Santa Clara County, California, Criminal History Record Policy is a set of guidelines and protocols established by the county government to regulate the management of criminal history records within its jurisdiction. These policies ensure the accurate and secure handling of criminal history information while promoting transparency, fairness, and public safety. The Santa Clara County Criminal History Record Policy covers various aspects of record creation, maintenance, access, dissemination, and deletion. It aims to strike a balance between the right to privacy and the public's interest in obtaining relevant criminal history information for lawful purposes. Under the policy, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for maintaining and managing these records. They are entrusted with the task of accurately collecting and updating criminal history information, including arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing details, for individuals within the county. The Criminal History Record Policy of Santa Clara County categorizes different types of records based on their nature and purpose. These include: 1. Arrest Records: These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the date, time, location, and reason for the arrest. 2. Charge Records: Charge records contain information about the specific criminal charges filed against an individual, including the level of the offense, penalties associated, and court case numbers. 3. Conviction Records: These records encompass details of a person's criminal convictions, including the offenses committed, sentencing, and any subsequent probation or parole periods. 4. Sentencing Records: Sentencing records provide information about the penalties imposed upon an individual following a conviction, such as fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, or rehabilitation programs. The Santa Clara County Criminal History Record Policy recognizes the importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date records while respecting individuals' rights to privacy and fair treatment, as outlined by relevant state and federal laws. Efforts are made to ensure that records are only disseminated to authorized parties, including law enforcement agencies, employers, licensing boards, and individuals conducting background checks for valid reasons, such as employment or housing. The policy also outlines procedures for requesting access to criminal history records, including the submission of appropriate forms and the payment of applicable fees. It emphasizes the need for proper identification and legitimate purposes when granting access to these records. Additionally, the Santa Clara County Criminal History Record Policy addresses the expungement and sealing of records for eligible individuals, allowing for the removal or restriction of certain criminal records based on specified criteria. In conclusion, the Santa Clara County, California, Criminal History Record Policy provides a comprehensive framework for the management and dissemination of criminal history records within the county. It ensures the accurate and secure handling of these records while balancing the rights of individuals and the public's interest in accessing relevant criminal history information.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.