Santa Barbara County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Santa Barbara County
Arrest records in Santa Barbara County are generally considered public information under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make non-exempt records promptly available upon request. Law enforcement agencies in Santa Barbara County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are subject to public disclosure with certain limitations.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under California law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records may have more restrictions on disclosure, particularly if the arrest did not lead to a conviction.
The California Department of Justice maintains specific policies regarding the release of criminal history information, including arrests. According to Government Code § 6254(f), certain information about arrests must be disclosed, including the name and occupation of the arrestee, physical description, date and time of arrest, factual circumstances surrounding the arrest, time and date of booking, location of the arrest, amount of bail set, time and manner of release, and all charges the arrestee is being held upon.
However, some arrest information may be exempt from disclosure if release would endanger an investigation, a related investigation, or the safety of a person involved in an investigation. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are generally confidential under California law.
What's in Santa Barbara County Arrest Records
Santa Barbara County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and other local police departments. The content of arrest records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- 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
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged offenses
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where booked
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Payment status
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility of incarceration
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Some information may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure pursuant to exemptions under the California Public Records Act or other applicable laws.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Santa Barbara County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Santa Barbara County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for public access to these records while balancing privacy considerations and legal requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-4100
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should be prepared to provide:
- The full name of the subject of the record
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
For written requests, individuals may submit a completed Public Records Act request form to the Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), agencies have 10 days to respond to requests, though complex requests may require additional time.
Requests may also be submitted to the arresting agency if it was not the Sheriff's Office. For example:
Santa Barbara Police Department Records Division
215 East Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2300
Santa Barbara Police Department
When requesting arrest records, be advised that:
- Fees may apply for copies of records (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
- Some information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations
- Records related to arrests that did not result in conviction may have additional restrictions
- Certified copies may require additional fees
- Photo identification is required for in-person requests
For third-party requests (requesting someone else's records), additional documentation may be required to demonstrate legal authorization to access the information.
How To Find Santa Barbara County Arrest Records Online
Santa Barbara County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with public records laws.
The primary online resource is the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information System, which provides current custody information for individuals held in county facilities. This system is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website.
To search for current inmate information:
- Navigate to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Information" from the menu options
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and custody status
For broader arrest record searches, the Santa Barbara Superior Court maintains an online case information system that includes criminal cases resulting from arrests. This system can be accessed at the Santa Barbara Superior Court website. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type (select "Criminal")
The California Department of Justice also maintains the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), which contains arrest records statewide, though direct public access is restricted.
When using online systems, users should note:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
- Some records may not be available online due to privacy laws or technical limitations
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Court records typically provide case information but may not include detailed arrest information
- Online searches may require acceptance of terms and conditions
For comprehensive arrest record information, combining online searches with formal records requests often yields the most complete results.
How To Search Santa Barbara County Arrest Records for Free?
Santa Barbara County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several public resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while complying with California public disclosure laws.
The most accessible free resource is the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office website, which provides a searchable database of current inmates. This information is available at no charge and includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when applicable)
The Santa Barbara County Superior Court offers limited free access to its case index through public terminals located at:
Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Barbara Division
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-4520
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Santa Maria Division
312 East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 614-6464
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
These terminals are available during regular court hours, typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays.
Local public libraries in Santa Barbara County often provide free internet access that can be used to search public portions of county websites containing arrest information. Major library locations include:
Santa Barbara Public Library - Central Library
40 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 564-5604
Santa Barbara Public Library
Additionally, pursuant to Government Code § 6253, individuals may inspect public records during regular office hours at the maintaining agency at no cost, though copying fees may apply if physical copies are requested.
When utilizing free resources, requesters should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to comprehensive background checks
- Some records may require formal requests even for viewing
- Free resources typically do not provide certified copies
- Historical arrest records may not be available through free online systems
- Staff assistance for complex searches may be limited
How To Delete Arrest Records in Santa Barbara County
In California, including Santa Barbara County, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the literal sense, but individuals may pursue legal remedies to limit public access to these records through processes known as sealing, expungement, or record relief. These processes are governed by various sections of the California Penal Code.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement: Record sealing restricts public access to arrest records but preserves them for limited official use. Expungement (officially called "dismissal" under California law) does not physically destroy records but updates them to show the case was dismissed and releases the person from many penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction.
Under Penal Code § 851.8, individuals who were arrested but never charged with a crime may petition for a finding of factual innocence and sealing of arrest records. If granted, the arrest is deemed not to have occurred, and records are sealed for three years, then physically destroyed.
For arrests that led to charges but no conviction, Penal Code § 851.91 provides a pathway to seal arrest records. Eligible individuals must file a petition with the court that would have handled the criminal case.
