Riverside County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Riverside County are the official documents created when law enforcement detains an individual and books them into custody. These records are significant because they promote public oversight of the justice system under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 6250 et seq.). At the same time, disclosure of criminal offender record information is restricted by California Penal Code § 13300, which regulates what agencies may release to the public. Arrest records support court proceedings, allow defense attorneys and prosecutors to track cases, and provide the public with a reliable way to verify arrests. They also serve as reference points for background checks, employment screening, and later remedies such as expungement or sealing when permitted by law.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in California?

Yes. Under the California Public Records Act, most arrest records are available for public inspection. Members of the public have a right to know when an arrest occurred, the charges filed, and the current status of the case. However, the law also provides several important exemptions.

For example:

• Juvenile records are confidential under Welfare & Institutions Code § 827.
• Active investigation details are exempt if disclosure would compromise law enforcement efforts.
• Victim and witness information is redacted for privacy and safety.
• Medical or mental health information is confidential under state and federal privacy laws.
• Sealed or expunged records are no longer accessible to the public after a court order.

The balance is transparency with protection of sensitive details.

Riverside County Arrest Search

Arrest record searches in Riverside County can be conducted through both county and state-level resources.

The Riverside County Superior Court maintains criminal case records. These may be searched online using the Court's Public Access Portal, which provides registers of action and docket information. To obtain certified copies of criminal case files, requests must be submitted to the Riverside County Superior Court Clerk's Office, either in person or by mail, with a standard copy fee of $0.50 per page plus $25 for certification.

Local police departments and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office also generate arrest and incident reports. Requests for reports may be submitted under the Public Records Act by providing the subject's name, date of birth, report number (if known), and the date/location of the incident. Fees vary, but the Sheriff's Office typically charges $15 per report.

At the state level, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) provides fingerprint-based background checks through its Live Scan program. These are the most comprehensive records, covering arrests and dispositions statewide. Fingerprinting must be performed at an authorized Live Scan location, and the DOJ charges a $25 processing fee in addition to the Live Scan operator's rolling fee.

Riverside County Inmate Locator

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office operates multiple jail facilities and provides an Inmate Information System online. Members of the public may search by name or booking number to view custody status, charges, bail amount, and housing location.

Arrest or incident reports may also be requested directly from:

Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through the Sheriff's online portal. Identification is required, and attorneys or investigators must submit requests on official letterhead or by subpoena.

Active Warrant Search in Riverside County

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to detain a named individual. In Riverside County, warrants are issued by the Superior Court and carried out by the Sheriff's Office.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office does not publish an online warrant list. However, individuals may inquire about warrants by contacting the Sheriff's Warrants Division directly:

Law enforcement may confirm whether a warrant exists but will not provide full details over the phone.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Riverside County

Several tools allow free access to arrest-related information:

• The Riverside County Inmate Locator, which provides current booking and custody details.
• The Superior Court Public Access Portal, which offers free access to criminal case registers and dockets.
• Public access terminals in county courthouses, which allow in-person searches without charge.

More detailed reports, such as certified copies or police incident reports, require formal requests and fees.

Riverside County Arrest Report

An arrest report is prepared by the arresting officer or deputy at the time of arrest. It provides detailed context, including probable cause, witness statements, and evidence collected. By contrast, an arrest record is an official entry documenting the fact of arrest, including the individual's name, booking number, charges, and custody status. Arrest reports are more descriptive, while arrest records serve as summaries.

How to Get Arrest Records Expunged in Riverside County

California does not allow true "expungement" in the traditional sense, but individuals may seek to seal or dismiss records depending on case outcomes.

• Arrests with no conviction may be sealed under Penal Code § 851.91 if charges were dismissed, never filed, or resulted in acquittal. The process involves filing a Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records (Form CR-409).
• Convictions may be dismissed under Penal Code § 1203.4 if probation is completed and obligations are satisfied. This does not erase the arrest but changes the conviction status.
• Certificates of Rehabilitation and Pardons are available for serious felony convictions served in state prison.
• Juvenile records may be sealed under Welfare & Institutions Code § 781 once eligibility conditions are met.

Petitions are filed with the Riverside County Superior Court at the courthouse where the conviction occurred. The Clerk's Office provides forms and filing instructions.

How Do You Remove Arrest Records from the Internet?

The most effective way to reduce online publication of arrest information is to seal or dismiss the record through court proceedings. Once sealed, agencies such as the DOJ and FBI must update their databases, reducing further dissemination.

Private websites may continue to display outdated information. Individuals can request removal directly through the sites, submit proof of a sealing order, or file opt-out requests. Search engines like Google also provide a "Remove Outdated Content" tool for eliminating cached pages.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under California law, public arrest records in Riverside County may include:

• Full name of the person arrested
• Date and time of arrest
• Booking number
• Arresting agency (e.g., Riverside County Sheriff's Office, local police)
• Location of arrest
• Charges filed or alleged offenses
• Bail or bond amount
• Custody status and jail facility location
• Court case number (if charges were filed)
• Warrant number, if applicable

Confidential information, such as juvenile files, sealed records, victim information, and ongoing investigative details, is excluded.