Sacramento County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sacramento County
Arrest records in Sacramento County are generally considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified under Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Sacramento County.
The California Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by law. Under this framework, basic arrest information is typically accessible to members of the public, including:
- The full name of the individual arrested
- Date of birth
- Physical description
- Date and time of arrest
- Date and time of booking
- Location of arrest
- Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest
- Amount of bail set
- Time and manner of release or location where the individual is being held
- All charges the individual is being held upon
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings. Under California law, both types of records are generally public, though with different implications for the individual.
The California Department of Justice maintains guidelines regarding the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrests. While basic arrest information is public, comprehensive criminal history records (often called "rap sheets") are subject to stricter access controls under Penal Code § 11105.
What's in Sacramento County Arrest Records
Sacramento County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known monikers)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye and hair color
- Home address (may be redacted in public versions)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints (not included in public versions)
- State identification number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest (address or intersection)
- Arresting agency (e.g., Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff's Office)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest (probable cause statement)
- Use of force information, if applicable
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- California Penal Code section violations
- Enhancement allegations, if applicable
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing the individual
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Gang affiliation (if documented)
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Evidence collected
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under Government Code § 6254.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sacramento County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sacramento County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may request arrest records by visiting the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency:
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
711 G Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5115
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Sacramento Police Department
5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-0800
Sacramento Police Department
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When requesting records in person, requesters should:
- Complete a Public Records Request form
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $10-25 per record)
- Specify the time period for which records are sought
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the addresses listed above. Request letters should include:
- Requester's full name, address, and contact information
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Specific date range of records sought
- Purpose of the request (optional)
- Signature and date
- Copy of requester's identification (if requesting own records)
Electronic Requests:
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and Sacramento Police Department accept electronic requests through their respective online portals:
- Sacramento Sheriff's Office Records Request Portal: https://www.sacsheriff.com/pages/records.php
- Sacramento Police Department Records Request: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/Police/How-Do-I/Request-a-Police-Report
Electronic requesters must provide the same identifying information as required for in-person requests. Processing times for electronic requests typically range from 7-10 business days.
For third-party requests, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and investigative exemptions under the California Public Records Act.
How To Find Sacramento County Arrest Records Online
Sacramento County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. These online systems offer varying levels of information depending on the requesting party's status and the nature of the inquiry.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information:
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate information system that provides real-time data on currently incarcerated individuals. This system includes:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Current charges
- Custody status
- Next court date
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
To access this system, navigate to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department website and select the "Inmate Information" option. Search parameters include name, booking number, or date of birth.
Sacramento Superior Court Case Index:
The Sacramento Superior Court maintains a searchable online case index that includes criminal cases resulting from arrests:
- Navigate to the Sacramento Superior Court website
- Select "Case Index Search"
- Enter the individual's name
- Filter results by case type (select "Criminal")
- Review case summaries for arrest-related information
This system provides case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status but does not include detailed arrest information.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator:
For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) provides custody status information. This system includes:
- Inmate name and CDCR number
- Current location
- Admission date
- Parole eligibility date
- Sentence information
California Department of Justice Criminal History Information:
The California Department of Justice maintains the state's official criminal history repository, which includes comprehensive arrest records. However, access to this system is restricted to:
- The subject of the records (for personal review)
- Authorized agencies for employment, licensing, or certification purposes
- Criminal justice agencies
Individuals seeking their own records must submit fingerprints and pay applicable fees through the Live Scan system.
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
- Not all arrest records are available online due to privacy restrictions
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete arrest reports typically require formal requests through the arresting agency
How To Search Sacramento County Arrest Records for Free?
Sacramento County residents and interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide varying levels of detail and are subject to specific limitations.
Sacramento County Main Jail Inmate Information:
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate lookup service that includes basic information about currently incarcerated individuals:
- Navigate to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Information" from the main menu
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review custody status, charges, and next court date
This resource is limited to current inmates and does not provide historical arrest data for individuals no longer in custody.
Sacramento County Superior Court Public Access Terminal:
Physical terminals located at the Sacramento County Superior Court provide free access to case information related to arrests:
Sacramento County Superior Court
720 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5522
Sacramento Superior Court
Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
No appointment is necessary to use these terminals, though users may experience wait times during busy periods.
