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Mendocino County Public Records / Mendocino County Arrest Records

Mendocino County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Mendocino County

Arrest records in Mendocino 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 related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under California law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Penal Code § 13300, certain limitations exist regarding the dissemination of arrest information that did not result in conviction.

Law enforcement agencies in Mendocino County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. While these records are generally accessible to the public, certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in Government Code § 6254.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, the process for obtaining these records varies by agency and may require formal requests, identification verification, and applicable fees.

What's in Mendocino County Arrest Records

Mendocino County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the detention and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (first, middle, last)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Address of residence (may be redacted in public versions)
  • Booking photograph ("mugshot")

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Reason for arrest/probable cause

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • California Penal Code section violations
  • Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
  • Charge description

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
  • Date issued

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Booking facility
  • Fingerprint information
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set
  • Bond type
  • Release eligibility
  • Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court case number (if assigned)
  • Arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assigned (if available)

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Housing location (if in custody)
  • Scheduled release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Known aliases
  • Immigration status (in compliance with state law)
  • Medical alerts (limited information)
  • Risk assessment scores
  • Probation/parole status

The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly between the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy protections under California law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mendocino County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Mendocino County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval:

  1. Visit the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office in person:

    Mendocino County Sheriff's Office
    951 Low Gap Road
    Ukiah, CA 95482
    707-463-4411
    Mendocino County Sheriff's Office

    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

    Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide valid government-issued photo identification. Processing times typically range from 5-10 business days.

  2. Submit a written request by mail:

    Records requests may be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office address listed above. Written requests must include:

    • Requestor's full name and contact information
    • Specific information being requested
    • Date range of records sought
    • Purpose of request (optional)
    • Signature and date

  3. Request records from municipal police departments:

    Ukiah Police Department
    300 Seminary Avenue
    Ukiah, CA 95482
    707-463-6262
    Ukiah Police Department

    Fort Bragg Police Department
    250 Cypress Street
    Fort Bragg, CA 95437
    707-964-0200
    Fort Bragg Police Department

    Willits Police Department
    125 E Commercial Street
    Willits, CA 95490
    707-459-6122
    Willits Police Department

  4. Submit a request through the county's online portal:

    Mendocino County provides an electronic records request system accessible through the county's official website. Users must create an account and provide the same information required for in-person requests.

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension. Fees may apply for document reproduction, with current rates set at $0.25 per page for standard copies and additional charges for certified copies or extensive research.

How To Find Mendocino County Arrest Records Online

Mendocino County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to locate arrest information electronically:

  1. Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate lookup database that provides information on individuals currently in custody. This searchable database includes:

    • Inmate name and booking number
    • Charges
    • Custody status
    • Court dates
    • Bail information

    This resource is updated daily and represents the most current information on individuals in county custody.

  2. Fort Bragg Police Department Booking Log: The Fort Bragg Police Department publishes a regularly updated booking log on their official website. This resource provides information on recent arrests within the department's jurisdiction.

  3. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Inmate Locator: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) system provides information on current inmates in the state prison system.

  4. Mendocino County Superior Court Case Index: The Mendocino County Superior Court maintains an online case index that allows searches for criminal cases. While not specifically an arrest record database, this resource provides information on criminal proceedings resulting from arrests, including:

    • Case numbers
    • Charges filed
    • Hearing dates
    • Case status
    • Disposition information

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, and information is subject to change as cases progress through the criminal justice system. For comprehensive arrest history information, formal records requests may be necessary.

How To Search Mendocino County Arrest Records for Free?

Mendocino County residents and members of the public may access arrest record information without incurring fees through several authorized channels. The following resources provide no-cost options for obtaining arrest record information:

  1. Public Access Terminals at the Sheriff's Office:

    Mendocino County Sheriff's Office
    951 Low Gap Road
    Ukiah, CA 95482

    The Sheriff's Office maintains public access computer terminals in the lobby where visitors may search basic arrest information at no charge during regular business hours. These terminals provide limited information but serve as a starting point for research.

  2. County Law Library Public Resources:

    Mendocino County Law Library
    100 North State Street, Room 307
    Ukiah, CA 95482
    707-463-4201

    The county law library provides public access computers with connections to certain legal databases that may contain arrest record information. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with navigating available resources.

  3. Online Inmate Locator Services: The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search function on their official website. This database includes information on currently incarcerated individuals and is updated daily.

  4. Court Calendar Review: The Mendocino County Superior Court publishes daily calendars that list scheduled court appearances. These calendars are available for public review at the courthouse and online through the court's website at no cost.

  5. Local Newspaper Police Blotters: Several local publications maintain "police blotter" sections that report on recent arrests based on information provided by law enforcement agencies. These sources include:

    • The Ukiah Daily Journal
    • The Fort Bragg Advocate-News
    • The Willits News
    • The Mendocino Beacon

While these free resources provide basic arrest information, they may not contain comprehensive details found in official records. For complete arrest records, formal requests may be necessary, which could involve processing fees as permitted under Government Code § 6253(b).

How To Delete Arrest Records in Mendocino 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 public access) and expungement (legal erasure). Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public view in Mendocino County must follow established legal procedures:

Record Sealing Options:

  1. Sealing Arrest Records (No Charges Filed): Under Penal Code § 851.8, individuals arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence. If granted, the arrest record is sealed for three years and then destroyed. The petition must be filed:

    • Within two years of the arrest date
    • First with the arresting agency, then with the court if denied
    • With evidence demonstrating no reasonable cause existed for the arrest

  2. Sealing Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781, individuals with juvenile arrest records may petition the court to seal these records if:

    • Five years have passed since juvenile court jurisdiction terminated
    • The individual has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude as an adult
    • Rehabilitation can be demonstrated

Expungement Options:

  1. Standard Expungement (Dismissal): Under Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who have completed probation for a misdemeanor or felony offense may petition to have their conviction dismissed. If granted:

    • The case is reopened
    • A not guilty plea is entered
    • The case is dismissed
    • The conviction is "expunged" (though not completely erased)

  2. Proposition 64 Relief: Individuals with certain marijuana-related convictions may petition for resentencing or dismissal under Health and Safety Code provisions established by Proposition 64.

