Shasta County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Shasta County
Arrest records in Shasta 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. 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 exceptions.
It is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, document that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under California law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may have additional privacy protections under certain circumstances.
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the unincorporated areas of the county, while the Redding Police Department and other municipal police departments maintain records for arrests within their jurisdictions. These agencies follow the guidelines established by the California Department of Justice regarding the release of criminal history information.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Government Code § 6254, including:
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile arrest records
- Information that would endanger an individual's safety
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
What's in Shasta County Arrest Records
Shasta 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 (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address (may be redacted in public versions)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints (not included in public versions)
- Photograph/mugshot
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description
- Enhancement factors, if applicable
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 booked
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Protective orders
- Risk assessment information
- Medical alerts (limited information)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and California Government Code § 6254.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Shasta County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures:
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may visit the appropriate agency to request arrest records in person:
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
300 Park Marina Circle
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6000
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
Records Division Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Requestors should:
- Complete a Public Records Request form (available at the counter)
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copying or certification (fees vary based on document type and number of pages)
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email:
- Include requestor's full name and contact information
- Provide specific details about the records being requested
- Date and sign the request
- Mail to the appropriate agency's records division or submit via the agency's official email
Online Requests:
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for submitting public records requests. Users must:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Public Records Request" section
- Complete the electronic form with all required information
- Submit the request and note the assigned tracking number
- Check status updates through the portal
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension of up to 14 additional days. Requestors should be aware that certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations as permitted under Government Code § 6254.
How To Find Shasta County Arrest Records Online
Shasta County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with public records laws.
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office Custody Information webpage serves as the primary online resource for current custody information. This database includes:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information for recently arrested individuals
- Custody status updates
- Scheduled release dates when available
To utilize this resource, users must:
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Alternatively, search by booking number if known
- Review search results for matching records
- Select specific records to view detailed information
The Shasta County Superior Court maintains an online case information system that provides access to court records related to arrests. This system includes:
- Case status information
- Hearing schedules
- Case disposition details
- Document indexes (though full documents may require in-person retrieval)
To access court records online:
- Visit the Shasta County Superior Court website
- Navigate to the "Case Information" section
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Pay any applicable access fees
- Review available case information
Third-party aggregator websites also compile arrest record information from public sources. However, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office cautions that these unofficial sources may contain outdated or inaccurate information. For the most current and reliable arrest records, users are advised to utilize official county resources.
Online access to certain arrest records may be restricted due to:
- Active investigations
- Sealed records
- Juvenile cases
- Privacy protections under California law
- Records predating digital conversion
How To Search Shasta County Arrest Records for Free?
Shasta County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without payment through several authorized channels. These no-cost options are provided in accordance with the California Public Records Act, which establishes the public's right to government information.
The following free resources are available:
Shasta County Jail Custody Information: The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate lookup system that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent bookings. This resource:
- Requires no payment or account creation
- Updates multiple times daily
- Includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
- Can be searched by name or booking number
Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available for public use at:
Shasta County Superior Court
1500 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Shasta County Superior Court
Terminal access hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
These terminals provide access to:
- Court case information related to arrests
- Hearing schedules
- Case status updates
- Limited historical records
Public Records Requests: Individuals may submit public records requests to view arrest records without charge:
- Submit a written request specifying the desired records
- Indicate that you wish to inspect records rather than receive copies
- Schedule an appointment to view the records at the agency's office
- Take notes during inspection (though copying fees may apply if printouts are requested)
While inspection of records is typically free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Copying documents
- Certification of records
- Staff time for extensive searches
- Electronic media for digital records
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), fees must be limited to "direct costs of duplication" or statutory fees established by law.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Shasta County
California law provides several mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes fall into two primary categories: record sealing (restricting access) and record expungement (legal erasure). Each process has distinct eligibility requirements and outcomes.
Record Sealing:
Record sealing restricts public access to arrest records but does not completely remove them from government databases. In Shasta County, arrest records may be sealed under the following circumstances:
-
Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction - Under California Penal Code § 851.87, individuals may petition to seal records of arrests that did not result in conviction.
-
Juvenile Records - Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781, juvenile arrest records may be sealed when the individual reaches adulthood and meets specific criteria.
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Factual Innocence - California Penal Code § 851.8 allows for sealing and destruction of arrest records when the arrestee can demonstrate factual innocence.
