San Luis Obispo County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in San Luis Obispo County
Arrest records in San Luis Obispo County are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified under Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county.
Under California law, specifically Government Code § 6254(f), law enforcement agencies are required to disclose certain information about arrests to members of the public upon request. This information typically includes:
- The full name and occupation of the arrestee
- Physical description including date of birth, gender, and race
- Date and time of arrest
- Factual circumstances surrounding the arrest
- Location of the arrest
- Time and date of booking
- Amount of bail set
- Charges filed
It is important to note that while arrest records are public, they differ significantly from conviction records. An arrest record merely documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. It does not indicate guilt or a conviction. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.
Access to certain arrest information may be restricted if the release would endanger an investigation, a related investigation, or the safety of a person involved in the case. Additionally, arrest records involving juveniles are generally confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
What's in San Luis Obispo County Arrest Records
San Luis Obispo County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office and typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Aliases or known nicknames
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Hair and eye color
- Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Occupation (if provided)
- Driver's license or ID number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
- Whether medical attention was required
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
- Incident report number
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Fingerprint information
- Photograph (mugshot)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Date of release on bail (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Parole/probation information (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known gang affiliations
- Protective orders
- Victim information (redacted in public records)
- Property/evidence seized during arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
The San Luis Obispo County Jail maintains these records as part of their inmate management system, while the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo maintains related court records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in San Luis Obispo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in San Luis Obispo County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete a Public Records Request form, specifying the information sought.
- Provide proper identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1585 Kansas Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 781-4540
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Sheriff's Records Division.
- Include specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
- Provide contact information for response.
- Include payment for any applicable fees.
Online Requests:
- Visit the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the Records Request section.
- Complete the electronic Public Records Act request form.
- Submit the form and await confirmation.
Telephone Requests: Limited information may be available via telephone by contacting the Sheriff's Records Division at (805) 781-4540. However, written requests are typically required for comprehensive records.
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees for the direct costs of duplicating records. Currently, the fee structure for copies of arrest records is as follows:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $15.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Electronic copies (when available): Variable fees based on storage medium
Requestors should note that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under the California Public Records Act. Processing times for requests vary depending on the volume and complexity of the records sought, but agencies are required to respond to requests within 10 calendar days under normal circumstances.
How To Find San Luis Obispo County Arrest Records Online
San Luis Obispo County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online "Who's in Custody" database that allows the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals. This searchable database includes:
- Current inmates in the San Luis Obispo County Jail
- Basic arrest information
- Booking details
- Scheduled court dates
- Bail information
To utilize this resource:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Who's in Custody" section
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, etc.)
- Review results displaying current inmates
The Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo provides access to court records related to arrests through their online portal. The court has implemented re:SearchCA, a web-based platform granting registered users remote access to court records. To access these records:
- Visit the Superior Court website
- Register for an account on the re:SearchCA platform
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Pay any applicable access fees
- View case information, including charges and court dates
Additionally, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office maintains a public case search tool that provides information on cases being prosecuted. This resource includes:
- Case status information
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case disposition (when available)
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete historical arrest records, particularly for older cases that predate digital record-keeping. Furthermore, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.
For comprehensive historical arrest records, requestors may need to submit formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section. All online access is subject to the provisions of California Government Code § 6254.4, which restricts the disclosure of certain personal information.
How To Search San Luis Obispo County Arrest Records for Free?
San Luis Obispo County offers several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information. These free resources provide limited but valuable information to the public:
County Jail Inmate Lookup: The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Charges
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if applicable)
This resource is updated regularly and requires only the individual's name to conduct a search. No registration or fees are required to access this basic information.
Court Calendar: The Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo publishes daily court calendars that are accessible without charge. These calendars include:
- Names of defendants with scheduled appearances
- Case numbers
- Hearing types
- Courtroom assignments
- Scheduled times
To access court calendars:
- Visit the Superior Court website
- Navigate to the "Calendars" section
- Select the appropriate date and courtroom
- Review the public calendar information
Public Terminals at Government Offices: Free public access terminals are available at several county facilities:
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office
1055 Monterey Street, Room D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 781-5080
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
1035 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 706-3600
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
These terminals provide access to public records databases without charge, though printing fees may apply.
Public Records Requests: Under the California Public Records Act, initial requests for public records do not incur a fee. While reproduction costs may apply for copies, reviewing records in person is typically free of charge. To exercise this option:
- Submit a Public Records Act request specifying the desired information
- Request to inspect records in person rather than receiving copies
- Schedule an appointment to view the records at the appropriate agency
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports or certified copies of records typically require payment of established fees. Additionally, access to certain records may be restricted based on confidentiality laws and exemptions under Government Code § 6254.
