Imperial County Arrest Records

Imperial County arrest records are generated and maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the county Sheriff's office and county/state police departments. They are also held by the California Department of Justice and within the county's judicial structures (as part of Imperial County Court Records). These records are typically generated following an arrest and contain information collated during the booking process, such as the arrestee's personal information, details of the arrest and the arresting agency, and the alleged offense.

Under Chapter 5 of the California Penal Code, law enforcement officers are empowered to arrest individuals suspected of committing criminal acts. The authority to arrest extends to situations where individuals are caught in the act or reasonably suspected of a crime. Consequently, arrests may be carried out with or without a warrant. Depending on the crime's severity, the suspect may either be released on a written promise to appear in court or held in custody until arraignment in an Imperial County court.

Are Arrest Records Public in Imperial County?

Yes. Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (PRA), arrest records in Imperial County are considered public records, meaning they are generally available for public inspection. However, the PRA outlines several exceptions to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and ensure personal and national safety. For example, active investigation details, information that could harm witnesses or reveal investigative techniques, and juvenile information are all protected under the law.

Individuals entitled to access specific arrest records include the arrestee, their legal representatives, and government entities conducting official business. Despite these exemptions, the PRA ensures that the public can request arrest records from law enforcement, subject to legal restrictions aimed at maintaining fair legal proceedings and public safety.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Imperial County arrest records typically contain the following:

• The suspect's complete name and date of birth
• The suspect's physical description, including gender, height, weight, scars/tattoos/marks, and eye and hair color
• The suspect's occupation
• The arrest date, time, and location
• If applicable, the suspect's booking information (time, date, location, etc.)
• Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest
• Charges the arrestee is currently facing
• Parole/probation holds and outstanding warrants to which the suspect is subject
• The manner and time of release or the location where the suspect is presently detained

Imperial County Crime Rate

According to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), crime statistics for Imperial County can be accessed through its Open Justice Portal. In 2023, Imperial County recorded approximately 2,547 crimes. Similar to statewide trends, property crimes made up the bulk of reported offenses in Imperial County, accounting for 80% of the total (2,041 offenses). Violent crimes and arson made up the remaining 20%, with 456 violent offenses and 50 arson cases.

Within the property crimes category, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary were the most reported. Larceny-theft alone accounted for 1,290 incidents, followed by motor vehicle theft (393) and burglary 358).

In the violent crime category, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape were the leading offenses. Aggravated assault constituted the majority, with 341 incidents reported. Robbery followed with 61 cases, while there were 48 reported cases of rape.

Imperial County Arrest Statistics

In 2023, law enforcement agencies in Imperial County made 7,872 arrests. Of this total, 5,918 were misdemeanors, 1,959 were felonies, and 3 were status offenses. Among felony arrests, violent crimes, property crimes, and drug offenses they accounted for the majority. Violent offenses led to 868 arrests, followed by property offenses (340) and drug offenses (220).

Find Imperial County Arrest Records

To find an arrest record in Imperial County, the first point of contact is the Records Division of the Imperial County Sheriff's Office or the local police department responsible for the arrest. Requests can be submitted through in-person visits, mail, or online, depending on the specific agency's policies. Essential details for requesting records include the arrestee's full name, birthdate, and date of arrest. The requestor may also need to provide identification and contact details.

For records related to arrests handled by the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, inquirers may visit or contact:

Imperial County Sheriff's Office Records Division
328 Applestill Road
El Centro, CA 92243
Phone: (442) 265-2125
Fax: (442) 265-2073
Email: records@icso.ca.gov

In cases where state or federal agencies conducted the arrest, individuals should contact the relevant agency. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) can provide information about persons sentenced by state courts. For federal arrests, the Federal Inmate Locator can be used to find information, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offers an Online Detainee Locator System for individuals detained for immigration-related violations.

Free Arrest Record Search in Imperial County

Under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Gov. Code § 6250), individuals can perform free arrest record searches through the Imperial County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. Typically, electronic records are provided at no charge, though a nominal fee may apply for physical copies of documents. For example, the Imperial County Sheriff's Office offers an online inquiry portal where users can search for arrest and booking records of individuals held in the county jail.

Additionally, third-party public databases may also provide access to Imperial County arrest records. These platforms aggregate public information from various government agencies, including local law enforcement. While the search is typically free, obtaining comprehensive records often requires a fee.

Get Imperial County Criminal Records

An Imperial County criminal record contains detailed information about a person's encounters with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, and court dispositions. The agency that maintains and distributes these records depends on the level of information required.

For local criminal records, inquiries can be directed to the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, which conducts background checks under California Penal Code § 13300. A fee applies for these checks, and the requestor must provide key information, such as the full name of the subject, incident date, and personal identification.