Record Expungement:
Expungement under California Penal Code § 1203.4 provides for dismissal of convictions after successful completion of probation or sentence. While not a complete erasure, expungement:
- Releases the individual from "penalties and disabilities" resulting from the conviction
- Changes court records to show the case was dismissed
- May limit disclosure requirements for employment purposes
Process for Sealing or Expungement:
- Determine eligibility based on case outcome and statutory requirements
- Obtain certified copies of court records and criminal history
- Complete appropriate petition forms (available from the Shasta County Superior Court)
- File petition with the court and pay filing fees (fee waivers available for financial hardship)
- Serve copies of petition on the District Attorney and law enforcement agencies
- Attend scheduled court hearing
- If granted, ensure compliance with court order by all relevant agencies
Limitations:
Certain records cannot be sealed or expunged, including:
- Most sex offenses requiring registration
- Serious violent felonies
- Certain vehicle code violations
- Records accessible to law enforcement even after sealing/expungement
For assistance with record sealing or expungement, individuals may contact:
Shasta County Public Defender's Office
1815 Yuba Street, Suite 119
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-7598
Shasta County Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Shasta County?
Following an arrest in Shasta County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by California law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.
Booking Process: After physical arrest, the individual is transported to a detention facility for booking, which includes:
- Documentation of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Assignment of booking number
Initial Custody Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), one of the following occurs:
- Release on citation ("cite and release") for minor offenses
- Bail determination according to the Shasta County bail schedule
- Detention pending arraignment
- Release on own recognizance (OR) if eligible
Arraignment: The first court appearance typically occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants. During arraignment:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is established (public defender appointed if needed)
- Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Bail is reviewed and potentially modified
- Future court dates are scheduled
Pre-Trial Proceedings: Cases proceeding beyond arraignment enter the pre-trial phase, which may include:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal requests)
- Plea negotiations
- Preliminary hearing (felony cases only) to establish probable cause
- Diversion program placement for eligible cases
Case Resolution: Criminal cases in Shasta County typically conclude through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Diversion program completion
Sentencing: If convicted through plea or trial, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation supervision
- Fines and fees
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Mandatory treatment programs
- Combination of the above
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial. The Shasta County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases, while the Shasta County Public Defender's Office represents indigent defendants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Shasta County?
Arrest records in Shasta County are maintained according to California's records retention requirements, primarily governed by Government Code § 34090 and agency-specific retention schedules. These regulations establish minimum periods for preserving various categories of law enforcement records.
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office adheres to the following retention periods for arrest-related records:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest; serious felonies permanently retained
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanently maintained in both physical and digital formats
- Photographs/Mugshots: Minimum 5 years; longer for serious offenses
- Arrest Warrants: Until executed plus 5 years
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until subject reaches age 18, then sealed according to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
- Citation Records: 2 years after final disposition
- Detention Logs: 5 years from date of creation
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate retention schedules:
-
Shasta County Superior Court: Court case files related to arrests are retained according to the Judicial Council of California Records Retention Schedule, with felony cases typically maintained for 50 years and misdemeanors for 5-10 years after final disposition.
-
Shasta County District Attorney: Case files are generally retained for 7 years after case closure; homicide and sexual assault cases are permanently retained.
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California Department of Justice: Maintains state-level criminal history information indefinitely unless expungement or sealing is ordered by a court.
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Ensuring evidence preservation for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Maintaining accurate criminal history information for sentencing and risk assessment
- Providing accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Complying with statutory requirements for records management
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed according to established procedures, though many agencies now maintain digital archives that extend beyond minimum retention requirements.
How to Find Mugshots in Shasta County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record. In Shasta County, mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the photograph.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Shasta County are primarily maintained by the arresting and booking agencies:
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
300 Park Marina Circle
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6000
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
Redding Police Department
777 Cypress Avenue
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-4200
Redding Police Department
These photographs are stored in agency databases and linked to the corresponding arrest records. Unlike some jurisdictions, Shasta County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online through official channels.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Shasta County, individuals must submit a formal public records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request (though this is not legally required)
Can They Be Found Online
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing databases of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets reporting on arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
- Court records if the mugshot was entered as evidence
The accuracy and currency of mugshots found on non-official websites cannot be guaranteed, and many such sites charge fees for removal of photographs, a practice that has been subject to legislative restrictions in California.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:
- Submitting a California Public Records Act request to the arresting agency
- Paying applicable reproduction fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Providing sufficient information to identify the specific record
- Allowing 10 business days for the agency to respond (extensions possible)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records are confidential under California law
- Ongoing investigations may justify temporary withholding
- Privacy concerns may lead to redaction of certain information
- Sealed or expunged records are not publicly accessible
- Certain victim protections may apply in sensitive cases
California has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 1475) restricting law enforcement agencies from posting mugshots on social media for certain arrests, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of mugshot publication on due process and privacy.