Napa County Public Records / Napa County Arrest Records

Napa County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Napa County

Arrest records in Napa County are considered public information under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in California Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests, with certain exceptions to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

Pursuant to California Government Code § 6254(f), law enforcement agencies must disclose specific information about arrests, including the arrestee's name, occupation, physical description, date and time of arrest, circumstances of the arrest, and factual circumstances surrounding the arrest. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

The Napa County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents within their jurisdiction and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. Similarly, the Napa County Department of Corrections maintains booking and custody records that contain information about individuals who have been processed into the county jail system.

While the general principle is that these records are public, access may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when disclosure would endanger an individual's safety, compromise an ongoing investigation, or when records have been sealed by court order.

What's in Napa County Arrest Records

Napa County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Hair and eye color
Home address (may be redacted in public versions)
Occupation (when provided)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number (may be redacted)
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge codes (California Penal Code sections)
Charge descriptions
Enhancement allegations (if applicable)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Processing officer

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition (if resolved)

Custody Status:

Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
Release date (if applicable)
Type of release (bail, own recognizance, completion of sentence)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior booking history
Probation or parole status
Immigration holds
Medical alerts (general information only)
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

The Napa County Criminal Justice Network (CJNet) provides public access to certain booking information, though the level of detail available to the public may be limited compared to what is maintained in the full official record.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Napa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Napa County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:

In-Person Requests:

Individuals may request arrest records in person at the Napa County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau:

Napa County Sheriff's Office
1535 Airport Boulevard
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 253-4509
Napa County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

When making an in-person request, requestors should:

Complete a public records request form
Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.10 per page for standard copies)

Written Requests:

Written requests may be submitted via mail to the address above or via email to the Sheriff's Records Bureau. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(c), agencies must respond to requests within 10 calendar days, though complex requests may require an extension.

Online Access:

The Napa County Department of Corrections provides online access to certain booking and custody information through the following resources:

Public Booking Report - Shows individuals booked into custody within the past week
In-Custody Report - Lists individuals currently in custody at Napa County facilities

These online resources are updated regularly and provide basic information about arrests and custody status.

Third-Party Background Check Services:

Commercial background check services may also provide access to Napa County arrest records, though the information they provide may not be as current or complete as official county sources.

How To Find Napa County Arrest Records Online

Napa County provides several official online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital tools allow members of the public to search for basic arrest and custody information without visiting county offices in person:

Napa County Criminal Justice Network (CJNet): The county's primary online portal for public criminal justice information offers several search options:
- Access the CJNet Public Reports portal
- Select from available report options including booking reports and custody information
- Search parameters typically include name, booking date range, and other identifiers
- Results display basic information about arrests and bookings
Public Booking Report: This specific report shows individuals who have been booked into Napa County custody:
- Navigate to the Public Booking Report page
- The system displays booking information for the past seven days by default
- Information includes booking date/time, arrestee name, arrest information, booking code, charges, and bail amounts
- No login or account creation is required
In-Custody Report: This report provides real-time information about individuals currently held in Napa County detention facilities:
- Visit the In-Custody Report page
- The report displays all individuals currently in custody
- Information includes booking date, personal information, arrest details, and charges
- The report is updated throughout the day as custody status changes
Napa County Sheriff's Office Records & Documents: For more detailed arrest records not available through the online portals:
- Visit the Records & Documents page
- Follow instructions for submitting formal public records requests
- Some documents may require submission of a written request form

When using these online resources, users should note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a comprehensive criminal history check. Additionally, certain information may be redacted or limited in accordance with privacy laws and investigative needs.

How To Search Napa County Arrest Records for Free?