How To Delete Arrest Records in San Luis Obispo County
In San Luis Obispo County, individuals with arrest records may have options for limiting public access to this information through legal processes of expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These remedies are governed by specific provisions of California law:
Expungement (Dismissal) Under Penal Code § 1203.4: Expungement in California does not completely erase arrest records but rather changes the disposition of the case to show it was dismissed. Eligibility requirements include:
- Successful completion of probation
- No current charges or serving of sentence
- Not on probation for another offense
The process involves:
- Filing a Petition for Dismissal with the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
- Paying the required filing fee (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Attending a court hearing if scheduled
- Receiving a court order if the petition is granted
Record Sealing for Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction: Under California Penal Code § 851.8, individuals arrested but not convicted may petition to seal and destroy their arrest records. This applies when:
- No charges were filed
- Charges were filed but later dismissed
- The person was acquitted at trial
The process requires:
- Filing a Petition to Seal and Destroy Arrest Records
- Providing evidence of factual innocence
- Attending a court hearing
- Receiving a court order if granted
Juvenile Record Sealing: Juvenile arrest records may be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781 when:
- The individual is now an adult or five years have passed since juvenile court jurisdiction ended
- No subsequent felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
- Rehabilitation has been demonstrated
Certificate of Rehabilitation: For certain felony convictions, individuals may apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which serves as an automatic application for a governor's pardon and can help restore certain rights.
Legal Assistance Resources:
San Luis Obispo County Public Defender's Office
1050 Monterey Street, Room 386
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 781-5775
San Luis Obispo County Public Defender
San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation
1011 Pacific Street, Suite B
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-5140
San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation
It is important to note that even when records are expunged or sealed, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and some licensing boards, may still have access to the information. Additionally, federal immigration authorities may still consider expunged convictions for immigration purposes.
What Happens After Arrest in San Luis Obispo County?
Following an arrest in San Luis Obispo County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
Booking Process: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Recording personal information
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Bail Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), bail is set according to the San Luis Obispo County Bail Schedule. Options include:
- Cash bail payment
- Surety bond through a licensed bail agent
- Property bond
- Release on Own Recognizance (OR)
- Supervised OR release
Arraignment: The first court appearance typically occurs within 48 hours for in-custody defendants or within weeks for those released on bail. During arraignment at the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo, the following occurs:
- Formal reading of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Entry of initial plea
- Bail review
- Appointment of counsel if needed
- Setting of future court dates
Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase includes several potential hearings:
- Pretrial conferences
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings (suppression of evidence, dismissal requests)
- Readiness conferences
- Settlement conferences
Case Resolution Options: Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office
- Diversion programs (drug court, mental health court, veterans court)
- Dismissal of charges
- Trial proceedings
Trial Process: If a case proceeds to trial, the process includes:
- Jury selection (or bench trial election)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
Sentencing: Following conviction (by plea or verdict), sentencing may include:
- Probation
- County jail time
- State prison commitment
- Fines and fees
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction Options: After conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Modification of sentence
- Expungement (as outlined in previous section)
- Parole or probation supervision
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The San Luis Obispo County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to those who cannot afford private counsel.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in San Luis Obispo County?
Arrest records in San Luis Obispo County are maintained according to retention schedules established by California Government Code § 34090, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the agency maintaining it:
Law Enforcement Records Retention: The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records according to the following general guidelines:
- Arrest reports for felonies: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Minimum of 5 years
- Arrest reports for infractions: Minimum of 3 years
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 5 years
- Fingerprint records: Permanent retention
- Incident reports: Minimum of 5 years
Court Records Retention: The Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo maintains court records related to arrests according to the California Rules of Court, which specify:
- Felony case files: 50 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 5-10 years after final disposition
- Infraction case files: 3-5 years after final disposition
- Index records: Permanent retention
Department of Justice Records: Arrest information submitted to the California Department of Justice is maintained in the statewide criminal history database indefinitely unless specifically ordered to be sealed or destroyed by court order.
Digital Records: Electronic arrest records maintained in county databases may have different retention periods than physical records, but generally follow the same minimum retention requirements established by state law.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public policy purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Historical documentation of law enforcement activities
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the agency. Additionally, even if local copies are destroyed after the retention period, information may still exist in state and federal databases.
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records should pursue the legal remedies outlined in the previous section on record deletion, as the expiration of retention periods does not automatically result in the destruction of records.
How to Find Mugshots in San Luis Obispo County
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrestee and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In San Luis Obispo County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office
1585 Kansas Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 781-4540
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office
These photographs are stored as part of the official arrest record and booking documentation. They are also maintained in the county's jail management system for identification of current inmates.
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs in San Luis Obispo County have several potential avenues:
-
Public Records Request: Submit a formal request under the California Public Records Act to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. The request should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
-
In-Person Request: Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours to submit a request in person.
-
Court Records: In some cases, booking photographs may be included in court files if submitted as evidence. These can be accessed through the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Currently, San Luis Obispo County does not publish booking photographs on its official websites as a matter of policy. This approach differs from some other jurisdictions that maintain online mugshot galleries. The county's "Who's in Custody" database provides information about current inmates but does not display booking photographs.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests, but these are not officially sanctioned by San Luis Obispo County agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To officially obtain a booking photograph:
- Submit a completed Public Records Act request form
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by Government Code § 6253(c)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (protected under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Arrests in cases that were later sealed or expunged
- Certain domestic violence or sexual offense cases
- When release would endanger an ongoing investigation
- When release would compromise individual safety
Law enforcement agencies balance the public's right to access government records with privacy considerations and the presumption of innocence. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office evaluates requests for booking photographs on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws.
Lookup Arrest Records in San Luis Obispo County
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County Jail Information
Criminal Division of San Luis Obispo Superior Court