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Glenn County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Glenn County in 2026

GlennRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Glenn County, California. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through the resources described below. Record availability varies by agency and record age, and the information presented here does not constitute legal advice.

Records that may be accessible through official channels include:

  • Booking and arrest logs
  • Jail roster and inmate status
  • Court case filings linked to arrests
  • State criminal history summaries
  • Traffic enforcement records

Official resources for searching arrest records in Glenn County are available through multiple channels, including the Sheriff's Office, the Superior Court, and state-level databases. Members of the public may conduct searches online, in person, by mail, or by phone depending on the type of record sought.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Glenn County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster that reflects current in-custody individuals. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Members of the public may access this information through the Sheriff's Office official website. The roster does not include historical arrest data beyond current bookings; older records require a formal public records request.

Glenn County Sheriff's Office
543 W. Oak Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6431
Glenn County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Willows Police Department serves the county seat and publishes press releases and arrest logs through its official communications. Orland, the county's second incorporated city, is served by the Orland Police Department. Both departments maintain records of arrests made within their respective jurisdictions. Requests for arrest logs or incident-based press releases may be submitted directly to each department's records division.

Willows Police Department
201 N. Lassen Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-3456
City of Willows

Orland Police Department
815 Fourth Street
Orland, CA 95963
Phone: (530) 865-1616
City of Orland

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Glenn County Superior Court maintains criminal case records that are linked to arrests resulting in formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the court's public access terminal or by submitting a written request to the clerk's office. Court case records include the case number, charges filed, hearing dates, and case disposition.

Glenn County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6446
Glenn County Superior Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The California Department of Justice maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to authorized agencies and, in limited form, to the public. Individuals seeking their own criminal history record may submit a request through the California DOJ record review program, which requires fingerprint submission and a processing fee of $25. The California Incarcerated Records and Information Search (CIRIS) tool allows the public to look up individuals currently in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at no charge.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Address: 543 W. Oak Street, Willows, CA 95988
  • Records Division is located within the main facility
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (530) 934-6431
  • What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking number or arrest date
  • Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Clerk of Court:

  • Address: 526 W. Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988
  • Criminal Records Division is on the first floor
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (530) 934-6446
  • Case file inspection is available at public access terminals during business hours
  • Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $40 per document under California Government Code

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Glenn County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 543 W. Oak Street, Willows, CA 95988. Each request should include the following:

  • Full legal name of the subject
  • Date of arrest, if known
  • Booking number, if known
  • Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact phone number
  • Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Glenn County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (530) 934-6431 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed arrest records are not released by phone; requestors are directed to submit a written public records request or visit in person. The Superior Court Clerk's Office may be reached at (530) 934-6446 for case status inquiries.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated police reports through the criminal discovery process. Defense counsel may request disclosure of all arrest-related materials pursuant to California Penal Code provisions governing discovery. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records are an additional mechanism for obtaining records in the context of civil or criminal litigation.

Information Needed for Search:

  • Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Booking number, if known
  • Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, Willows PD, Orland PD, or CHP)

Are Arrest Records Public in Glenn County

Arrest records in Glenn County are public records subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified at California Government Code § 7920.000 et seq. As the California Department of Justice states, "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 right extends to arrest logs, booking records, and related documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies in Glenn County.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

  • Government transparency and accountability
  • Public safety awareness
  • Journalism and investigative research
  • Employment and tenant background screening
  • Legal proceedings and civil litigation
  • Academic and policy research

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and known aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges filed at the time of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Bond or bail amount and type
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under California law:

  • Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
  • Expunged arrest records following a court order under Penal Code § 1203.4
  • Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information pertaining to active investigations
  • Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
  • Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
  • Participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), establishes a right of access to government information. The CPRA implements this constitutional mandate by requiring agencies to make records available upon request unless a specific exemption applies. Courts have recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where an arrest did not result in a conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • Members of the general public
  • Media organizations and journalists
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
  • Occupational licensing agencies
  • Licensed background check companies
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the FCRA and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act. California law prohibits employers from asking about or considering arrests that did not result in conviction in most hiring contexts. The state's "ban the box" law, AB 1008, restricts when and how employers may inquire into criminal history. Housing providers are similarly restricted from using non-conviction arrest records as a basis for adverse action.

