Calaveras County Busted Mugshots

Calaveras County busted mugshots are handled by the sheriff's office in San Andreas, the county seat. This rural county in the Sierra Nevada foothills has a population of about 46,000 people. The sheriff is the primary law enforcement agency for the entire county, as there are no incorporated cities with their own police departments. All arrests and bookings flow through the sheriff's office. This page covers how to access busted mugshots from Calaveras County, including the sheriff's records process, CPRA requests, and California state tools that can help locate arrest data.

Calaveras County Sheriff Arrest and Booking Data

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office is located at 891 Mountain Ranch Road in San Andreas, CA 95249. The main phone number is (209) 754-6500. The sheriff operates the county jail, runs patrol across the entire county, and serves as the primary agency for all law enforcement matters. Calaveras County has no incorporated cities, so the sheriff covers everything from the communities of Angels Camp and Murphys to Arnold and Copperopolis.

When someone is arrested in Calaveras County, the booking happens at the county jail. The process includes taking a mugshot, recording personal information, logging charges, and setting bail if applicable. The booking record stays in the system even after the person is released. Calaveras County's jail is a smaller facility suited to the county's modest population. Daily bookings are far fewer than what you see in urban counties, but the records process is the same.

The sheriff's office may publish a booking log or press releases about arrests. Check the sheriff's website for any available information. Press releases often include names, charges, and sometimes booking photos for high-profile or serious cases. For routine arrests, you will likely need to contact the office directly.

How to Search for Calaveras County Busted Mugshots

Calaveras County does not have a large online inmate search system like bigger counties do. To find busted mugshots, your best option is to contact the sheriff's office by phone at (209) 754-6500. Ask for the jail or records division. Provide the full name of the person and an approximate arrest date. The staff can check the system and let you know if a booking record exists.

You can also file a written request under the California Public Records Act. Mail your request to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office at 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249. Explain what records you want and who they concern. The agency has 10 days to respond. Include as much identifying information as possible, such as name, date of birth, and date of arrest. This helps the staff find the right record quickly.

The CDCR CIRIS inmate search tool covers state prison inmates and can help locate people sentenced to state custody from Calaveras County.

CIRIS only shows people in state prison, not those held in the Calaveras County jail or released on bail.

Some third-party websites aggregate booking data from California counties. These sites may have some Calaveras County records, but the data can be outdated or incomplete. Under SB 1027, none of these sites can charge you to remove a mugshot. If you use third-party tools, always verify the information against official sources. The sheriff's office is the authoritative source for Calaveras County booking records.

Calaveras County Public Records and Legal Framework

The CPRA gives you the right to access government records in California. For booking records, Government Code section 7923.610 requires agencies to release the arrestee's full name, physical description, date and time of arrest, charges, bail amount, and release information. The mugshot is not specifically mentioned in the statute, but many legal experts argue it falls under "physical description." A 2003 Attorney General opinion gave agencies discretion on mugshot release, which some counties cite when denying photo requests.

If the Calaveras County Sheriff denies your request, they must provide a written explanation with the specific legal exemption they are using. You have the right to challenge the denial in court. The California DOJ CPRA page provides details on your rights and the process for making records requests. Copying fees are typically 10 cents per page for standard documents. If electronic records need to be compiled, the agency may charge for the actual cost of producing them.

The Calaveras County Superior Court handles criminal cases filed in the county. Court records provide information beyond what the booking record shows, including plea agreements, sentencing, and case outcomes. If you need a complete picture of someone's criminal case in Calaveras County, you may need records from both the sheriff and the court.

Removing Calaveras County Busted Mugshots

California law provides several ways to address unwanted arrest records. Penal Code section 851.87 lets you petition to seal an arrest record if you were never charged, the charges were dropped, or you were acquitted. Once sealed, the mugshot and booking data are removed from public access. The arrest is treated as if it did not happen. This is a strong tool for people who were arrested but not convicted in Calaveras County.

The Clean Slate Act (SB 731) automates the sealing process for many records. Misdemeanor arrests without charges are sealed after one year. Felony arrests without charges are sealed after three years. You do not need to file anything for the automatic process. The DOJ reviews records and applies the sealing. For Calaveras County, this means old arrests that went nowhere may already be cleared from the system.

Expungement under Penal Code section 1203.4 is for convictions. It dismisses the case but does not seal the arrest record. The booking photo can still exist. For Calaveras County cases, file expungement petitions with the Superior Court. Under SB 1027, websites that publish mugshots cannot charge for removal. Penal Code section 13665 bars law enforcement from posting booking photos on social media for nonviolent crimes. Any booking photos shared on social media must be taken down within 14 days.

Nearby Counties

Calaveras County is surrounded by other Gold Country and Sierra Nevada counties. Arrests near the border may be handled by a neighboring agency.