Stanislaus County Criminal Records

What Is Stanislaus County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Stanislaus County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, these records document various stages of criminal proceedings from initial arrest through final disposition.

Criminal records in Stanislaus County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement agencies where probable cause existed to believe a crime was committed
• Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas resulting in criminal convictions
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
• Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years or older, generally accessible to the public
• Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18, which are typically sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
• Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
• Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and their outcomes

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records within Stanislaus County:

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office
250 E Hackett Road
Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 552-2468
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office

Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 530-3100
Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus

California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice

These criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing decisions, and probation or parole information. The Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus maintains the official court records for criminal cases prosecuted within the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Stanislaus County

Criminal records in Stanislaus County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and California's constitutional right of access to information. Under Government Code § 6253, public records are defined as "any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics."

The statute specifically states: "Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as hereafter provided."

Categories of criminal records that are typically accessible to the public include:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and calendars
• Booking information and mugshots
• Inmate custody status
• Sex offender registration information

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

• Active criminal investigations
• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Records where disclosure would endanger an individual's safety
• Records protected by federal law, including health information under HIPAA

The Stanislaus County Superior Court provides public access to court records in accordance with California Rules of Court, rules 2.500–2.507, which govern public access to electronic trial court records. These rules balance the public's right to access information with privacy concerns and practical limitations.

Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while the records may be public, certain procedural requirements and identification verification may be necessary to obtain them, particularly for records that are not available through online portals.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Stanislaus County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Stanislaus County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, depending on the specific information sought and its availability.

For in-person requests at the Superior Court:

1. Visit the Stanislaus County Superior Court Records Division during regular business hours.
2. Complete a records request form, providing the case number if known, or the individual's full name and date of birth.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees for copies of records (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies).
5. For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $25.00 per document).

Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 530-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus

For mail requests:

1. Submit a written request to the court's Records Division.
2. Include case number or individual's full name and date of birth.
3. Specify exactly which documents are being requested.
4. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
5. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).

For Sheriff's Office records:

1. Contact the Records Division of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.
2. Complete a Public Records Act request form.
3. Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email.
4. Provide specific information about the records being sought.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office
250 E Hackett Road
Modesto, CA 95358
(209) 552-2468
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office

For comprehensive criminal history information:

1. Submit a request to the California Department of Justice.
2. Complete a Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016).
3. Visit an authorized Live Scan provider for fingerprinting.
4. Pay applicable processing fees.

The California Department of Justice provides detailed instructions for obtaining criminal history information through their background check services.

How To Find Criminal Records in Stanislaus County Online?

Stanislaus County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

The primary online resources include:

1. Stanislaus County Superior Court Case Index Search

   • Access through the court's online services portal
   • Search by name, case number, or citation number
   • View case summaries, hearing dates, and basic case information
   • No registration required for basic searches
   • Contains records for criminal, civil, family, and probate cases

2. Stanislaus County Sheriff's Inmate Information Center

   • Access through the Sheriff's Office website
   • Search current inmate population by name
   • View booking information, charges, and custody status
   • No registration required
   • Updated daily

3. California Department of Justice Megan's Law Website

   • Access through the state's sex offender registry
   • Search registered sex offenders by name, location, or map
   • View offender information, including photos and conviction information
   • No registration required for basic searches
   • Contains only registered sex offenders

4. California Courts Appellate Case Information System

   • Access through the California Courts website
   • Search appellate cases by case number or party name
   • View case summaries, briefs, and opinions
   • No registration required
   • Contains only cases appealed to higher courts

Users should note that online record systems have certain limitations:

• Not all court documents are available electronically
• Some records may require in-person requests
• Certain case types may be restricted from online access
• Historical records may not be digitized
• Information may be limited compared to official court files

For comprehensive searches or certified copies, users may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

Can You Search Stanislaus County Criminal Records for Free?

Stanislaus County provides several options for free access to criminal records in compliance with the California Public Records Act. Under Government Code § 6253(a), "Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency."

Free inspection options include:

• In-Person Court Record Inspection
  • Visit the Stanislaus County Superior Court during public counter hours
  • Use public access terminals to view case information
  • Inspect physical case files upon request (for non-confidential cases)
  • No fee for viewing records, though copying fees apply

Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 530-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Online Case Index Search

  • Access the court's online services at no cost
  • Search by name or case number
  • View basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
  • No registration or payment required for basic searches

• Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

  • Access the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup tool
  • Search current jail population by name
  • View booking information and custody status
  • No fee or registration required

• Sex Offender Registry

  • Access the California Megan's Law website
  • Search registered sex offenders in Stanislaus County
  • View offender information and photos
  • No cost for basic searches

While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:

• Copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
• Certified copies ($25.00 per document)
• Background checks requiring fingerprinting
• Specialized searches requiring staff research time
• Archived records requiring retrieval

The Stanislaus County government maintains these public access options in accordance with state transparency laws while balancing privacy concerns and administrative costs.

What's Included in a Stanislaus County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Stanislaus County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete picture of criminal proceedings from initial contact through final disposition.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at booking
• Bail amount and status
• Detention facility information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number
• Court of jurisdiction
• Filing date
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statutory citations (California Penal Code references)
• Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea entered
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Judge assigned

Disposition Information:

• Verdict or outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length
  • Probation terms
  • Fines and fees imposed
  • Restitution ordered
  • Special conditions
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and conditions
• Completion or violation of sentence

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history summary

The Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus maintains the official court records, while the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and custody records. The California Department of Justice maintains the comprehensive criminal history database that integrates information from all reporting agencies throughout the state.

Access to specific components of criminal records may be restricted based on confidentiality laws, sealing orders, or expungement proceedings as provided under California law.

How Long Does Stanislaus County Keep Criminal Records?

Stanislaus County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California state law and local policies. The duration for which records are kept varies based on the record type, case disposition, and severity of the offense.

Under Government Code § 68152, California courts must retain records for specified minimum periods:

• Felony Cases

  • Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
  • Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent retention
  • Other felony cases: 75 years from date of disposition
  • Felony case indexes: Permanent retention

• Misdemeanor Cases

  • DUI misdemeanors: 10 years from date of disposition
  • Other misdemeanors: 5 years from date of disposition
  • Misdemeanor case indexes: Permanent retention

• Infractions

  • Traffic infractions: 3 years from date of disposition
  • Non-traffic infractions: 3 years from date of disposition
  • Infraction indexes: Permanent retention

• Arrest Records

  • Arrest records without charges filed: 5 years from date of arrest
  • Arrest records with charges filed: Follows case retention period

• Juvenile Records

  • Juvenile dependency records: Until subject reaches age 28
  • Juvenile delinquency records (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
  • Juvenile delinquency records (minor offenses): Until subject reaches age 21
  • Sealed juvenile records: Records physically destroyed 5 years from date of sealing order

The Stanislaus County Superior Court adheres to these retention requirements while also maintaining electronic records that may be preserved longer than the minimum required periods. The court's records management department oversees the proper retention and eventual destruction of records according to these schedules.

It is important to note that even after physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in court indexes and electronic databases for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed to third-party databases may continue to exist beyond official retention periods.

Individuals seeking expungement or sealing of records should be aware that these processes do not necessarily result in the destruction of records but rather restrict their accessibility to the public.

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