Criminal records in Sacramento County, California, are available through several channels. SacramentoCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the Superior Court of California's judicial system, law enforcement agencies — including the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office — and the County Clerk/Recorder office. Below are specific search methods, required documents, and current fees.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sacramento
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for: case data, arrest, incarceration, or a complete criminal history of a person. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- SacramentoCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
- Sacramento Superior Court Case Access — on the court's portal, you can search for cases by defendant's name or case number. To search, you need: full name (last and first name) or case number.
- Inmate Information (Sheriff's Office) — real-time search for inmates by last name. The system shows current data on individuals in custody in county facilities.
- CDCR CIRIS — if a person is serving a sentence in a California state prison, use this tool from the Department of Corrections.
- OpenJustice — DOJ Data Portal — aggregated statistical data on criminal justice in the state, including the Automatic Record Review (ARR) program.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk's Office at Sacramento Superior Court provides access to public terminals in the courthouse. You can view case materials, order copies, or check the status. Bring identification and the case number — this will speed up the process.
Mail Request
To obtain a copy of your own criminal record at the state level, send fingerprints and a $25 payment to the California Department of Justice. Detailed instructions are on the Criminal Records — Request Your Own page. Mailing address:
For public records requests from the sheriff's office, use the Sheriff's Office Public Records Portal.
Search Sacramento Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to search. In California, Superior Court criminal cases typically follow this format:
- Year Prefix — two digits indicating the year the case was filed (e.g., "24" for 2024).
- Case Type Code — indicates the category: "FE" for felony, "MI" for misdemeanor.
- Sequential Number — a six-digit sequential number assigned by the court clerk.
Example: 24FE012345 indicates a felony registered in 2024 under number 012345. If you don't know the case number, try searching by the defendant's name — the court will provide a list of cases involving that person.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sacramento
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Penal Code or another California code — for example, PC 459 (burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may reduce or change charges during the case; the new classification is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — the trial is ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all obligations fulfilled, case closed.
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Sacramento Superior Court:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant hears the charges and states their position.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence for a felony.
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or trial preparation.
- Trial — the substantive court hearing.
- Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty verdict.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation terms or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty — by court verdict or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive review |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges; the court treats this as an admission for sentencing purposes |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sacramento
Certified copies are documents with an official court or agency stamp confirming their authenticity. Depending on the type of record, contact different institutions.
Court Criminal Records
The Clerk's Office at Sacramento Superior Court issues certified copies of court documents: indictments, sentences, hearing transcripts. To request, you need:
- Case number or full name of the defendant and approximate date.
- Photo ID (for in-person requests).
- Completed request form (available at the court clerk's office).
State-Level Criminal History
The California DOJ maintains consolidated records of arrests and convictions statewide. To obtain a copy of your own criminal history, submit fingerprints and payment through the Record Review Unit. Employers and licensing agencies order checks through Live Scan — electronic fingerprinting.
Sheriff's Records
To obtain police reports or arrest records, contact the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Public document requests are submitted through the NextRequest online portal. Sacramento city police reports can be ordered through the Sacramento Police Department.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sacramento
Fees depend on the type of document and the issuing agency. Below are approximate amounts based on current rates.
| Service | Fee | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (regular) | $0.50 per page (first 10 pages — $1.00 each) | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certification of court document | $25–$40 per document | During visit or 5–10 business days |
| Request for own criminal history (DOJ) | $25 | Up to 15 business days |
| Live Scan (fingerprint check) | $25 (DOJ) + $17 (FBI, if needed) + operator fee | 3–5 business days (electronic result) |
| Copy of police report (Sheriff/Police) | $10–$15 (depends on agency) | 7–14 business days |
Fees for court copies are set according to California Government Code § 70626–70634. Exact amounts may change — check directly with the court clerk's office or the relevant agency's website before submitting a request. Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or credit card (for in-person requests).