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  2. Sonoma County Arrest Records

Sonoma County, California Arrest Records

Sonoma County arrest records are documents generated by law enforcement agencies after an arrest. They are considered public under the  California Public Records Act (CPRA). Therefore, anyone may request them by contacting the arresting agency or the court that handled the case. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments, such as the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) and Petaluma Police Department, maintain and disseminate arrest records in compliance with the CPRA. Criminal offender record information does not fall under the CPRA because they are not a public record. Such information is regulated under 11 CCR § 703.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Sonoma, California?

Yes, Sonoma County arrest records are available to the public. The California Public Records Act (CPRA) gives the public the right to inspect and copy arrest records maintained by any law enforcement agency in the state. Record seekers must submit their requests in writing during the agency’s business hours. The agency must make the records available upon payment of the copying fees. No ID is required for a public arrest record search, and requesters must not be residents of Sonoma County. The CPRA mandates that agencies respond to arrest records requests within 10 days of receipt of the request (CA Govt Code § 7922.535).

However, the CA Govt Code § 7922.200 requires agencies to redact social security numbers from arrest records before public disclosure. Similarly, any arrest records whose disclosure would endanger the safety of a person involved in an investigation or would endanger the successful completion of an investigation are deemed confidential. 

What Do Public County Arrest Records Contain?

Per CA Govt Code § 7923.610, public arrest records contain the following information: 

  • The arrested person’s full name and occupation
  • The individual’s physical description, including sex, date of birth, height, color of eyes and hair, and weight.
  • The arrest date and time 
  • The booking date and time 
  • The arrest location and bail amount
  • The factual circumstances surrounding the arrest.
  • Charges, release time, and manner 
  • The location where the arrested person is being held 

Although most information contained in arrest records is public, some may be closed to the public under the California Public Records Act. For example, any information about a victim, a juvenile, or a witness is considered confidential. 

Sonoma County,  California Arrest Search

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides the California Incarcerated Records and Information Search (CIRIS) tool, through which individuals may search for arrest records of Sonoma County offenders in state prisons. Users will need a name or number to locate an inmate. They may also filter their searches by age range or commitment county. Alternatively, interested persons may visit the CDCR’s Adult Institutions to obtain copies of arrest records for a fee. 

Anyone seeking information about Sonoma County offenders in federal prisons should contact the federal law enforcement agency responsible for the case. Afterward, visit their local facility or use the online portal on their website to locate the inmate.  For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) allows members of the public to use its Inmate Locator to find arrest records of Sonoma County offenders in their custody. Users will need a name (name, age, race, or sex) or number (BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number) for the search. Alternatively, they may visit the BOP facilities to submit their requests in person. 

Sonoma County Inmate Locator

Interested persons may use the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office inmate locator to access public data about persons in custody at the Sonoma County Jail. Upon getting to the Sheriff’s Office official website, scroll down to the “Quick Links” area and select the “Inmate Search” link. This will lead to another page that displays a disclaimer, and users may select the “I agree” link to proceed with the search. Enter the inmate’s last name and booking number for the search. Individuals may also find arrest records on the Sheriff’s Office website via the Arrest Log. The search result will reveal the following information:

  • The inmate’s first, middle, and last names
  • The inmate’s age, gender, race, and date of birth
  • Arrest date and time, arrest number, incident number, and arrest location
  • The name of the arrest agency, booking date, and time
  • Booking number, facility, physical and mailing addresses 
  • Case number, bail amount, charges, and scheduled court date
  • Warrant status, type, description, and issuing date

Arrest records may also be viewed or copies obtained in person at the Sheriff’s Office during business hours. The office is located at the address below: 

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

2796 Ventura Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: (707) 565-2511

Active Warrant Search in Sonoma County

A Sonoma County magistrate will issue an arrest warrant if a complaint is submitted showing that an offense has been committed and that there are reasonable grounds to believe the defendant committed it (CA Penal Code § 813). An arrest warrant must contain the following information (CA Penal Code § 815):

  • The defendant’s name or a designated name if unknown
  • The time the warrant was issued
  • The city or country where the warrant was issued
  • The issuing authority’s signature and the title of their office
  • The name of the issuing agency

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office manages warrant information and provides it online through its Warrant Search tool. Users should enter a last name and birth year in the search box to view warrant information. Individuals may use this tool or visit or call the office at (707) 565-2511 to inquire about active warrants. 