What's in Glenn County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Glenn County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information, the availability of which may vary depending on the custodial agency and the age of the record.

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest by street address or general area
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Willows PD, Orland PD, or California Highway Patrol)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges by statute
  • Charge descriptions and classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Number of counts per charge
  • Domestic violence designation, if applicable
  • Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

  • Name and location of booking facility (Glenn County Jail)
  • Intake timestamp
  • Booking photograph
  • Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
  • Bond amount as set by the court
  • Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
  • Release date and time, if applicable
  • Conditions of release, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned upon filing
  • Court jurisdiction (Glenn County Superior Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Judge assignment, if available at time of inquiry

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence inventory and forensic details
  • Investigative techniques and surveillance information
  • Medical or mental health screening results
  • Social Security number (redacted by law)
  • 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: Document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions, sentences, and probation terms
  • Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and credit databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Glenn County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Glenn County depends on the custodial agency and the format of the requested records. Under the California Public Records Act, agencies may charge only the direct cost of duplication, which the California Department of Justice has interpreted to mean the per-page cost of reproduction, not staff time for standard requests.

Record TypeAgencyStandard Fee
Booking record copySheriff's Office$0.10 per page
Certified court documentSuperior Court Clerk$40.00 per document
Court case copy (non-certified)Superior Court Clerk$0.50 per page
Own criminal history (DOJ)California DOJ$25.00 (fingerprint-based)
Electronic records (email/CD)Sheriff's OfficeActual cost of duplication

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or the Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours is available at no charge. Members of the public may review records in person without incurring copy fees unless they request reproductions.

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Glenn County Sheriff's Office. The Superior Court Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and credit card for copy and certification fees.

Fee waivers are available in limited circumstances. Pursuant to California Government Code, a fee waiver may be granted when the requestor demonstrates that disclosure primarily benefits the public interest rather than a private interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with supporting justification.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Glenn County

California law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4 and sealing of arrest records under Penal Code § 851.91. These remedies are distinct in scope and effect.

Expungement applies to convictions and allows a defendant who has completed probation or a sentence to petition the court to withdraw a guilty plea or set aside a verdict of guilty and dismiss the case. An expunged conviction is not erased from law enforcement databases but is noted as dismissed, and the individual may lawfully state in most contexts that they have not been convicted of that offense.

Sealing of Arrest Records under Penal Code § 851.91 applies to arrests that did not result in conviction. An individual whose arrest did not lead to a conviction—whether because charges were never filed, were dismissed, or resulted in acquittal—may petition the court to have the arrest record sealed and destroyed. Once sealed, the record is not accessible to the public, and the individual may state that the arrest did not occur.

Eligibility for Sealing:

  • The arrest did not result in a conviction
  • The statute of limitations for the underlying offense has expired, or the prosecution has declined to file charges
  • The individual is not currently charged with any offense

Steps to Petition for Sealing:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record from the Glenn County Sheriff's Office or the Superior Court
  2. Complete the petition form (form CR-409 or equivalent) available from the Glenn County Superior Court Clerk
  3. File the petition with the Glenn County Superior Court at 526 W. Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988
  4. Serve a copy of the petition on the arresting agency and the District Attorney's Office
  5. Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant the petition if statutory requirements are met
  6. Upon granting, the court issues an order directing all agencies to seal and destroy the record

Glenn County District Attorney's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street, Suite 1
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6340
Glenn County District Attorney

Glenn County Public Defender's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6392
Glenn County Public Defender

Individuals who complete a diversion program or a drug court program may also be eligible to have their arrest records sealed upon successful program completion. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to court sealing orders and may retain records independently; individuals must contact those companies separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Glenn County?

