Sonoma County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sonoma County
Arrest records in Sonoma County are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) 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 Sonoma County. The California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest logs, police blotters, and booking information as public records that must be disclosed upon request, with certain limited exceptions.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under California law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not result in conviction may have additional privacy protections in certain circumstances.
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in compliance with state regulations and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with Government Code § 6254(f), which specifically addresses law enforcement records. This statute requires the disclosure of certain information about arrests, including the name and occupation of the arrestee, physical description, date and time of arrest, factual circumstances, and charges.
What's in Sonoma County Arrest Records
Sonoma County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye and hair color
- Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Occupation (if provided)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, Santa Rosa Police Department)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- California Penal Code section(s) violated
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was booked
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Whether bail was posted
- Type of release (e.g., own recognizance, bail bond)
Court Information:
- Court case number (if assigned)
- Scheduled court appearance date
- Court location
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where individual is being held
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
- Probation or parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information in accordance with California law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sonoma County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sonoma County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2796 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2650
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When requesting arrest records in person, requestors should:
- Complete a Public Records Request form, available at the counter
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the arrestee's full name and date of birth if known
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $0.10 per page for standard copies)
For written requests by mail, individuals should send a detailed letter including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Date range for the search
- Purpose of the request (optional)
Mail requests to the address listed above, attention "Records Division."
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension of up to 14 additional days with written notice to the requestor.
For criminal case information related to arrests, the Sonoma County Superior Court maintains records that can be accessed through their Criminal Division:
Sonoma County Superior Court - Criminal Division
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive, Room 105J
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Sonoma County Superior Court
Court records may be requested in person during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
How To Find Sonoma County Arrest Records Online
Sonoma County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain more limited information.
The primary online resource for arrest data is the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Arrest Data portal, which is part of the county's open data initiative. To access this information:
- Navigate to the Sonoma County Open Data Portal
- Select the "Public Safety" category
- Locate the "Sheriff's Office Arrest Data" dataset
- Use the search function to filter by name, date, or other parameters
- View or download the available information
This database is updated regularly and contains basic information about arrests, including names, charges, and dates. However, it may not include complete arrest reports or booking photos.
For court case information related to arrests, the Sonoma County Superior Court Case Portal provides online access to case records. To use this system:
- Visit the Sonoma County Superior Court website
- Select "Online Services" and then "Case Portal"
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Pay any applicable fees for viewing or downloading documents
Additionally, the Daily Arrest Log maintained by local law enforcement agencies provides a regularly updated list of recent arrests. This resource typically includes:
- Arrestee name and age
- Charges
- Arrest date and location
- Booking status
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, and certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation protections.
How To Search Sonoma County Arrest Records for Free?
Sonoma County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free public resources. These no-cost options provide basic arrest data, though they may offer less detail than paid or in-person requests.
The most comprehensive free resource is the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office public website, which maintains a searchable database of recent arrests. To access this information at no cost:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Arrest Logs" section
- Use the search function to locate specific arrest information
- View basic details including name, charges, and custody status
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Arrest Data on the county's open data portal also provides free access to arrest information. This database allows users to:
- Search by name, date range, or location
- Filter results by charge type or arresting agency
- View and download data in various formats
- Access historical arrest information
Local public libraries throughout Sonoma County offer free computer access where individuals can search these online resources. Major library locations include:
Sonoma County Library - Central Santa Rosa Branch
211 E Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 545-0831
Sonoma County Library
Library hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
For individuals seeking court case information related to arrests, limited free access is available through public terminals at the courthouse:
Sonoma County Superior Court - Public Access Terminals
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Sonoma County Superior Court
Terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
While printing documents at these terminals incurs fees, viewing information on-screen is free of charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Sonoma County
Under California law, complete deletion or erasure of arrest records is generally not possible. However, several legal remedies exist to limit public access to these records or to update them to reflect favorable outcomes. These processes are governed by specific sections of the California Penal Code and require formal legal procedures.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement
Record sealing restricts public access to arrest records but does not completely delete them. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records. In contrast, expungement (often referred to as "dismissal" in California) updates records to show that charges were dismissed, but does not physically destroy or delete the records.
Pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8, individuals who were arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence. If granted, this results in the sealing and eventual destruction of arrest records. To pursue this option:
- File a petition with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- If denied, file a petition with the Sonoma County Superior Court
- Attend a hearing where the burden of proof is on the petitioner to show no reasonable cause existed for the arrest
- If granted, records will be sealed for three years, then physically destroyed
For arrests that led to charges but did not result in conviction, Penal Code § 851.91 provides a pathway to seal arrest records. Eligible individuals must:
- File a petition with the Sonoma County Superior Court
- Demonstrate eligibility based on case outcome
- Attend a court hearing if required
- If granted, records will be sealed but not destroyed
For convictions, Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for dismissal (commonly called "expungement") if the individual has completed probation or it has been at least one year since completing a county jail sentence. This process:
- Does not physically delete records
- Updates records to show the case was dismissed
- Relieves certain penalties and disabilities associated with conviction
- Does not restore firearm rights or eliminate sex offender registration requirements
To initiate any of these processes, individuals may file the appropriate forms with:
Sonoma County Superior Court - Criminal Division
Hall of Justice
600 Administration Drive, Room 105J
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 521-6500
Sonoma County Superior Court
Legal assistance is recommended for these procedures, as they involve complex legal standards and documentation requirements.
