Fresno County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fresno County
Yes, arrest records in Fresno County are considered public information under California's Public Records Act. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by anyone, including employers, landlords, and the general public. However, certain records may be sealed or restricted if they involve juveniles, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been expunged.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available through various channels, including their online inmate search portal and in-person requests at their Records Division.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office: 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
What's in Fresno County Arrest Records
Fresno County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest, including:
- Full name and aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photo (mugshot)
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed
- Bail amount (if applicable)
- Court dates
- Case disposition (if resolved)
These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement in Fresno County and are maintained by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno.
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno: 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fresno County in 2025
In 2025, there are several methods to access arrest records in Fresno County:
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Online Inmate Search: The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests.
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In-Person Requests: Visit the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division to request arrest records. Bring identification and be prepared to fill out a request form.
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Superior Court Records: The Fresno County Superior Court maintains records of criminal cases. You can search these records online or visit the courthouse in person.
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Third-Party Websites: Various commercial background check services compile arrest records from public sources. These typically charge a fee but may offer more comprehensive searches.
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California Department of Justice: For official criminal history information, you can request a background check through the California DOJ, though this requires fingerprinting and fees.
California Department of Justice: P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
How To Find Fresno County Arrest Records Online
Finding Fresno County arrest records online is straightforward through these resources:
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Fresno County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: This official portal allows you to search for currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. Visit the Sheriff's Office website to access this tool.
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Fresno County Superior Court Portal: The court's online case information system allows searches by name or case number for criminal proceedings.
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California Courts Case Information: The statewide court system provides access to case information across California counties, including Fresno.
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VINELink: This victim notification service also provides information about custody status and criminal case information.
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Public Records Aggregators: Websites like Truthfinder, BeenVerified, and Intelius compile public records, including arrests, though they charge subscription fees.
Remember that online records may not be complete or up-to-date, and for the most accurate information, contacting the Sheriff's Office directly is recommended.
Fresno County Superior Court: 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93724
Can You Search Fresno County Arrest Records for Free?
Yes, you can search Fresno County arrest records for free through several channels:
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Fresno County Sheriff's Office Website: Their online inmate search tool is free to use and provides basic information about recent arrests and current inmates.
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Fresno County Superior Court Public Access: Basic case information can be accessed for free through the court's public portal, though detailed documents may require fees.
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In-Person Requests: Visiting the Sheriff's Office Records Division allows you to request basic arrest information, though copy fees may apply for printed records.
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Public Terminals: The Fresno County Superior Court provides public access terminals at the courthouse where you can search case information at no cost.
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Local Library Resources: Some public libraries in Fresno County offer access to public records databases that may include arrest information.
While basic searches are free, comprehensive background checks or certified copies typically involve fees.
Fresno County Public Library (Central Library): 2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fresno County
Completely deleting arrest records in Fresno County is generally not possible, but you may be eligible to have records sealed or expunged through these processes:
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Record Sealing: If you were arrested but not convicted, you may petition to have your arrest record sealed under California Penal Code 851.8.
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Expungement: Under California Penal Code 1203.4, those who successfully completed probation may petition to have their conviction dismissed (commonly called expungement).
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Proposition 64 Relief: Those with marijuana-related convictions may be eligible for record clearing under California's cannabis legalization law.
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Certificate of Rehabilitation: This court order declares that you have been rehabilitated and can lead to a governor's pardon.
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Juvenile Record Sealing: If your arrest occurred when you were a minor, you may petition to have juvenile records sealed.
These processes typically require filing petitions with the Fresno County Superior Court and possibly attending hearings. Legal assistance is recommended, and organizations like the Fresno County Public Defender's Office can provide guidance.
Fresno County Public Defender's Office: 2220 Tulare Street, Suite 300, Fresno, CA 93721
What Happens After Arrest in Fresno County?
After an arrest in Fresno County, the process typically follows these steps:
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Booking: The arrestee is taken to the Fresno County Jail for processing, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection, and a search.
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Bail Determination: A bail amount is set based on the charges, or the individual may be released on their own recognizance.
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Arraignment: Within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), the arrestee appears before a judge to hear the charges and enter an initial plea.
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Pretrial Proceedings: This may include preliminary hearings, motions, and plea negotiations.
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Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, evidence is presented before a judge or jury.
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Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate punishment.
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Appeal: The defendant has the right to appeal the conviction or sentence.
Throughout this process, arrestees have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Fresno County Jail: 1225 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fresno County?
Arrest records in Fresno County are typically kept indefinitely unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge them. Here's what you should know:
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Standard Retention: Without intervention, arrest records remain in the Fresno County Sheriff's Office database permanently.
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California Department of Justice Records: Criminal history information is maintained in state databases indefinitely.
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Court Records: The Fresno County Superior Court maintains criminal case records permanently, though older records may be archived.
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Reporting Limitations: While records exist indefinitely, California law limits how long certain arrests and convictions can be reported on background checks:
- Arrests not leading to conviction: 7 years
- Most convictions: 7 years
- Some serious offenses: No reporting limitation
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Record Relief: Recent California laws (AB 1076) provide automatic relief for certain low-level offenses after completion of sentence plus a waiting period.
If you're concerned about an arrest record, consulting with an attorney about expungement or sealing options is advisable.
California Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis: P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
How to Find Mugshots in Fresno County
Finding mugshots in Fresno County can be accomplished through several methods:
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Fresno County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office sometimes publishes mugshots of recently arrested individuals on their website or social media pages.
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Inmate Search Portal: The online inmate search tool may include booking photos for current inmates.
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Public Records Request: You can submit a formal request to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division for specific booking photos.
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Local News Media: News outlets often publish mugshots for high-profile arrests or as part of their crime reporting.
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Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots from public sources, though these may not always be current or accurate.
It's important to note that California has enacted laws restricting commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots. Additionally, if a case has been expunged or sealed, the associated mugshot should no longer be publicly accessible through official channels.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 2200 Fresno Street, Room 201, Fresno, CA 93721