Free links to official California state and county government records — courts, criminal histories, vital records, property, voter, business, and licenses across all 58 counties.
How to Search California Criminal Records (Start Here)
California criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: California state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
The Judicial Council’s Public Access to Judicial Administrative Records (PAJAR) team will respond on behalf of the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal to requests for copies of their administrative records.
Access to criminal history summary records maintained by the DOJ is restricted by law to legitimate law enforcement purposes and authorized applicant agencies. However, individuals have the right to request a copy of their own criminal history record from the Department to review for accuracy and completeness.
To receive a copy of YOUR criminal history record, individuals must submit fingerprint images, pay a $25 processing fee to the DOJ, and follow the instructions below . You may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver to cover the DOJ processing fees.
Summary of Condemned Inmates Who Have Died Since 1978 · Executed in California: 13 Executed in Missouri: 1 Executed in Virginia: 1 Total Executions: 15 Natural Causes: 126 Suicide: 32 Other: 18 Pending: 7 Total Non-Execution Deaths: 183 Total Deaths: 198
The California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) is an online tool to lookup individuals in CDCR custody. Search results include incarcerated person’s name, CDCR number, age, current location, commitment counties, admission date, Board of Parole Hearing dates and outcomes.
Beginning in 1967, as a result of various state and United States Supreme Court decisions, there were no executions in California for 25 years . In February 1972, the California Supreme Court found that the death penalty constituted cruel and ...
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, including the Department of Justice. The following are guidelines for accessing public, pdf records maintained by the California Department of Justice. To obtain records of another agency, please contact the agency directly. For information about your arrests and convictions regarding any of the following topics: ... Megan’s Law permits the public to obtain information on sex offenders.
Address: 315 4th Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 · Categories: City Jail Visits · Type of Visit Room for Inmate visitations from the public (friends and family). Questions or Need Help?
Crime Mapping is an interactive crime mapping program that allows the user to search the City of Norfolk by address, landmark or zip code in the City of Norfolk for certain types of crimes that have occurred over the previous 90 days .
Report an Inmate Concern · Report Staff Misconduct · Find a policy or form · Have a career with the BOP · Visit a federal inmate · Get Reentry Information · Locate a federal inmate · We are seeking applicants for the following positions: Chaplain · Clinical Psychologist ·
Close PACER Case Locator PACER Log in Manage PACER Account · An official website of the United States government ... Log in to... Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ... Type the name of a federal court to find links to login to CM/ECF – or – search by other information unique to that court, like their contact information, RSS feed, county codes, and…
58 California counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Is there a free statewide criminal search in California?▼
California's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search California court cases?▼
California's court system is headed by the California Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court (one in each of 58 counties). Many California courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search California business entities?▼
The California Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in California?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a California birth or death certificate?▼
California vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the California Department of Public Health (Vital Records) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are California property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a California sex offender?▼
The California sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.