California Department of Justice OpenJustice Data Portal:
The California Department of Justice's data portal provides aggregated arrest statistics for Sacramento County, though not individual arrest records. This resource offers:
- Arrest rates by offense type
- Demographic information about arrests
- Trend data over time
- Comparative statistics with other counties
Public Libraries:
Sacramento Public Library branches offer free internet access that can be used to search publicly available arrest information:
Sacramento Public Library - Central Library
828 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 264-2920
Sacramento Public Library
Library staff cannot conduct searches on behalf of patrons but can provide guidance on using public computers to access government websites.
Media Reports:
Local news outlets often report on significant arrests and maintain searchable online archives:
- Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com)
- Sacramento News & Review (www.newsreview.com/sacramento)
- Local television station websites (KCRA, CBS13, Fox40, ABC10)
These free resources have important limitations:
- Information may be incomplete or outdated
- Historical arrest records may not be available
- Detailed arrest reports still require formal requests
- Some systems only show current custody status, not historical arrests
- Media reports may contain inaccuracies or omit important context
How To Delete Arrest Records in Sacramento County
Sacramento County arrest records may be eligible for deletion, sealing, or restriction from public access under specific California laws. The processes for limiting public access to arrest records fall into several distinct categories with different eligibility requirements and procedures.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement:
It is important to understand the distinction between these two remedies:
-
Record Sealing: Restricts public access to arrest records but preserves them for limited access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. The records remain physically intact but are removed from public view.
-
Expungement: Under California law, true expungement (complete destruction of records) is not generally available. Instead, California offers "dismissals" under Penal Code § 1203.4, which do not delete records but update them to show the case was dismissed.
Sealing Arrest Records with No Conviction:
Individuals arrested but never convicted may petition to seal their arrest records under Penal Code § 851.91. Eligibility requirements include:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The statute of limitations has expired for all charges
- The individual has no pattern of criminal activity
- There is no pending criminal matter
To petition for sealing under this statute:
- Complete Judicial Council forms CR-409 and CR-410
- File the petition with the court in the county where the arrest occurred
- Serve a copy on the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement agency
- Attend the scheduled court hearing
- If granted, provide the court order to relevant agencies
Automatic Record Relief:
California's Assembly Bill 1076 established an automatic record relief program that began implementation in 2021. Under this program, the California Department of Justice automatically identifies and grants relief for:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction after the statute of limitations has expired
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after completion of sentence and probation
This process occurs without requiring individual petitions, though eligible individuals may verify their status through the California Department of Justice.
Juvenile Record Sealing:
Arrest records for juvenile offenses may be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781. Eligibility typically requires:
- Five years have passed since the last juvenile court jurisdiction ended
- No adult convictions for serious offenses
- Rehabilitation has been demonstrated
Certificate of Rehabilitation:
For certain felony convictions, individuals may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation under Penal Code § 4852.01, which does not delete records but may restore certain rights and serve as an automatic application for governor's pardon.
Legal Assistance Resources:
Due to the complexity of these processes, individuals seeking to delete or seal arrest records may benefit from legal assistance:
Sacramento County Public Defender's Office
700 H Street, Suite 0270
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-6411
Sacramento County Public Defender
Legal Services of Northern California
515 12th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 551-2150
Legal Services of Northern California
What Happens After Arrest in Sacramento County?
Following an arrest in Sacramento County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by California state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages:
Booking and Initial Processing:
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a booking facility, typically the Sacramento County Main Jail located at 651 I Street, Sacramento. During booking, the following occurs:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Criminal history check is performed
- Arrestee is placed in holding cell or general population
Bail Determination:
For most offenses, bail amounts are set according to the Sacramento County Bail Schedule. Three possible outcomes may occur:
- Cash bail is posted, and the individual is released
- Release on Own Recognizance (OR) is granted by a judge
- Individual remains in custody pending arraignment
The Sacramento County Pretrial Assessment Services may conduct risk assessments to inform bail decisions.
Arraignment:
The first court appearance typically occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) at the Sacramento Superior Court. During arraignment:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is established (public defender appointed if needed)
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Bail may be reviewed or modified
- Future court dates are scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
Following arraignment, several pretrial proceedings may occur:
- Pretrial conferences between prosecution and defense
- Discovery exchange (sharing of evidence)
- Filing and hearing of motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Preliminary hearing (for felony cases) to determine if sufficient evidence exists
Trial:
If the case proceeds to trial, the process includes:
- Jury selection (voir dire)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Misdemeanor trials typically last 1-3 days, while felony trials may extend to several weeks.