  3. 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.

To initiate these processes in Mendocino County, individuals must:

  1. Obtain the appropriate petition forms from the Mendocino County Superior Court or the California Courts Self-Help Center
  2. Complete all required documentation
  3. File the petition with the Mendocino County Superior Court
  4. Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
  5. Attend scheduled court hearings

Legal representation is recommended but not required for these proceedings. The Mendocino County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Mendocino County?

Following an arrest in Mendocino County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by California state law. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

  1. Booking and Initial Processing: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility where they undergo:

    • Photographing and fingerprinting
    • Personal property inventory
    • Medical screening
    • Background check
    • Initial custody classification

  2. Bail Determination: Bail amounts are set according to the Mendocino County Bail Schedule. Three primary release options exist:

    • Cash bail (full amount paid to court)
    • Surety bond (percentage paid to bail agent)
    • Own Recognizance (O.R.) release (no monetary payment required)

    Bail hearings may be requested to modify initial bail determinations.

  3. Arraignment: The first court appearance typically occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays). During arraignment:

    • Charges are formally presented
    • Constitutional rights are explained
    • Legal representation is established
    • Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Future court dates are scheduled

  4. Pretrial Proceedings: Cases proceeding beyond arraignment enter the pretrial phase, which may include:

    • Discovery (evidence exchange between prosecution and defense)
    • Pretrial motions (challenges to evidence or procedures)
    • Plea negotiations
    • Preliminary hearing (felony cases only)

  5. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, cases proceed to trial, which may be:

    • Jury trial (12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors)
    • Bench trial (judge determines verdict without jury)

    The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

  6. Sentencing: Following conviction (by plea or verdict), sentencing occurs according to California sentencing guidelines. Potential sentences include:

    • Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
    • Probation
    • Fines and fees
    • Community service
    • Treatment programs
    • Restitution to victims

  7. Post-Conviction: After sentencing, individuals may pursue:

    • Appeals of legal errors
    • Modification of sentences
    • Expungement or record sealing (as described in previous sections)

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process. The Mendocino County Superior Court oversees judicial proceedings, while the District Attorney's Office handles prosecution and the Public Defender's Office represents eligible defendants.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mendocino County?

Arrest records in Mendocino County are maintained according to retention schedules established by California Government Code § 26202 and agency-specific policies. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing administrative needs with individual privacy concerns.

The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office adheres to the following retention schedule for arrest-related records:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently in electronic format; physical records retained for minimum of 7 years
  • Fingerprint Cards: Retained permanently
  • Booking Photographs: Retained permanently in electronic format
  • Arrest Warrants: Retained until executed plus 3 years
  • Juvenile Arrest Records: Maintained separately with restricted access; eligible for sealing under specific conditions

Municipal police departments within Mendocino County follow similar retention guidelines, though specific timeframes may vary slightly between agencies. The California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines published by the California Secretary of State provides the framework for these retention policies.

Several factors influence record retention requirements:

  1. Statute of Limitations: Records related to unsolved felonies are typically retained until the statute of limitations expires or indefinitely for crimes with no limitation period.

  2. Case Status: Records for open or active investigations are maintained until case resolution plus the required retention period.

  3. Record Type: Different components of arrest documentation (reports, photographs, physical evidence) may have different retention requirements.

  4. Legal Mandates: Court orders for record sealing or destruction supersede standard retention schedules.

The California Department of Justice maintains a separate criminal history repository that includes arrest information reported by local agencies. These state-level records are maintained according to the Criminal Record Retention Schedule established by the Attorney General's Office.

Members of the public should note that while records may be maintained for extended periods, access restrictions may apply based on case disposition, record sealing orders, or statutory privacy protections.

How to Find Mugshots in Mendocino County

Booking photographs, commonly known as "mugshots," are created during the arrest booking process in Mendocino County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images become part of the official arrest record and serve both administrative and investigative purposes.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Mendocino County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

  • Mendocino County Sheriff's Office
    951 Low Gap Road
    Ukiah, CA 95482
    707-463-4411

  • Municipal Police Departments that operate their own booking facilities, including Ukiah, Fort Bragg, and Willits Police Departments

Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking booking photographs may:

  1. Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency, specifying:

    • The subject's full name
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest
    • Case number (if available)

  2. Visit the law enforcement agency in person to submit a request using the agency's standard public records request form

Can They Be Found Online: Mendocino County law enforcement agencies do not currently maintain public-facing online databases specifically for booking photographs. Limited booking information may be available through:

  • The Fort Bragg Police Department's online booking log
  • The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office inmate search function (for currently incarcerated individuals)

Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources may display Mendocino County booking photographs, but these sites are not officially affiliated with county agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To ensure accuracy and legitimacy, booking photographs should be requested through official channels:

  1. Complete the agency's public records request form
  2. Provide required identification
  3. Pay applicable reproduction fees
  4. Allow processing time (typically 10 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile arrest records (protected under Welfare and Institutions Code)
  • Sealed or expunged records
  • Active investigations where release could compromise case integrity
  • Privacy protections for certain offense categories

California law provides mechanisms for individuals to request removal of booking photographs from commercial websites under specific conditions, though these provisions do not apply to official government records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Mendocino County

Fort Bragg Police Department booking log

California Department of Justice public records request

California Department of Corrections inmate search

California criminal record review process

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