Los Angeles County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Los Angeles County

Yes, arrest records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public information under California's Public Records Act. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by members of the public, journalists, employers, and other interested parties.

However, there are some important limitations:

• Records involving juveniles are typically sealed and not available to the public
• Some records may be sealed by court order
• Certain sensitive information may be redacted
• Records related to ongoing investigations might have limited accessibility

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department maintains these records and makes them available through various channels, including their Records and ID Bureau.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Records and ID Bureau: 12440 East Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650

What's in Los Angeles County Arrest Records

Los Angeles County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest, including:

• Full name and aliases of the arrested person
• Date of birth and physical description
• Date, time, and location of the arrest
• Booking number and arrest charges
• Mugshot (booking photograph)
• Fingerprint information
• Bail amount (if applicable)
• Court case number (once assigned)
• Arresting agency information
• Current custody status

These records are maintained by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Los Angeles Superior Court - Criminal Division: 210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Los Angeles County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Los Angeles County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Online Inmate Information Center: The LA County Sheriff's Department maintains an online database where you can search for currently incarcerated individuals.

2. Superior Court Criminal Records: The Los Angeles Superior Court provides access to criminal case records, which often include arrest information.

3. In-person requests: Visit the Records and ID Bureau of the LA County Sheriff's Department.

4. Mail requests: Submit a written request for arrest records to the Sheriff's Department.

5. Third-party background check services: Various commercial services compile and provide access to arrest records.

For the most current information, you'll need to provide the full name of the person and, ideally, their date of birth or booking number.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center: 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

How To Find Los Angeles County Arrest Records Online

Finding Los Angeles County arrest records online is relatively straightforward through these official channels:

1. LA County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center: This online portal allows you to search for currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released.

   • Visit app5.lasd.org/iic
   • Enter the person's name or booking number
   • Review the results for custody status and charges

2. Los Angeles Superior Court Website: For cases that have been filed with the court.

   • Visit lacourt.org/division/criminal
   • Use the criminal case search function
   • Enter the defendant's name or case number

3. County Public Records Portal: For broader public records requests.

   • Visit lacounty.gov/newsroom/public-information/public-information-and-records/
   • Follow the instructions for submitting a public records request

Remember that the most recent arrests may take 24-48 hours to appear in online systems.

Los Angeles County Public Records Office: 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Can You Search Los Angeles County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Los Angeles County arrest records for free through several official channels:

1. LA County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center: This free online database provides basic information about current inmates and recent releases.

2. Los Angeles Superior Court Public Access: Basic case information is available for free, though there may be fees for copies of documents.

3. In-person searches: You can visit the Records and ID Bureau or courthouse to conduct searches, though document copy fees may apply.

While basic searches are free, there are some limitations:

• Detailed reports may require payment of copying fees
• Historical records might require more extensive searching
• Some records may only be available through in-person requests
• Complete background checks typically require paid services

For the most comprehensive free access, the Sheriff's Department's online inmate locator is the best starting point.

Los Angeles Superior Court Records Department: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

How To Delete Arrest Records in Los Angeles County

Completely deleting arrest records in Los Angeles County is generally not possible, but you can pursue several legal remedies to limit their accessibility and impact:

1. Record Sealing: Under California law, you may be eligible to have arrest records sealed if:

   • You were arrested but never charged
   • Charges were filed but later dismissed
   • You were acquitted at trial
   • Your conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal

2. Expungement (Penal Code 1203.4): If you were convicted, you may petition for dismissal if you:

   • Completed probation successfully
   • Are not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another offense

3. Certificate of Rehabilitation: For more serious convictions, this can be a step toward a governor's pardon.

4. Proposition 47 or 64 Relief: Certain drug and theft convictions can be reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.

To begin this process, contact the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office or consult with a private attorney specializing in record clearance.

Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office: 210 W. Temple St., 19th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012

What Happens After Arrest in Los Angeles County?

After an arrest in Los Angeles County, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Booking: The arrestee is taken to a local police station or county jail where they are:

   • Photographed and fingerprinted
   • Personal information is recorded
   • Personal property is inventoried
   • Medical screening is conducted
   • Placed in holding cell or general population

2. Bail Determination: A bail amount is set based on the bail schedule or at arraignment.

3. Arraignment: Usually within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), where:

   • Charges are formally presented
   • Defendant enters an initial plea
   • Bail may be reviewed
   • Future court dates are scheduled

4. Pretrial Proceedings: May include:

   • Preliminary hearings
   • Motions to suppress evidence
   • Plea negotiations

5. Trial or Plea Resolution: Most cases resolve through plea agreements, but some proceed to trial.

6. Sentencing: If convicted, penalties are determined based on the offense and criminal history.

Throughout this process, arrestees have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

Los Angeles County Main Jail (Twin Towers Correctional Facility): 450 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Los Angeles County?

Arrest records in Los Angeles County are typically kept indefinitely unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge them. Here's what you should know about record retention:

1. Standard Retention: Without intervention, arrest records remain in county databases permanently.

2. State Database (California DOJ): Records are also maintained in state criminal history databases indefinitely.

3. Court Records: Criminal case records are preserved permanently by the Los Angeles Superior Court.

4. Digital Records: Modern digital record-keeping has made long-term retention even more common.

The permanent nature of these records underscores the importance of legal remedies like expungement or record sealing for those eligible. Even with such remedies, certain government agencies may still have access to sealed records, particularly for law enforcement or judicial purposes.

California Department of Justice: 300 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

How to Find Mugshots in Los Angeles County

Finding mugshots in Los Angeles County has become increasingly difficult due to privacy concerns and policy changes. Here are the current methods and limitations:

1. Official Channels: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department no longer makes mugshots readily available to the public except in limited circumstances, such as:

   • When seeking public assistance in locating dangerous suspects
   • For individuals who have escaped custody

2. Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court case files, which can be requested through the Los Angeles Superior Court.

3. Public Records Requests: You can submit a California Public Records Act request to the arresting agency, though these are often denied for privacy reasons.

4. Third-Party Websites: Some commercial websites collect and publish mugshots, but:

   • Information may be outdated or inaccurate
   • Many charge removal fees (a practice California has legislated against)
   • These sites may not comply with California's "Right to Be Forgotten" laws

It's important to note that California has enacted laws restricting the publication of mugshots by commercial websites, particularly for cases that didn't result in convictions.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Headquarters: 211 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Lookup Arrest Records in Los Angeles County

For those needing to access arrest records in Los Angeles County, these official resources provide reliable information:

• Inmate Information Center - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Search for current inmates and recently released individuals in the LA County jail system.

• Criminal Division - LA Court - Access criminal case records, court calendars, and case information through the Los Angeles Superior Court.

• Public Information and Records - COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - Learn how to request public records and documents from Los Angeles County agencies.

• Records and ID Bureau | Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Find answers to frequently asked questions about obtaining police reports, fingerprinting services, and identification records.

• Guide to County Services - Los Angeles County - A comprehensive guide to navigating county services, including those related to public safety and records.