Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Where To Find California Arrest Records Online

By Ben Kingsley


California arrest records are public records. Public records pertain to documents that the government have accumulated during the course of their transactions with the public. Although records are public properties, some records are restricted and these include the criminal records of an individual. One can however access one's own criminal records if they are doing a personal background check. Agencies, on the other hand, can also do so; however, they have to check for requirements from the Office of the Attorney General. Individuals who are looking for records of current inmates or prisoners can also do so by checking the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

For residents of California, they are required to submit a fingerprint image scan and pay a $25 processing fee. The applicants are requested to download and fill up the Live Scan form. Applicants should choose the type of application they need and indicate the reason for the application. Take the application form to any of the fingerprint service centers. The fingerprint service can be accessed through local police departments or any establishments that are authorized by the DOJ. Some service centers charge other fees aside from the $25, which is mandatory by the DOJ, for rolling feed or any other fees.

Out of state residents can also avail of the background check service. All applicants have to do is to download the State Summary Criminal History Records. The forms are available in English and Spanish and downloadable in PDF format. The applicant should go to the nearest fingerprint agency in their area and have their fingerprint scan. Payments are done through money order or check. aCash is not accepted, although fees charged by the fingerprint agency should be paid in the form that the agency deems acceptable.

The normal processing time takes about seven business days and for individuals who apply through agencies, they can get their result from the agency center. There are some cases when the processing will be extended and follow up is necessary to resolve the matter. Poor fingerprint quality scan, incorrect information and records with positive results are some of the common contributing factors causing processing delays. For follow up, applicants can avail of the automated phone system to make their inquiries.

There are some cases that can be removed by the applicant should there be a positive match to their check. Cases such as misdemeanour or minor cases are eligible for sealing or expungement. Request for the records to be "sealed and destroyed" still depends on the court handling the case. A probation case costs about $120 whereas cases without probation require a fee of $60.

For personal records, applicants can check their local law enforcement and request for any records pertaining to their own. Some law enforcement agencies have their own policies concerning requests so it is important to call the local department and ask the requirements before one goes in person. Applicants can also go to the court where the conviction was handed down and file for a request to obtain their personal records. It is possible to access arrest records through online means as well. There are companies that provide free or pay per request online. The government also has the Megan's Law, a free online tool, which can help locate sex offenders.




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