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Sonoma County

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office provides an online tool that allows the public to access arrest records for free. Users should locate the Incarcerated Person Search portal and search by last name or booking number. No ID is required for the search, but older and redacted arrest records are not available. Also, the portal only reveals basic arrest details.

Sonoma County Arrest Report

Typically, Sonoma County arrest records differ from arrest reports in the following ways:

  • Access: Arrest records are public documents, while arrest reports are restricted from public access and are only used for prosecution or internal purposes.
  • Nature: An arrest report is an investigative document, while an arrest record is an administrative document. 
  • Content: Arrest records provide a summary of an arrest, confirming that one occurred, whereas arrest reports explain how and why it occurred. 
  • Existence: An arrest record exists because an arrest report exists. However, an arrest report may still exist even when an arrest record has been removed, sealed, or expunged.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Sonoma County

Below is a step-by-step process of getting arrest records expunged in Sonoma County:

  • Step 1: Have the case information available

Applicants should visit the Sonoma County Superior Court's Case Search portal to obtain their case summary. They need a name or number to perform a search. The information needed from the case is the conviction or disposition date, violation type (code and section number), and offense type.

  • Step 2: Determine eligibility

Generally, individuals who are not currently on parole or probation, not charged with a crime, or not currently serving a sentence are eligible for expungement. Specific expungement eligibility criteria vary by offense, as outlined in CA Pen. Code,  § § 1203.4,  1203.4a, 1203.49, 1203.41, 1203.42, and 1203.43.

  • Step 3: Complete the appropriate forms

Eligible individuals should complete the Petition for Dismissal (CR-180) and Order for Dismissal (CR-181) Forms. Make two copies of the completed CR-180. Take them in person to the District Attorney's Office to have them stamped, or have an adult serve a copy to the Office by mail. The adult who served the application form must complete a Proof of Service - Criminal Record Clearing (CR-106) Form. 

  • Step 4: File the forms 

File the original and a photocopy of the completed CR-180 and CR-181 forms, and a copy of the completed CR-106 forms with the Criminal Clerk's office of the Sonoma County Superior Court. Filings may be done by mail addressed to the Justice Center or in person at the clerk’s office (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at the address below: 

Sonoma County Superior Court

Criminal Division

600 Administration Drive, Room 105J

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

The cost for filing expungement documents in Sonoma County is $150. However, applicants unable to pay the fee may apply for a fee waiver by completing the Defendant's Financial Statement (CR-105). The Clerk will stamp the CR-180 and CR-181 forms, keep the original copy, and return a conformed copy to the applicant. 

  • Step 5: Wait for a ruling or for a hearing date to be set

After the documents are filed, a judge will review them and may approve or deny the expungement requests without a hearing. The judge may also set a hearing to determine the case. The applicant must appear at the hearing to avoid the petition being denied. 

How Do You Remove Sonoma County Arrest Records From the Internet?

Sonoma County law enforcement agencies automatically remove a person's arrest records from their databases upon receipt of an order granting the expungement. While physical copies of the arrest record may still be retained for limited criminal justice purposes, they are not publicly accessible and are deemed confidential. Even though the government removes a person's arrest record from its website after expungement, third-party websites may still show it. Third-party sites are not automatically updated when an expungement is granted. Anyone who finds their arrest records on this site may need to contact the site to submit an opt-out request and provide a copy of the expungement order to prove that the record should no longer be public.