For convictions, Penal Code § 1203.4 allows for expungement if the individual:
- Successfully completed probation
- Is not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another offense
- Did not serve time in state prison for the offense
To initiate these processes in Santa Barbara County, individuals must:
- Obtain a copy of their criminal record from the California Department of Justice or the arresting agency
- Determine eligibility for sealing or expungement
- Complete appropriate petition forms (available from the court clerk or legal aid organizations)
- File the petition with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for low-income applicants)
- Attend the scheduled court hearing if required
Petitions should be filed at:
Santa Barbara County Superior Court - Criminal Division
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-4520
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Legal assistance for record clearing may be available through:
Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office
1100 Anacapa Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-3470
Santa Barbara County Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Santa Barbara County?
Following an arrest in Santa Barbara County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. This process adheres to California state law and local procedures established by Santa Barbara County agencies.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
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Booking and Processing: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, usually the Santa Barbara County Main Jail located at 4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. During booking, law enforcement records the arrestee's personal information, takes fingerprints and photographs, conducts a search, inventories personal property, and enters charge information into the system.
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Bail Determination: For most offenses, bail amounts are set according to the Santa Barbara County Bail Schedule. Individuals may post bail through cash, property bonds, or bail bond agencies. Some arrestees may be released on their own recognizance (OR) without monetary bail if deemed appropriate by the court.
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Initial Court Appearance: Arrestees must be brought before a judge for arraignment within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. At this hearing, held at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, charges are formally presented, constitutional rights are explained, and pleas are entered. Public defenders are appointed for those who cannot afford private counsel.
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Pre-Trial Proceedings: If the case proceeds, various pre-trial hearings may occur, including:
- Preliminary hearings (for felonies)
- Pre-trial conferences
- Motion hearings
- Settlement conferences
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Case Resolution: Cases may be resolved through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Plea agreements
- Diversion programs (for eligible offenses)
- Trial by judge or jury
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation
- Fines and fees
- Community service
- Restitution to victims
- Mandatory treatment programs
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Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may:
- Serve imposed sentences
- Appeal convictions or sentences
- Apply for modification of sentences
- Eventually seek expungement or record sealing
Throughout this process, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases, while the Public Defender's Office or private attorneys provide defense. The Santa Barbara County Probation Department conducts pre-sentence investigations and supervises probationers.
The specific timeline and procedures may vary based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Santa Barbara County?
Arrest records in Santa Barbara County are maintained according to California state law and local records retention policies. These retention periods ensure both accountability in the criminal justice system and appropriate records management.
Under Government Code § 34090, which governs records retention for local agencies, most records must be kept for a minimum of two years. However, law enforcement records, including arrest records, are typically maintained for much longer periods due to their ongoing administrative and legal significance.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office follows the California Law Enforcement Records Management Guidelines established by the California Secretary of State. Under these guidelines:
- Adult arrest records are generally maintained for a minimum of 5 years after the arrest date
- Felony arrest records may be kept for 10 years or longer
- Records related to serious violent offenses may be maintained permanently
- Booking photographs (mugshots) typically follow the same retention schedule as the associated arrest records
- Fingerprint records are maintained in the statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) indefinitely
Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention period for many arrest records, with some information being maintained indefinitely in electronic databases. The California Department of Justice maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest information submitted by local agencies, including those in Santa Barbara County.
Different components of arrest records may have different retention requirements:
- Physical booking sheets: 5-10 years
- Arrest reports: 5 years minimum, longer for serious offenses
- Investigation reports related to arrests: Varies by case type
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention in state systems
- Photographs: Varies by agency policy
Records may be maintained beyond minimum retention periods at the discretion of the maintaining agency, particularly if they relate to serious offenses, have ongoing investigative value, or involve high-profile cases.
It is important to note that even after physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information about arrests may remain in databases maintained by the California Department of Justice and accessible to law enforcement agencies indefinitely.
How to Find Mugshots in Santa Barbara County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Santa Barbara County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes rather than for public dissemination.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Santa Barbara County, booking photographs are maintained by:
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-4100
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within the county also maintain mugshots for arrests they process, including:
Santa Barbara Police Department Records Division
215 East Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2300
Santa Barbara Police Department
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may submit a California Public Records Act request to the arresting agency. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Can They Be Found Online
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and local police departments do not maintain public-facing online databases of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish booking photos on their websites as a matter of routine practice.
Some third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites may contain outdated or inaccurate information and often charge fees for removal of photos, a practice that has been restricted by California law under Civil Code § 1798.91.1.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain a mugshot is through a formal public records request to the arresting agency. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the agency's records division
- By mail
- By email (for some agencies)
- Through online request portals (where available)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in California, including Santa Barbara County, is subject to certain limitations:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential
- Photos related to certain offenses (such as those involving confidential informants) may be exempt from disclosure
- Agencies may withhold photos if release would endanger an investigation or individual safety
- California law restricts commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
When requesting mugshots, be prepared to pay reasonable duplication fees, typically ranging from $5-$25 per photograph depending on the agency's fee schedule.