Sentencing:
Upon conviction (either by plea or verdict), sentencing follows:
- Probation department may prepare pre-sentencing report
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Possible outcomes include probation, jail/prison time, fines, community service, or treatment programs
Post-Conviction:
After sentencing, individuals may:
- Serve imposed incarceration term
- Complete probation requirements
- File appeals challenging conviction or sentence
- Seek record relief through expungement or sealing processes
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to reasonable bail, right to speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sacramento County?
Arrest records in Sacramento County are subject to retention requirements established by California state law, specifically the Government Code § 34090 governing records retention for local agencies. These requirements establish minimum periods for maintaining various categories of law enforcement records, including those documenting arrests.
Standard Retention Periods:
Sacramento County law enforcement agencies typically maintain arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum of 5 years from date of arrest
- Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Permanent retention
- Arrest Warrants: 3 years after service or recall
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until subject reaches age 18, then 5 additional years
- Felony Arrest Records: Minimum of 7 years; homicide and sexual offense records maintained permanently
- Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Minimum of 5 years
- Detention Only/No Charges Filed: Minimum of 3 years
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and Sacramento Police Department maintain their own records retention schedules in compliance with these minimum standards, though they may exceed these timeframes for certain categories of records.
Electronic Records Systems:
With the transition to digital records management systems, many arrest records are now maintained electronically. The California Department of Justice maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest data from Sacramento County agencies. These electronic records are typically maintained indefinitely, even after physical records may have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules.
Records Maintained by Different Agencies:
Various agencies maintain arrest records for different purposes and durations:
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Primary custodians of arrest reports and booking information
- County District Attorney: Maintains records related to charging decisions and prosecutions
- Superior Court: Maintains records of court proceedings resulting from arrests
- California Department of Justice: Maintains statewide criminal history repository
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: Maintains national criminal history database including Sacramento County arrests
Factors Affecting Retention:
Several factors may extend the standard retention periods:
- Records related to unsolved crimes may be kept indefinitely
- Records subject to litigation holds must be preserved until the hold is lifted
- Records with historical significance may be preserved permanently
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be retained until case closure
Access to Historical Records:
Even after physical records have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, information about arrests may remain accessible through:
- Court case management systems
- California Department of Justice criminal history database
- News media archives
- Private background check companies that previously obtained the information
The retention of arrest records serves important public interests including criminal justice administration, public safety, and historical documentation. However, as discussed in previous sections, individuals may have legal remedies to seal or limit access to these records under specific circumstances.
How to Find Mugshots in Sacramento County
Mugshots, the booking photographs taken during the arrest process, are maintained by law enforcement agencies in Sacramento County as part of the official arrest record. Access to these images is governed by California public records laws and agency policies.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots are standardized photographs taken during the booking process that typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view of the arrestee
- Booking information placard showing name and booking number
- Date of photograph
- Arresting agency identification
These photographs serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Sacramento County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
711 G Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5115
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office
Sacramento Police Department
Records Division
5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-0800
Sacramento Police Department
Finding Mugshots:
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:
- Submit a Public Records Act request to the arresting agency
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $10-25 per photograph)
- Provide a valid government-issued ID if requesting in person
Request forms are available on agency websites or at records division counters.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Sacramento County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets that publish booking photos of notable arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos from public records
- Court records that may include booking photos as exhibits
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office discontinued the practice of posting current inmate mugshots online in 2018 due to privacy concerns and the proliferation of commercial mugshot websites.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
The most reliable method for obtaining authentic booking photographs is through formal request to the arresting agency. When submitting requests:
- Be specific about the exact photograph requested
- Include case numbers if available
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
- Expect redactions of certain information pursuant to privacy exemptions
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Several limitations affect access to booking photographs:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Photos related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Certain victim-related arrests may have restricted access
- California's "Mugshot Law" (Civil Code § 1798.91.1) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing online should be aware that California law provides remedies against commercial exploitation of booking photographs, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.
Lookup Arrest Records in Sacramento County
Police Department records request services
California Public Records Act information
California Incarcerated Records & Information Search
Criminal Records review process