El Dorado County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in El Dorado County
Arrest records in El Dorado County are considered public information pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) 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 California Public Records Act specifically designates arrest logs, police blotters, and booking information as public records that must be disclosed upon request, with certain exceptions.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under California law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be subject to certain restrictions under California Penal Code § 851.8.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with the California Department of Justice's records management policies. While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, juvenile information, or other statutorily protected information.
What's in El Dorado County Arrest Records
El Dorado County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
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 (e.g., El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Placerville Police Department)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- California Penal Code section(s) violated
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Whether bail was posted
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if in custody)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Parole or probation status
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative requirements.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in El Dorado County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in El Dorado County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office - Main Headquarters
300 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-5655
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should:
- Complete a Public Records Request form, available at the front desk or downloadable from the Sheriff's Office website
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (currently $15 for the first 10 pages, $0.10 per additional page)
For written requests, individuals may submit a completed Public Records Request form via mail to the address above, or via email to records@edso.org. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c), the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension.
For arrest records related to cases that have proceeded to court, requesters may contact:
El Dorado County Superior Court
Main Street Branch
495 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-6726
El Dorado County Superior Court
Court records requests require completion of the Judicial Council form MC-010 (Request for Court Records Search). The court charges a search fee of $15 per name or case number, with additional fees for certified copies.
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Requests may be denied or information redacted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, reveal confidential informant information, or violate privacy laws regarding juvenile records, sexual assault victims, or other protected categories.
How To Find El Dorado County Arrest Records Online
El Dorado County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with California public records laws.
The primary online resource for arrest record information is the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information System, accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. This database provides current information on individuals currently in custody at county detention facilities. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Information" from the main menu
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, and/or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and custody status
For cases that have proceeded to court, the El Dorado County Superior Court maintains an online case information portal that provides access to criminal case records. This system can be accessed through the El Dorado County Superior Court online services portal. To search for case information:
- Select "Case Information" from the available options
- Choose "Criminal Case Records" from the menu
- Enter search parameters (defendant name, case number, or filing date)
- Review case summaries, which may include arrest information, charges, hearing dates, and case disposition
Additionally, the California Department of Justice maintains the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), which contains arrest record information statewide. However, direct public access to CLETS is restricted; authorized criminal justice agencies and certain approved entities may access this system.
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Information may be updated with varying frequency
- Some details available in physical records may be omitted from online versions
- Older records may not be digitized or searchable online
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
For comprehensive arrest record information, particularly for cases more than five years old, direct contact with the Sheriff's Records Division remains the most reliable method.
How To Search El Dorado County Arrest Records for Free?
El Dorado County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several authorized channels. While comprehensive official records typically involve fees, the following resources provide free access to basic arrest information:
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible Custody Log on its official website. This resource provides:
- Names of recently arrested individuals
- Booking dates
- Primary charges
- Custody status
- Next court appearance (if scheduled)
This information is updated daily and remains available for approximately 30 days. To access this resource:
- Visit the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Custody Log" section
- Browse the chronological listing or use browser search functions to locate specific names
The El Dorado County Superior Court provides free public access terminals at both courthouse locations:
El Dorado County Superior Court - Placerville
495 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-6726
El Dorado County Superior Court - South Lake Tahoe
1354 Johnson Boulevard
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3075
These terminals allow visitors to search court cases, which often contain information about associated arrests. While terminal access is free, printing documents from these stations incurs standard copy fees.
Local public libraries in El Dorado County also provide free internet access that can be used to search publicly available arrest information through the Sheriff's Office website and other authorized online resources.
For individuals seeking their own arrest records, California Penal Code § 11105 provides that a person may review their own criminal history record by submitting fingerprints and paying associated processing fees. While the record review itself is a statutory right, the fingerprinting and processing involve costs set by the California Department of Justice.
It should be noted that while basic arrest information may be accessible without charge, obtaining certified copies, extensive record searches, or archived materials typically involves payment of established fees to cover administrative costs as permitted under Government Code § 6253.
How To Delete Arrest Records in El Dorado County
California law provides specific mechanisms for the removal, sealing, or expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by California Penal Code § 851.8 and § 1203.4, which establish distinct pathways for addressing arrest records in El Dorado County.
