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Find California Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in California?

Yes, California criminal records are partially available to the public. Interested parties can access certain information from local law enforcement and incarceration facilities, such as arrest records and inmate records. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and local county sheriff’s offices provide access to these records. Complete criminal records are available to specific employers, case subjects, and their legal representatives through the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ).

To obtain these records, requesters typically need to provide:

The full name of the record subject (excluding juveniles)
The last known location of the record subject, including cities, counties, and states

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in California?

A criminal record in California includes documents that detail an individual's criminal activity within the state. These records, often referred to as rap sheets, compile information from various sources such as local law enforcement offices, trial and appeal courts, and state-run correctional facilities. They typically contain arrest data, indictments, pending dispositions, and conviction information.

What Information Is Included in California Criminal Record?

Full name of the subject (including any known aliases)
Birth date, race/ethnicity, and fingerprints of the subject
Unique physical descriptors
All previous and current indictments
Arrest records and outstanding warrants
Conviction details
Incarceration information

How To Check Criminal Records in California

The California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) issues criminal records. These records can be accessed through law enforcement offices or on-demand from the local clerk of courts. Only law enforcement agencies, certain employers, or the record’s subject can perform a criminal record search.

To obtain a criminal record, individuals must visit the CA DOJ in person, submit fingerprint images, and pay a $25 processing fee. For those who qualify, a fee waiver can be applied for, allowing for a free public criminal record check.

Are Arrest Records Public in California?

Yes, arrest records in California are public according to the California Public Records Act. These records can be accessed by contacting local law enforcement officials. Requesters may obtain free arrest records but might need to pay for copying the documents.

Arrest records can be found through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), local county sheriff’s offices, and centralized state websites. They are also accessible via non-geographically specific public records search portals.

What Are Arrest Warrants in California?

California arrest warrants are court-issued orders authorizing the arrest of individuals named in the document. These warrants are issued following a request or affidavit from law enforcement agents or district attorneys. They typically include details of the alleged offense, personal information of the suspect, the time and place for the arrest, and any applicable bail conditions.

How To Lookup Mugshots in California

Mugshots are close-up photographs taken by law enforcement to identify individuals who have been arrested or charged. They are publicly available under California's Freedom of Information Act. Mugshots are stored in online databases managed by criminal justice agencies and can be found on local police agency websites, daily arrest logs, or most wanted fugitives sites.

How To Search Inmate Records in California

Inmate records in California are publicly available. These records are managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). To find inmate records, individuals can contact the CDCR's Records Division or use the CDCR Inmate Locator System.

How To Find California Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal history records in California summarize all arrests, convictions, and incarcerations within the state. These records are publicly available through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). To access these records for free, individuals must meet certain criteria and apply for a fee waiver.

Eligibility for fee waiver:

No income
Receiving public assistance like Medi-Cal, CalFresh/Food Stamps, or Disability
Low income for their area and household size

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in California?

Juvenile criminal records in California pertain to individuals under the legal adult age who have engaged in criminal activity. These records are generally confidential and include details of arrests, judgments, exhibits, probation reports, indictments, and adjudications. They are managed by the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and can be sealed by the juvenile court once the subject turns 18 or older.

How To Find Sex Offenders in California

Sex offender records in California are publicly available through the California Sex Offender Registry. These records include the names, locations, and compliance status of registered sex offenders. They are maintained by various jurisdictions and can be accessed through the state database.

Are Police Records Public Information in California?

Police records in California are generally public to promote transparency. These records include traffic collision reports, crime/incident reports, arrest logs, audio & video recordings, and more. However, certain records are exempt from public access under the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

Police records contain:

Identifying information about confidential informants
Juvenile police records
Identifying information of crime victims
Criminal offender record information
Records that may compromise investigations or endanger individuals

California Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in California are non-indictable offenses with a maximum sentence of one year in incarceration. They are categorized into standard and gross/aggravated misdemeanors based on severity. Additionally, California Wobbler Offenses can be charged as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

California Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony laws in California refer to the most severe criminal offenses, punishable by more than one year in prison. They include:

Straight felonies: Cannot be reduced to misdemeanors
Wobbler felonies: Can be charged as misdemeanors or infractions

Examples include:

Straight felonies: Murder, rape, vehicular manslaughter
Wobbler felonies: Domestic violence, forgery, assault

Overview of California DUI Laws

A DUI in California is a serious traffic violation. A person is considered impaired if their blood alcohol content is above 0.08%. The limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, and for minors, it is 0.01%. Offenders face fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Are California Probation Records Public?

Probation records in California indicate that a convicted person is serving their sentence outside a correctional facility under supervision. These records are generally public and include details of the indictment, judgment, and personal data of the subject on probation. They are managed by the State Department of Corrections’ probation office.

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