The post-arrest process in Glenn County follows the sequence established by California law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Glenn County Jail, located at 543 W. Oak Street, Willows, CA 95988. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Glenn County Jail, the booking process begins and typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:

  • Recording of personal identifying information
  • Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
  • Photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
  • Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
  • Personal property inventoried and secured
  • Medical and brief mental health screening
  • Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under California law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than the next court day following arrest. At the initial appearance:

  • The individual is formally notified of the charges
  • The right to appointed counsel is confirmed for those who qualify
  • Bail is set or the individual is released on their own recognizance
  • The individual is advised of their rights

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bail amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bail amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the total bail under California Insurance Code. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Release: The court may release the individual on a written promise to appear, without requiring payment of bail. Factors considered include community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order the individual held without bail in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, a danger to the community, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bail is posted, processing for release takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the court date, and any written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in forfeiture of the bond and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bail is not posted, the individual is assigned to a housing unit within the Glenn County Jail, receives an orientation to facility rules, and is informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender: Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation by the Glenn County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and assets. The Public Defender's Office is located at 526 W. Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, and may be reached at (530) 934-6392.

Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of California provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Glenn County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within the timeframe required by California Penal Code. For felony arrests, the prosecution must file charges or release the individual within 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets future hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for review of evidence and plea negotiations.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and either party may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Glenn County Superior Court offers diversion programs for eligible defendants; successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Sentencing:

Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours (next court day)
  • First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge level
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
  • Right to speedy trial: 30 days from arraignment for misdemeanors; 60 days for felonies under California Penal Code

Important Contacts:

Glenn County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
543 W. Oak Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6431
Inmate information: (530) 934-6431
Glenn County Sheriff's Office

Glenn County Superior Court – Clerk's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6446
Glenn County Superior Court

Glenn County District Attorney's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street, Suite 1
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6340
Glenn County District Attorney

Glenn County Public Defender's Office
526 W. Sycamore Street
Willows, CA 95988
Phone: (530) 934-6392
Glenn County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
  5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends until consulting with an attorney
  6. Contact family or a bail bondsman for assistance with bail
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release if released on bail or personal recognizance

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Glenn County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Glenn County is governed by California Government Code and the California Secretary of State's records retention schedules applicable to local agencies. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods established by state law, and many categories of criminal justice records are retained permanently.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent
  • Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the Superior Court Clerk, the California DOJ state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
  • Local law enforcement records: Minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently in digital systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement: Minimum of two to five years; retained longer in digital records management systems
  • Court records: Retained until expunged by court order
  • State repository: Retained unless the subject successfully petitions for sealing under Penal Code § 851.91

Acquittals:

  • Local law enforcement: Minimum retention of two years
  • Court records: Permanent in electronic case management systems
  • Eligible for sealing upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records: Minimum of two years at the local level
  • May be eligible for immediate sealing petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five years; longer for serious offenses
  • Photographs: Retained as long as the associated record is active

Digital Records:

  • Records management systems: Retained indefinitely in most California agencies
  • Court electronic records: Permanent
  • Mugshot databases maintained by third parties: Not subject to law enforcement retention schedules

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Contact: (530) 934-6431

Glenn County Superior Court:

  • Felony case files: Permanent
  • Misdemeanor case files: Ten years from date of final disposition
  • Traffic infraction records: Five years
  • Electronic records: Permanent

California DOJ State Repository:

  • The California Department of Justice maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest records from all California jurisdictions. Retention is governed by state policy and is effectively permanent for most categories of arrest and conviction data.

FBI Database:

  • The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks involving firearms, federal employment, and security clearances.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

  • Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
  • Dismissal: Remains in databases unless sealed by court order; not reported on most employment background checks
  • Expungement: Local records sealed or noted as dismissed; state repository updated; FBI database retains with notation
  • No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after two years at the local level; eligible for sealing petition

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

  • Recent arrests (within the past five years): Available online through the Sheriff's jail roster or by public records request
  • Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
  • Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be in archives; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (530) 934-6431

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report most criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks. California law imposes additional restrictions: employers may not consider arrests that did not result in conviction, and the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are prohibited from disclosing sealed records to non-law-enforcement entities.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Glenn County Sheriff's Records Division at (530) 934-6431 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable copy fees may apply.

Lookup Arrest Records in Glenn County