Record sealing and expungement represent different legal remedies:
- Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use
- Expungement (or "dismissal" under California law) does not physically destroy records but changes their status to reflect that the conviction was dismissed
For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition for a finding of factual innocence under Penal Code § 851.8. This process requires:
- Filing a petition with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- If denied, filing with the Superior Court within 60 days
- Demonstrating that no reasonable cause existed to believe the arrestee committed the offense
For convictions, individuals may petition for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4 if they:
- Have completed probation or were discharged early
- Are not currently charged with, serving a sentence for, or on probation for another offense
- Have paid all fines, restitution, and reimbursements ordered by the court
To initiate these processes in El Dorado County, individuals should:
- Obtain a copy of their criminal record from the California Department of Justice
- Complete appropriate petition forms (available from the court clerk)
- File the petition with the El Dorado County Superior Court
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Attend the scheduled hearing
El Dorado County Public Defender's Office
630 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-6440
El Dorado County Public Defender
The Public Defender's Office provides assistance with record clearing for eligible individuals. Additionally, the El Dorado County Law Library offers self-help resources for those pursuing record remediation without attorney representation.
Certain serious offenses, including most sex offenses and violent felonies, may be ineligible for expungement. Additionally, even expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies and may be considered in certain licensing decisions and future criminal proceedings.
What Happens After Arrest in El Dorado County?
Following an arrest in El Dorado County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by California state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
The initial phase begins with booking at either the El Dorado County Jail in Placerville or the South Lake Tahoe Jail. During booking, arrestees are:
- Photographed and fingerprinted
- Searched for contraband
- Interviewed for basic information
- Assessed for medical needs
- Entered into the county's custody management system
Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees must be brought before a judge for arraignment, as required by California Penal Code § 825. At this initial court appearance:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Legal representation is arranged (private counsel or public defender)
- Bail determinations are made
- Plea options are presented (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
For misdemeanor offenses, eligible defendants may be released on their own recognizance or through the county's pretrial services program. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 court days of arraignment if the defendant is in custody, or within 60 days if released. This hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
If the case advances beyond preliminary hearing, it proceeds to the trial phase. Defendants have the constitutional right to:
- A speedy trial (typically within 30-60 days depending on custody status)
- Trial by jury (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Confront witnesses
- Present evidence in their defense
Following conviction through plea or trial, the case moves to sentencing. The El Dorado County Probation Department typically prepares a pre-sentence investigation report to assist the court in determining appropriate penalties, which may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Mandatory treatment programs
Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained and updated to reflect the status of the case. These records become part of the individual's criminal history maintained by both El Dorado County and the California Department of Justice.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in El Dorado County?
Arrest records in El Dorado County are subject to retention requirements established by California Government Code § 26202 and the California Secretary of State's Local Government Records Management Guidelines. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records, including those documenting arrests.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest reports for adults: Minimum retention of 5 years from date of arrest
- Felony arrest records: Minimum retention of 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records involving serious violent offenses: Permanent retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 18, then sealed pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Minimum retention of 5 years from date of arrest
Digital arrest records maintained in the Sheriff's Office Records Management System are typically retained indefinitely, though access may be restricted for older records. Physical arrest records may be microfilmed or digitized after the initial retention period, with original documents destroyed after verification of successful conversion.
The El Dorado County Superior Court maintains its own record retention schedule for court cases stemming from arrests:
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: 75 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information about arrests may be maintained in databases indefinitely. Additionally, the California Department of Justice maintains a central repository of criminal history information that includes arrest data from all counties, including El Dorado. These state-level records are generally maintained for the life of the subject.
Law enforcement agencies may retain records beyond minimum requirements for various legitimate purposes, including:
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Investigation of similar crimes
- Background checks for sensitive positions
- Compliance with court orders
- Historical documentation
Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should contact the El Dorado County Sheriff's Records Division for the most accurate information about availability and retention status.
How to Find Mugshots in El Dorado County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in El Dorado County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Booking photographs typically capture front-facing and profile views of the arrestee. These images are taken under controlled conditions at county detention facilities and include identifying information such as the booking number and date. Mugshots serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In El Dorado County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
300 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-5703
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
Mugshots are stored in the Sheriff's Office Records Management System and linked to the corresponding arrest record. Access to these photographs is governed by California public records laws and departmental policies.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:
- Submit a Public Records Act request to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide specific identifying information about the arrest (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $15 for the first photograph, $5 for each additional photograph)
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by Government Code § 6253(c)
Can They Be Found Online
El Dorado County does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, the county does not publish mugshots on its website or through a dedicated online portal. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the potential misuse of booking photographs and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for booking photographs must be submitted through formal channels. The Sheriff's Office evaluates each request to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the Records Division
- By mail to the Sheriff's Office address
- By email to records@edso.org
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juvenile arrestees (protected under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Arrests related to domestic violence or sexual offenses (to protect victim privacy)
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases where records have been sealed or expunged by court order
California Assembly Bill 1475, enacted in 2021, further restricts the publication of booking photographs by law enforcement agencies on social media platforms for certain categories of non-violent offenses, reflecting evolving standards regarding the public disclosure of mugshots.
Lookup Arrest Records in El Dorado County
Online Services | Superior Court of California | County of El Dorado