San Jose Arrest Records

San Jose arrest records are a compilation of information received or created during an arrest event. Such records typically include the arrestee's personal information, arrest charges, booking date, fingerprint, mugshot, and bond details.

Arrests occur when peace officers apprehend persons who violate state or federal laws. Officers may conduct arrests with or without an arrest warrant. Arrestees are often booked and detained at the Santa Clara County Main Jail Complex.

The San Jose Police Department is responsible for generating arrest records. In addition, the agency serves as a record custodian and may disclose the records to the public. San Jose arrest information is often included in other crime-related documents. Case in point: you may find arrest data in California court records and inmate files.

Are Arrest Records Public in San Jose?

Arrest records in San Jose are mainly accessible to the public. The California Public Records Act allows public access to government-generated records. You may view or get physical copies of arrest reports from designated public entities through the law. The entities are required to maintain avenues by which the public may access records. For instance, the San Jose police department may release arrest reports to in-person inquirers at this address:

201 West Mission Street,
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 277-8900

Nevertheless, some arrest information is redacted from public view. Such documents contain sensitive information that may violate the privacy or safety of concerned parties. For example, crime victims' personal information is generally redacted from public view. State law also exempts expunged or sealed arrest records from unauthorized access.

San Jose Arrest Statistics

According to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer, San Jose's police department made 14,951 arrests in 2023. The Santa Clara County jail temporarily houses persons arrested in the city. As of June 31, the jail had a total population of 2,795. Interested parties may locate the county jail at this location:

150 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: (408) 299-2306

Find San Jose Arrest Records

Public members may locate San Jose arrest records in the inmate records. Inmate records typically include arrest data, such as the inmate's name, arrest charges, arrest date and location, booking number, mugshot, and bond amount. That being said, inmate records are accessible through online search repositories maintained by government entities.

The Santa Clara County jail maintains an online search portal for inmates. Inquirers must choose a search option to view records on the portal and provide the required information.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also offers online access to inmate records. To view records on the search platform, searchers must typically provide the inmate's name or prison number. Likewise, you may find inmate records via the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator. The agency maintains records of all inmates held in federal penal institutions.

San Jose Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

San Jose arrest records are quite distinct from criminal records. They differ in terms of content, social implications, and custodial agency.

Based on the record content, arrest records typically cover arrest events. The record may include the arrestee's data, arrest charges and date, booking number, crime scene footage, and bond amount. In contrast, criminal records provide information on an individual's criminal history. The records include information on arrests, court activities, and incarceration.

The records are accessible through different government entities. The San Jose Police Department and other arresting agencies are responsible for generating and providing access to arrest records. However, criminal records are accessible through the California Department of Justice.

Arrestees may not face discrimination because of their arrest charges. However, criminal record holders may face societal discrimination or loss of specific rights.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

San Jose arrests remain on record unless the record subject expunges or seals them. Arrestees must fulfill legal requirements and follow standard procedures to expunge arrest records. That being said, not all arrests are expungeable under California laws.

San Jose Arrest Warrants

San Jose arrest warrants are court directives that authorize the arrest of suspected offenders. Court magistrates may issue warrants after receiving a complaint from an arresting officer. The complaint must contain sufficient proof that the defendant committed a crime.

Per California Penal Code Section 813-8829, arrest warrants must include the following information:

• The defendant's name, aliases, and physical features.
• Offense name and description.
• Arrest warrant issuance date and location.
• The court magistrate's signature.

Do San Jose Arrest Warrants Expire?

San Jose County arrest warrants do not expire. Instead, they remain active until they are resolved or the court clears them. Note that the statute of limitations does not affect the lifespan of an arrest warrant.

Expunge San Jose Arrest Records

San Jose residents may expunge arrest records by petitioning the Santa Clara Superior Court. The court may determine whether to grant or deny your request after considering factors like eligibility criteria, moral conduct, and submissions from concerned parties.

Who is eligible to expunge arrest records in San Jose?

Per the California Penal Code, you are eligible to expunge arrest records if:

• You were charged but later acquitted by the courts.
• No charges were filed after an arrest.
• The statute of limitations for the arrest has passed.
• The court passed a not-guilty verdict.

How to expunge arrest records in San Jose

1. You may expunge San Jose arrest records by following these steps:
2. Complete a Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records (CR-409).
3. File the petition in person with the Santa Clara County Superior Court at:
   191 North First Street
   San Jose, CA 95113.
   Phone: (408) 882-2700
4. Make copies of the petition and file them with the Santa Clara prosecuting attorney's office and the arresting agency.