How to Run a California Criminal Records Search
California is the most populous state in the United States, with over 39 million residents. With such a large population, the state also has a significant number of criminal records. Currently there are over 101,000 people serving time in state prisons and county jails for criminal convictions, according to the National Institute of Corrections.
The California Criminal Records website was developed to allow the general public to access CA criminal records online. This website highlights the state's criminal justice system, and allows for users to research California public criminal records. Users will be able to research a person's criminal history, CA court records, active warrants, criminal convictions, sentencing records, and incarcerations.
How To Look Up Someone's Criminal Record in California
To run a California criminal records search you only need to know the first and last name of the person of interest. Users can use this resource to access publicly available records, as well as information about the state’s Criminal Justice System. The information that is searchable is mandated and set forth by the CA Public Records Act. The criminal records, that are publicly available, are gathered from the state's Court Records System, encompassing court proceedings, outcomes, and convictions. This website's main objective is to provide access to publicly available criminal records from every county in the state.
Are Criminal Records Public in California?
Yes, in fact they are considered public record in every state because of the federal Freedom of Information Act. California also has it's own Public Records Act that elaborates on what is allowed specifically in this state. While most CA criminal convictions are publicly available, some are not. Those records that are not publicly available are those that are sealed, juvenile and minor records, and any records that are deemed sensitive.
How to Expunge a Criminal Record in California
The official legal process of record expungement can be done if eligible. This means that specific criteria must be made in order to someone to legally expunge a criminal record in California. Additionally some felonies may never be eligible because of the nature of the crime, but most misdemeanors can be expunged if enough time has passed and the terms have been met. It can be helpful to hire an attorney to help with this process as it can be fairly complicated process. However, the State's Judicial Branch website does have instructions on how to clean up your record.
Is a Misdemeanor a Criminal Offense in California?
Yes, all misdemeanors and felonies as well as criminal infractions, such as a speeding citation, are all considered criminal offenses. This means that they will show up on a background check or if someone wants to lookup your criminal history. Most misdemeanors will stay on someone's record for 7 years and then it can be sealed, or potentially drop off on it's own.