Lassen County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lassen County in 2026
LassenRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records in Lassen County, California. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through the resources listed below. Record availability varies by agency and the nature of the underlying case, and not all records are accessible through a single source.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Lassen County Sheriff's Office, the Superior Court of California – County of Lassen, the City of Susanville Police Department, and state-level databases maintained by the California Department of Justice. Online tools, public access terminals, and in-person requests at clerk offices are all available access methods.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Lassen County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the Lassen County Jail. The Sheriff's Office website provides access to current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and custody status. Records are updated on a rolling basis as bookings occur.
- Booking information includes full legal name, charges, booking date, and custody status
- Search by name or booking number
- Records reflect current and recent detainees; historical records may require an in-person or written request
Lassen County Sheriff's Office
1205 S. Roop Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8100
Lassen County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Susanville Police Department serves the county seat and publishes crime graphics and arrest-related information as a public service. The department notes that this resource is provided to promote community awareness while protecting victim privacy. Press releases and arrest logs may be requested directly from the department's records division.
- Arrest logs and press releases available upon request
- Public records requests for Susanville are submitted through the city's online portal; however, Police Department records are processed separately and must be requested directly from the department
Susanville Police Department
66 North Lassen Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 257-3292
City of Susanville – Public Records
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Superior Court of California, County of Lassen, maintains criminal case records linked to arrests that resulted in formal charges. Members of the public may search case information and request copies of case files online, in person, or by mail through the court's records and information portal.
- Search by defendant name to locate associated criminal case numbers
- Case records include charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information
- Court records are distinct from arrest records and reflect proceedings after charges are filed
Superior Court of California – County of Lassen
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Lassen Superior Court – Records & Information
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The California Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository. The California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) is an online tool operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that allows the public to look up individuals currently in CDCR custody. Search results include facility location, admission date, and offense information.
- Available at no cost for basic inmate lookups
- Covers individuals in state prison custody, not county jail
- Comprehensive criminal history records (RAP sheets) require a formal request to the California DOJ and are subject to eligibility requirements and fees
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
1205 S. Roop Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full name, date of birth, and booking number. Copy fees apply per page.
Susanville Police Department Records:
66 North Lassen Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 257-3292
Police Department records are not processed through the city's general public records portal and must be requested directly from the department.
Clerk of Court:
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office or request certified copies. Standard copy fees apply.
By Mail:
Written requests may be submitted to the Lassen County Sheriff's Office at 1205 S. Roop Street, Susanville, CA 96130. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing times vary based on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Lassen County Sheriff's Office: (530) 251-8100
- Susanville Police Department: (530) 257-3292
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to submit a written or in-person request for detailed records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records in civil or criminal proceedings. Discovery in active criminal cases is governed by California Penal Code procedures.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Susanville PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Lassen County
Arrest records in Lassen County are public records under California law. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public records are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular office hours. As the California Department of Justice notes, "Californians have the right under the state Public Records Act and the California Constitution to access public information maintained by local and state government agencies." This framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under California Welfare and Institutions Code)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
- Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that would endanger a person or compromise an investigation
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
California's public records framework is grounded in both statute and the state constitution. Article I, Section 3(b) of the California Constitution affirms the public's right of access to government information. This right is balanced against individual privacy interests recognized under Article I, Section 1. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). California's Fair Employment and Housing Act imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions. California Labor Code § 432.7 prohibits employers from asking about or using arrests that did not result in conviction in most employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest reflects an allegation, not a finding of guilt.
What's in Lassen County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Susanville Police Department, California Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Reflect legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Document convictions and sentences
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lassen County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Lassen County varies by agency and the format of the requested records. Under California Government Code § 6253, agencies may charge for the direct cost of duplication but may not impose fees for inspection of records.
| Record Type | Access Method | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection of public records | In-person | No charge |
| Standard paper copies | In-person or by mail | $0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency) |
| Certified copies (court records) | Clerk of Court | $0.50–$1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Electronic copies | Online portal | Varies; some records available at no cost |
| Criminal history (RAP sheet) | California DOJ | $25.00 per request (live scan required for personal review) |
| CIRIS inmate lookup | Online (CDCR) | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Lassen County Sheriff's Office and Superior Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or members of the media in certain circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
Basic online lookups through the court's case information portal and the CDCR's California Incarcerated Records & Information Search are available at no cost.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Lassen County
California law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure under Penal Code § 1203.4) and sealing (restricting public access under Penal Code § 851.91). These remedies are distinct. Expungement under § 1203.4 applies to convictions and allows a defendant who has completed probation to withdraw a guilty plea and have the case dismissed, though the record is not fully destroyed. Sealing under § 851.91 applies to arrests that did not result in conviction and, when granted, restricts public access to the arrest record.