Napa County provides several no-cost options for members of the public to access basic arrest record information. These free resources are maintained as part of the county's commitment to transparency and public information access:

Online Free Resources:

The primary free online resources for Napa County arrest records include:

Napa County Criminal Justice Network Public Portal:
- Visit the CJNet Public Reports website
- No registration or account creation required
- Access booking reports and custody information at no charge
- Information is updated regularly throughout each business day
Public Booking Report:
- Access the Public Booking Report directly
- View booking information for the past seven days
- Search by name or browse chronologically
- Information includes charges, booking dates, and basic arrestee information
In-Custody Report:
- Check the In-Custody Report for current inmates
- Updated throughout the day to reflect current custody status
- Provides information on all individuals currently held in Napa County facilities

In-Person Free Options:

For those who prefer in-person assistance or need records not available online:

Public Terminal Access:
- Visit the Napa County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
- Use public access terminals to search basic arrest information
- Staff can provide guidance on using the system
- Available during regular business hours at no charge
Public Records Inspection:
- Request to inspect (not copy) specific arrest records
- Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(a), public records are open to inspection during regular office hours
- While inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested

Free Assistance Services:

The Napa County Department of Corrections provides limited telephone assistance for basic custody status inquiries at (707) 253-4401 during regular business hours. This service can confirm if an individual is currently in custody but cannot provide detailed arrest record information.

When using these free resources, members of the public should be aware that certain information may be redacted or unavailable due to privacy protections, ongoing investigations, or other legal restrictions.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Napa County

In California, including Napa County, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the traditional sense, but there are legal mechanisms to limit their accessibility and impact through sealing, expungement, or other remedies. Understanding the distinction between these options is essential:

Record Sealing vs. Expungement:

Record Sealing: Restricts public access to arrest records but does not completely remove them from government databases. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Expungement: Under California law, this process (governed by Penal Code § 1203.4) does not physically destroy records but changes their status to show the case was dismissed after conviction. The record still exists but with a notation of dismissal.

Eligibility for Record Relief in Napa County:

Several pathways exist for individuals seeking to address arrest records:

Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction:
- Under California Penal Code § 851.8, individuals may petition for a finding of factual innocence
- If granted, arrest records may be sealed and eventually destroyed
- Requires clear and convincing evidence that the arrest was without probable cause
Expungement of Convictions:
- Available under California Penal Code § 1203.4 for many misdemeanors and some felonies
- Generally requires completion of probation or sentence
- Not available for certain sex offenses and serious felonies
- Does not remove the record but shows case as dismissed
Automatic Relief:
- California's AB 1076 provides automatic relief for certain low-level offenses
- System identifies eligible cases without requiring individual petitions
- Implementation is ongoing and applies to qualifying arrests and convictions
Juvenile Record Sealing:
- Separate process under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
- More comprehensive than adult record relief
- May be available automatically or by petition depending on circumstances

Process for Seeking Record Relief:

To initiate the process in Napa County:

Obtain a copy of your criminal record from the California Department of Justice
File appropriate petition with the Napa County Superior Court: Napa County Superior Court
825 Brown Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 299-1100
Napa County Superior Court
Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify)
Attend scheduled court hearing if required
If granted, ensure the California Department of Justice and local agencies update their records

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating these processes. The Napa County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to eligible individuals seeking record relief.

What Happens After Arrest in Napa County?

Following an arrest in Napa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process adheres to California state law and local procedures:

Booking and Initial Processing:

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Napa County Department of Corrections facility for booking. This process typically includes:

Documentation of personal information
Fingerprinting and photographing
Property inventory
Medical screening
Criminal history check
Assignment of booking number
Entry into the Napa County Criminal Justice Network system

Bail Determination:

For most offenses, bail amounts are set according to the Napa County Bail Schedule. Options at this stage may include:

Cash bail payment
Securing a bail bond through a licensed bondsman
Release on own recognizance (OR) for qualifying low-risk defendants
Detention until arraignment for serious offenses or flight risks

Arraignment:

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

Formal charges are presented
Constitutional rights are explained
Legal representation is established (private counsel or public defender)
Plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
Bail may be reviewed or modified
Future court dates are scheduled

Pre-Trial Proceedings:

Following arraignment, cases proceed through several potential pre-trial phases:

Discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense)
Pre-trial motions (challenges to evidence, procedures, or charges)
Plea negotiations
Preliminary hearing (for felony cases)
Diversion program placement (for eligible cases)

Case Resolution:

Cases may be resolved through several pathways:

Dismissal of charges
Plea agreement
Diversion program completion
Trial by judge or jury
Conviction or acquittal

Sentencing (if convicted):

Sentencing options in Napa County may include:

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation supervision
Fines and restitution
Community service
Treatment programs
Electronic monitoring

Throughout this process, information about an individual's status is maintained in county records systems, with certain information available through the Public Booking Report and In-Custody Report online portals.

For individuals transferred to state custody following conviction, information may be accessible through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation systems, including the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS).

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Napa County?

Arrest records in Napa County are subject to retention requirements established by California state law and local records management policies. The duration these records are maintained varies based on several factors:

State-Mandated Retention Periods:

California Government Code § 34090 establishes the baseline requirement that local agencies must retain records for a minimum of two years. However, law enforcement records, including arrest records, are typically subject to longer retention periods:

Arrest Records for Adults: Generally maintained for a minimum of five years from the date of arrest, though records of serious offenses may be kept permanently.
Felony Arrest Records: Typically maintained for longer periods, often 10 years to permanently, depending on the nature of the offense.
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special protections under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781 and may be eligible for sealing after case conclusion.

Agency-Specific Retention Schedules:

Different agencies within Napa County maintain their own records according to their specific retention schedules:

Napa County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to their departmental retention schedule, which typically exceeds the minimum state requirements.
Napa County Department of Corrections: Retains booking and custody records for periods determined by their internal policies and state guidelines.
Napa County Superior Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained according to the Judicial Council of California's records retention schedule, which may differ from law enforcement retention periods.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

The format of records affects retention practices:

Digital records in the Napa County Criminal Justice Network may be maintained longer than paper records due to storage capacity.
Physical fingerprint cards and booking photos may be transferred to digital format after a certain period.

Records Preservation for Significant Cases:

Records related to certain categories of cases may be preserved indefinitely:

Homicides and violent felonies
Sex offenses
Cases with historical or legal significance
Unsolved cases

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, background check systems, and archives. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as mugshots that appeared in news media) may remain accessible even after official records are no longer actively maintained by county agencies.

How to Find Mugshots in Napa County

What Mugshots Are:

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically show the arrestee's face and upper body from both frontal and profile (side) perspectives.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

In Napa County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The Napa County Department of Corrections, which processes arrestees into the county jail system
The Napa County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau, which maintains law enforcement records
Local police departments within Napa County for arrests they process

Finding Mugshots:

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Napa County have several potential avenues:

Public Records Requests:
- Submit a formal request under the California Public Records Act to the arresting agency
- Requests should include the arrestee's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction costs
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Napa County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau during business hours: Napa County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
  1535 Airport Boulevard
  Napa, CA 94558
  (707) 253-4509
  Records & Documents
- Complete a records request form specifying the booking photo being sought

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

Unlike some jurisdictions, Napa County does not currently publish mugshots through its Public Booking Report or In-Custody Report systems. While basic booking information is available online, the actual photographs are not posted on county websites.

Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from various sources, but these are not official county resources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially:

To obtain official copies of booking photographs:

Submit a written request to the appropriate agency
Provide specific identifying information about the subject
Explain the purpose of the request (though this is not legally required)
Pay applicable reproduction fees

Restrictions on Mugshot Access:

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Photographs of juveniles are generally not released to the public
Images related to ongoing investigations may be withheld
Photos may be withheld if release would endanger an individual's safety
California law (AB 1475) restricts law enforcement agencies from posting mugshots of non-violent arrestees on social media

Additionally, California Civil Code § 1798.91.1 prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots, providing some protection against exploitative practices by mugshot websites.