What Happens After Arrest in Sonoma County?
Following an arrest in Sonoma County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with multiple stages. This process follows California state law and local procedures established by Sonoma County agencies.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking and Processing: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, usually the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility located at 2777 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa. During booking, law enforcement records personal information, takes fingerprints and photographs, conducts a search, and documents personal property.
-
Initial Custody Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judicial officer who determines whether probable cause exists for continued detention. At this stage, initial bail amounts may be set according to the Sonoma County Bail Schedule.
-
Arraignment: This first formal court appearance typically occurs within 48 hours for in-custody defendants or within weeks for those released. At arraignment, defendants are:
- Informed of charges against them
- Advised of constitutional rights
- Asked to enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- May have counsel appointed if financially eligible
- May have bail reviewed or release conditions set
-
Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Preliminary hearings (for felony cases)
- Pre-trial conferences
-
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be conducted before a judge or jury. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and unanimous jury verdicts are required for conviction in criminal cases.
-
Sentencing: Following conviction (either by plea or verdict), the court imposes penalties, which may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation
- Fines and fees
- Community service
- Restitution to victims
- Mandatory treatment programs
-
Post-Conviction: After sentencing, individuals may:
- Serve imposed sentences
- Appeal convictions or sentences
- Apply for modification of sentences
- Seek expungement or record sealing after completing sentences
Throughout this process, cases may be diverted to alternative programs such as drug court, veterans court, or mental health court, depending on eligibility and circumstances. These specialized courts focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than traditional punishment.
The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office determines which charges to file based on evidence provided by arresting agencies, and cases may be rejected for prosecution if evidence is insufficient or legal requirements are not met.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sonoma County?
Arrest records in Sonoma County are maintained according to California state law and local records retention policies. These records are subject to specific retention schedules that vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case.
Under Government Code § 26202, which governs county records management, and the California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines, arrest records are typically retained for the following periods:
- Arrest reports for adults: Minimum of 5 years from the date of arrest
- Booking information and photographs: Minimum of 5 years from the date of booking
- Fingerprint records: Permanently maintained by the California Department of Justice
- Arrest records for serious felonies: Minimum of 10 years, often permanently
- Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches age 18, plus 5 years, with exceptions for serious offenses
- Arrest records resulting in conviction: Typically maintained permanently
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office adheres to these minimum retention requirements and may maintain records for longer periods based on departmental policy and the nature of the offense. Digital records systems have expanded the practical retention period for many records, as electronic storage allows for longer-term maintenance of information.
It is important to note that different agencies within Sonoma County may have varying retention schedules:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports and booking information
- The District Attorney's Office keeps records of prosecutorial decisions and case files
- The Superior Court preserves records of court proceedings and dispositions
- The Probation Department retains supervision and compliance records
Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in databases indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been published in newspapers, court dockets, or online sources may persist beyond official retention periods.
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention for their case may contact:
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2796 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2650
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
How to Find Mugshots in Sonoma County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are images taken during the arrest booking process that document the physical appearance of arrested individuals. In Sonoma County, these photographs are considered part of the official arrest record and are subject to specific access protocols.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken at the time of booking. These images serve several law enforcement purposes:
- Documenting the arrestee's appearance at the time of booking
- Aiding in identification of individuals in custody
- Creating a visual record for potential use in investigations
- Establishing a baseline for identification in case of escape or release
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Sonoma County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
2796 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-2650
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their booking and detention documentation system. Municipal police departments within Sonoma County may also maintain copies of mugshots for arrests they process.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Sonoma County, individuals must submit a formal public records request. This can be done by:
- Visiting the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the address above
- Completing the county's online public records request form
Requestors should provide:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
While some counties publish booking photos online, Sonoma County has limited the online publication of mugshots in recent years due to privacy concerns. Currently, the county does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Some historical mugshots may appear on third-party websites, but these are not officially sanctioned sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for mugshots are processed according to the California Public Records Act. The Sheriff's Office typically responds within 10 days, though complex requests may require additional time. Fees may apply for reproduction of photographs, currently set at $0.10 per page for standard copies or $5.00 for each photograph reproduction.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles (protected under Welfare and Institutions Code)
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Arrests that did not lead to charges or conviction (in some circumstances)
- Cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Individuals seeking their own booking photographs for legal purposes may have broader access rights than members of the general public or media.
Lookup Arrest Records in Sonoma County
Sheriff's Office arrest database