Eligibility for Sealing (Arrest Without Conviction):
- The arrest did not result in conviction
- The statute of limitations has expired, or the prosecutor has declined to file charges, or charges were dismissed
- The petitioner is not currently charged with a crime
- Certain serious offenses (such as those requiring sex offender registration) may be ineligible
Steps to Seal an Arrest Record in California:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record from the arresting agency or the California DOJ
- Confirm eligibility under California Penal Code § 851.91
- File a petition in the Superior Court of California, County of Lassen, in the court where the arrest occurred or would have been prosecuted
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting agency (Lassen County District Attorney's Office)
- Attend the hearing; the court will grant the petition if eligibility requirements are met
- Upon granting, the court issues an order directing law enforcement agencies to seal the record
- Provide certified copies of the sealing order to the arresting agency and the California DOJ
Expungement of Conviction Records:
Individuals who were convicted and completed probation may petition for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4. This process does not destroy the record but updates it to reflect a dismissal, which limits its use in most employment contexts.
Lassen County Superior Court – Criminal Division
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Lassen Superior Court – Records & Information
Lassen County District Attorney's Office
220 South Lassen Street, Suite 8
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8283
Lassen County Public Defender's Office
220 South Lassen Street, Suite 4
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8290
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office for expungement and sealing proceedings.
What Happens After Arrest in Lassen County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Lassen County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lassen County Jail, operated by the Lassen County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
Lassen County Jail
1205 S. Roop Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8100
Lassen County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance / Initial Hearing
Under California law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than the next court day following arrest. At the initial appearance:
- Formal charges are read
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond / Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the judge or pursuant to the county bail schedule.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bail amount under California Insurance Code regulations.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: Individuals charged with serious violent offenses, those deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, or those subject to immigration holds or out-of-state warrants may be held without bail.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, release processing at the Lassen County Jail typically takes one to eight hours. The released individual receives a court date and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Lassen County Public Defender's Office
220 South Lassen Street, Suite 4
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8290
Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit clients at the jail under confidential attorney-client consultation procedures.
Charging Decision:
The Lassen County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding establishes probable cause before the case proceeds to arraignment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage, and the court sets future hearing dates.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial.
If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention and is advised of appeal rights.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within one court day
- First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge severity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
- California Penal Code provides a statutory right to a speedy trial: 30 days for misdemeanors (if in custody) and 60 days for felonies from the date of arraignment
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Lassen County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1205 S. Roop Street
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8100
Lassen County Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of California – County of Lassen
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Lassen Superior Court
Lassen County District Attorney's Office
220 South Lassen Street, Suite 8
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8283
Lassen County Public Defender's Office
220 South Lassen Street, Suite 4
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8290
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than counsel
- Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lassen County?
Arrest record retention in Lassen County is governed by California state law, local agency policies, and applicable provisions of the California Records Retention Schedule maintained by the Secretary of State. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the disposition of the underlying case, and the agency holding the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the California DOJ's state criminal history repository
- Accessible to law enforcement and authorized agencies indefinitely
- Reported on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most California law enforcement and court databases
- Reported on background checks; California law imposes restrictions on employer use of older conviction records
Dismissed Charges:
- May remain in local law enforcement and court databases unless sealed or expunged
- Eligible for sealing under California Penal Code § 851.91 in most cases
- The California DOJ updates its repository upon receipt of a court sealing order
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records are retained permanently
- Arrest records may remain in law enforcement databases unless sealed
- Eligible for sealing petition
Charges Not Filed / Prosecutor Declined:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of two years under California law
- May be eligible for immediate sealing petition
Retention by Agency:
| Agency | Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sheriff's Office | Booking records | Minimum 2 years; felony-related records often permanent |
| Sheriff's Office | Arrest reports | Minimum 2 years; varies by case outcome |
| Clerk of Court | Felony case files | Permanent |
| Clerk of Court | Misdemeanor case files | 10 years from disposition |
| Clerk of Court | Traffic cases | 5–10 years |
| California DOJ | State criminal history | Permanent (updated upon expungement or sealing) |
| FBI / NCIC | Federal database | Permanent; accessible to law enforcement nationwide |
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records management systems used by the Sheriff's Office and the court often retain records permanently as a practical matter, even when the minimum statutory retention period has expired. Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable California records retention schedule.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and online mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA's scope may not update records following expungement or sealing. Individuals who have obtained a sealing or expungement order may need to contact such websites directly to request removal.
Effect of Expungement on Retention:
Following a court-ordered expungement or sealing, the California DOJ updates the state criminal history repository, and local law enforcement agencies are directed to seal or restrict access to the relevant records. The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) may retain records with a notation reflecting the court order. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for authorized purposes even after public access is restricted.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the court's case information portal
- Arrests from prior years: May require an in-person request or written public records request; retrieval fees may apply
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives or may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Lassen County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (530) 251-8100 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. The California DOJ's public records resources provide additional guidance on accessing and correcting state criminal history information.