in any jurisdiction
- Not serving a sentence for any other offense
- No probation violations during the probationary period
- Payment of all fines, restitution, and court fees associated with the case
- For arrests not resulting in charges, demonstration that no reasonable cause existed for the arrest
Statutory Authority and Procedures:
California Penal Code § 851.8 provides the legal framework for petitioning for the sealing and destruction of arrest records when no conviction resulted from the arrest. The process requires:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) with the Ventura County Superior Court
- Payment of filing fees (currently $120, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Notification to the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County District Attorney's Office
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing where a judge will review the petition
Ventura County Superior Court - Criminal Division Hall of Justice 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 (805) 289-8820 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Criminal Division Information
Legal Assistance Resources:
The Ventura County Public Defender's Office provides assistance with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals:
Ventura County Public Defender 800 South Victoria Avenue, Suite 207 Ventura, CA 93009 (805) 654-2201 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Ventura County Bar Association maintains a referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation for expungement matters:
Ventura County Bar Association 4475 Market Street, Suite B Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 650-7599 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to California Labor Code § 432.7, employers are generally prohibited from asking about arrests that did not result in conviction or arrests that have been expunged. However, certain exceptions apply for positions in law enforcement, healthcare, education, and other sensitive sectors.
Search Arrest Records in Oxnard
