Fresno County Criminal Records
What Is Fresno County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fresno County are official documents maintained by various government agencies that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the California Public Records Act.
Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested by a law enforcement agency operating within Fresno County boundaries. The Fresno County criminal justice system processes approximately 25,000 criminal cases annually through its various agencies, including:
- Arrest reports from local police departments
- Booking information from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office
- Court proceedings from the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
- Incarceration data from detention facilities
- Probation and parole information
The primary custodians of these records include the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, and municipal police departments within the county. Each agency maintains specific components of an individual's criminal history according to their jurisdictional responsibilities.
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Fresno County Superior Court
Fresno County Sheriff's Office
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-3111
Fresno County Sheriff
Are Criminal Records Public In Fresno County
Criminal records in Fresno County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice information, with certain exceptions designed to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court case information including charges, dispositions, and sentencing
- Booking photos and arrest information
- Criminal court calendars and dockets
- Conviction records
However, pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Sealed records (juvenile cases, expunged convictions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest
- Records sealed by court order
The Fresno County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of court records and processes public records requests in accordance with established protocols.
Fresno County Clerk's Office
2221 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 600-2575
Fresno County Clerk
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Fresno County in 2025
Fresno County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025, with procedures established pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Requestors may visit the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno to access public terminals for case searches. The court maintains public access terminals at:
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
(559) 457-2000
Mail Requests: Written requests for criminal record information may be submitted to:
Records Management Unit
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
Mail requests must include:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Required fees ($15 per name search as of January 2025)
Law Enforcement Agencies: For arrest records and police reports, individuals may contact the arresting agency directly:
Fresno Police Department Records Division
2323 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 621-2000
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fresno Police Records
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, individuals may also request their own criminal history information through the California Department of Justice by submitting fingerprints via Live Scan service.
How To Find Criminal Records in Fresno County Online?
Fresno County provides digital access to certain criminal record information through several authorized online platforms. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, electronic access to court records is available with specific limitations to protect privacy while promoting transparency.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches include:
-
Superior Court of California, County of Fresno Portal The Fresno County Superior Court maintains an online case information system that allows searches by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
This system provides basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status. Full documents are not available for download through this system.
-
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator The CDCR inmate locator provides information on individuals currently incarcerated in state prison or under parole supervision, including:
- Current location
- Scheduled release date
- Commitment offense
- Parole eligibility
-
California Department of Justice Criminal History Information Individuals may request their own criminal history information through the California DOJ. This process requires:
- Submission of fingerprints via Live Scan
- Payment of applicable fees ($25 state fee plus Live Scan operator fees)
- Proper identification
Online access to criminal records is subject to limitations established by California Penal Code § 13300-13302 and may not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile records.
Can You Search Fresno County Criminal Records for Free?
Fresno County provides limited free access to criminal record information in accordance with California Government Code § 6253, which permits agencies to charge only direct costs of duplication for public records. The following free options are available to members of the public:
Free Access Options:
-
Public Access Terminals: The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno provides free access to public computer terminals for basic case information searches at:
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM -
Online Case Index: Basic case information is available through the Fresno County Superior Court website without charge. This includes defendant name, case number, filing date, and general case status.
-
Court Calendars: Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are available for free viewing online or at courthouse locations.
Fee-Based Services:
While basic searches may be conducted without charge, the following services incur fees as authorized by Government Code § 68150:
- Certified copies of court records: $25 per document
- Name search requests: $15 per name
- Complete case file reviews: $15 research fee plus $0.50 per page for copies
- Background checks through law enforcement: Fees vary by agency
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.506, the court may provide enhanced access services for commercial subscribers at established rates.
What's Included in a Fresno County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Fresno County agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, these records typically include the following components:
Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Fingerprint classification
- State identification number
- FBI number (if applicable)
Case Processing Details:
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
- Booking data (facility, date, time)
- Charges filed by the Fresno County District Attorney's Office
- Court case numbers and filing dates
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Plea information
- Trial results (if applicable)
- Sentencing information
Disposition Information:
- Final outcome of each charge (convicted, dismissed, acquitted)
- Sentence imposed (incarceration, probation, fines)
- Probation or parole status
- Completion of sentence requirements
- Post-conviction relief (expungements, reductions)
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the specific agency maintaining the information and the age of the case. Records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno focus primarily on court proceedings, while records from the Fresno Police Department contain more detailed arrest and investigation information.
What Are the Penalties for a Fresno County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Fresno County is prosecuted under California Penal Code § 602, which establishes various forms of trespass offenses and their corresponding penalties. The Fresno County District Attorney's Office determines charging decisions based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Misdemeanor Trespass (PC § 602): The most common form of criminal trespass is charged as a misdemeanor and may result in:
- Up to 6 months in Fresno County Jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation for up to 3 years
- Restitution to property owners
- Stay-away orders from the location
Aggravated Trespass (PC § 601): When trespass involves threats followed by unlawful entry, penalties increase to:
- Up to 1 year in Fresno County Jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Mandatory protective orders
- Potential firearms restrictions
Trespass with Special Circumstances: Certain locations or circumstances carry enhanced penalties:
- Trespass on agricultural land (PC § 602(j)): Additional fines up to $10,000
- Trespass in occupied dwelling (PC § 602.5): Up to 1 year in county jail
- Trespass at critical infrastructure facilities: Potential felony charges
Cases are typically processed at:
Fresno County Superior Court - Criminal Division
1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724
(559) 457-2000
Fresno County Superior Court
Individuals facing trespass charges may be eligible for diversion programs or alternative sentencing options through the Fresno County Probation Department.
How Long Does Fresno County Keep Criminal Records?
Fresno County maintains criminal records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention schedules for court records, and Penal Code provisions governing law enforcement record retention. These retention periods vary based on the type of offense and disposition.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: 5 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
- Investigation reports: 5-10 years depending on case type
- Booking photos and fingerprints: Retained indefinitely in most cases
Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may petition for relief under various California statutes, including:
- Penal Code § 1203.4 (Expungement): Allows dismissal of convictions after successful completion of probation
- Penal Code § 851.8: Permits sealing and destruction of arrest records in cases of factual innocence
- Penal Code § 1203.4a: Provides relief for misdemeanor convictions without probation
Information about record clearing options is available through the California Courts Self-Help Center, which provides guidance on eligibility requirements and filing procedures.
The California Department of Justice maintains state-level criminal history information indefinitely unless specifically ordered destroyed by court action.
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