Requests for statewide criminal history records must be made through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Here's how individuals can request their statewide criminal record:

• Complete the Live Scan Form, selecting "Record Review" as the type of application.
• Submit fingerprint images through a Public Live Scan operator. The Imperial County Sheriff's Office provides live scan fingerprinting services for a rolling fee of $28.
• Pay the DOJ's $25 processing fee (fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals).

Statewide criminal history information is provided only to the subject of the record and cannot be used for purposes such as immigration or visa applications. The DOJ's website provides further details on how to request these records.

Imperial County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records provide different information. An arrest record includes details of an arrest, such as the arrestee's name, the reason for the arrest, and the incident's outcome. However, it does not indicate whether the person was convicted of a crime.

A criminal record, by contrast, provides a comprehensive history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system, from arrests to court outcomes. It may include information from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Imperial County, arrest records are considered part of an individual's permanent criminal history unless specific actions are taken to alter their status. The California DOJ typically retains these records until the individual reaches the age of 100, as outlined in Penal Code § 11105.

Expunge Imperial County Arrest Records

Unlike expungement in other states, California law does not offer the complete removal of arrest records. Instead, individuals in Imperial County may petition the court to seal their arrest records, a process that limits public access. Once sealed, these records are only available to certain government agencies, including law enforcement and some regulatory bodies, as per Penal Code § 851.91.

To be eligible for sealing, individuals must meet one of the following criteria:

• Arrest without charges being filed (Penal Code § 849.5).
• Charges were filed, but the case was dismissed by the court (Penal Code § 1385).
• Completion of a pretrial diversion program resulting in dismissed charges (Penal Code § 1000.4).
• Completion of a Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) program with dismissed charges (Penal Code § 1000).
• A trial ended with a verdict of not guilty or a finding of factual innocence (Penal Code § 851.8).

Individuals must file a Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records (Form CR-409) with the Imperial County Superior Court to initiate the sealing process. The process involves completing and submitting the necessary paperwork and attending any required hearings.

For individuals with criminal convictions, Penal Code § 1203.4 provides an opportunity to have their records dismissed. This procedure allows the court to reopen a case, withdraw the guilty plea, and enter a not-guilty plea, effectively dismissing the case. However, unlike sealing, dismissal does not remove the record from public view.

Juvenile records, unlike adult criminal records, are eligible for sealing once the individual turns 18, provided they meet the qualifications set out in Welfare and Institutions Code § 781. Once sealed, these records are no longer available to the public, and the individual can legally state that they have no juvenile criminal record.

California's Clean Slate Act, introduced by Assembly Bill 1076, provides for the automatic sealing of certain arrest records. If an individual meets specific criteria—such as completing a diversion program or having charges dismissed—their record may be automatically sealed without needing to petition the court. This law applies retroactively, and individuals may find their records sealed without any additional effort on their part.

Imperial County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Imperial County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to apprehend and present a suspect before the court. According to California Penal Code § 836, law enforcement agencies in Imperial County, such as the Imperial County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, can execute arrests with or without a warrant. A warrantless arrest is permissible if a peace officer has probable cause—for example, if an individual commits a crime in the officer's presence.

In Imperial County, a peace officer typically submits an affidavit to a judge or magistrate to obtain an arrest warrant, which must establish reasonable grounds for the arrest. The judge may issue an arrest warrant based on a criminal complaint from the district attorney or an indictment from a grand jury.

An Imperial County arrest warrant includes the following details, as per California Penal Code § 815:

• The defendant's name
• The time and date of issuance
• The county or city and court issuing the warrant
• The alleged criminal offense
• The judge's title, office, and signature
• Any bail or bond amount, if applicable

Imperial County Arrest Warrant Search

To conduct an arrest warrant search in Imperial County, individuals may visit the Imperial County Sheriff's Office or the relevant police department. Many law enforcement agencies do not disclose warrant information over the phone for privacy and security reasons. However, individuals can access some information online through the Imperial County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted Persons Database.

Another resource for warrant searches is the Imperial County Superior Court, which maintains records of court cases. The court provides an online public portal where individuals can search for non-confidential court records, including whether an arrest warrant has been issued in a specific case.

Do Imperial County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Imperial County do not expire. Once issued, they remain active until the individual is arrested or voluntarily surrenders. However, in some instances, a judge may recall a warrant if there are sufficient legal grounds. In certain cases, for example, the Imperial County District Attorney's Office may negotiate terms for the subject's surrender or provide an opportunity for the individual to address the warrant through the court. Still, until this occurs, the warrant remains enforceable by law enforcement.