Fresno County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fresno County
Arrest records in Fresno County are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), Government Code § 6250-6270. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records that are available to the public through established procedures. These records document the official detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within Fresno County jurisdiction. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with California Government Code § 6254, which exempts specific categories of information from disclosure.
Public access to arrest records serves several governmental purposes:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
The Fresno Police Department Records Division processes requests for arrest records and related documents.
Fresno Police Department Records Division
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 621-2000
Fresno Police Department Records and Reports
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
What's in Fresno County Arrest Records
Fresno County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes requirements for criminal justice record keeping.
Standard information contained in Fresno County arrest records includes:
- Arrestee biographical data (full legal name, date of birth, physical description)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Booking number and facility information
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Criminal charges filed (including California Penal Code references)
- Bail amount (if applicable)
- Case disposition status
- Fingerprint classification data
- Photograph (mugshot) of the arrestee
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy protections under California law. This includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Information related to juvenile arrests (subject to special confidentiality under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Information that might compromise ongoing investigations
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and digital formats, with increasing emphasis on electronic record-keeping systems that facilitate efficient storage and retrieval.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fresno County in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Fresno County as of 2025. Individuals seeking this information must follow established procedures and may be required to pay applicable fees as authorized under Government Code § 6253.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3111
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fresno Police Department Records Division
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 621-2000
Fresno Police Department Records
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The process for obtaining arrest records typically involves:
- Completion of a Public Records Request form (available at agency offices or downloadable from official websites)
- Submission of proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Payment of applicable fees (fees vary based on document type and number of pages)
- Processing period (typically 10 business days pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c))
For third-party requests, additional documentation may be required to establish legal authorization to access records. Attorneys, licensed investigators, and authorized representatives must provide credentials and documentation of their legal right to access the requested information.
How To Find Fresno County Arrest Records Online
Fresno County provides digital access to certain arrest record information through several online platforms. These electronic resources have been developed to enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with California law regarding public records.
The primary online resources for Fresno County arrest records include:
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Fresno Superior Court Case Information System - Provides access to court case information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Users can search by name or case number to locate records of court appearances and case dispositions.
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California Incarcerated Records & Information Search - Maintained by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, this database allows searches for individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision following conviction in Fresno County or elsewhere in California.
When utilizing online systems, users should note the following:
- Information may be limited compared to complete records available through in-person requests
- Some systems require user registration or acceptance of terms of service
- Certain identifying information about the subject may be needed for accurate searches
- Records may not be updated in real-time and could have a delay of 24-72 hours
Online access is subject to system maintenance schedules and occasional downtime. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office and Superior Court maintain these systems in accordance with California Government Code § 6253.9, which addresses electronic record formats.
Can You Search Fresno County Arrest Records for Free?
Limited free access to Fresno County arrest records is available through specific channels. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, agencies may charge fees to recover the direct costs of duplication or electronic data compilation and extraction.
Free access options include:
- In-person review of public arrest logs at the Fresno Police Department or Fresno County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Basic online searches through the Fresno Superior Court Case Information System for case status information
- Public terminals available at the Fresno County Law Library
Fresno County Law Library
1100 Van Ness Avenue, Room 401
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 600-6012
Fresno County Law Library
Public access hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of arrest records ($25 per record)
- Comprehensive background checks ($35 per search)
- Expedited processing services (additional $10-15)
- Research assistance for complex record searches ($25 per hour)
All fees are established in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b) and are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fresno County
California law provides specific mechanisms for the sealing, expungement, or reduction of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by Penal Code § 851.8, § 1203.4, and § 1203.4a.
Individuals seeking to delete or seal arrest records in Fresno County must petition through the appropriate legal channels:
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Record Sealing Under PC § 851.8: Available when an arrest did not result in a conviction. Petitioners must demonstrate factual innocence.
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Expungement Under PC § 1203.4: Available for certain convictions after successful completion of probation or sentence. This does not completely delete records but changes case disposition to dismissed.
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Proposition 47 Reclassification: Allows certain felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors.
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Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felony convictions after specified waiting periods.
The petition process typically requires:
- Filing appropriate forms with the Fresno County Superior Court
- Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Possible court hearing
- Notification to prosecuting agencies
Fresno County Superior Court Criminal Division
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Fresno Superior Court
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Legal assistance for record clearing may be available through:
Fresno County Public Defender's Office
2220 Tulare Street, Suite 300
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3546
Fresno County Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Fresno County?
Following an arrest in Fresno County, individuals enter a standardized processing sequence established by California Penal Code § 849 and local protocols. This process creates the official arrest record and initiates subsequent criminal justice proceedings.
The post-arrest procedure typically includes:
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Transportation and Booking: Arrestees are transported to a detention facility where biographical information is recorded, photographs and fingerprints are taken, and personal property is inventoried.
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Initial Custody Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees must be:
- Released without charges (PC § 849(b))
- Released on bail or citation (PC § 853.6)
- Presented for arraignment before a judicial officer
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Arraignment: First court appearance where charges are formally presented, constitutional rights are explained, and initial plea is entered.
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Case Processing: Depending on the nature of charges and plea entered, cases proceed through:
- Pre-trial conferences
- Preliminary hearings (for felonies)
- Motions and discovery
- Trial or plea negotiations
- Sentencing (if convicted)
The Fresno Police Department and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintain records at each stage of this process, with information becoming part of the permanent arrest record subject to applicable retention schedules.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fresno County?
Arrest records in Fresno County are maintained according to retention schedules established under California Government Code § 34090 and departmental policies. These schedules vary based on case disposition and offense severity.
Standard retention periods include:
- Arrests resulting in no charges: Minimum 5-year retention
- Misdemeanor arrests with conviction: 10-year minimum retention
- Felony arrests with conviction: Permanent retention
- Arrests for serious violent felonies: Permanent retention with special classification
Digital fingerprint records and DNA profiles collected during the arrest process are maintained in state and federal databases indefinitely, pursuant to Penal Code § 299, unless specifically ordered expunged by court action.
The California Department of Justice maintains the central repository for all criminal history information through the Criminal History Information System. Individuals may request their own criminal history record by submitting fingerprints and required fees through the California DOJ Record Review Process.
Records may be subject to earlier destruction or sealing through court order or statutory processes as described in the record deletion section.
How to Find Mugshots in Fresno County
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process are considered part of the arrest record in Fresno County. Access to these images is governed by California Government Code § 6254(f) and departmental policies designed to balance public information rights with privacy considerations.
Official channels for obtaining mugshot photographs include:
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Public Records Request: Formal written request submitted to the arresting agency specifying the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
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Court Records: In cases that proceed to prosecution, booking photos may be included in court files accessible through the Fresno Superior Court Case Information System.
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Media Releases: For cases of significant public interest, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office or Fresno Police Department may release mugshots through official press releases.
Requests for mugshots must be submitted to the arresting agency:
Fresno Police Department Records Division
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 621-2000
Fresno Police Records
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3111
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Agencies may deny requests for mugshots if release would:
- Endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation
- Endanger the successful completion of an investigation
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Lookup Arrest Records in Fresno County
Fresno Superior Court case information
Fresno Police Department records and reports