Saturday, September 28, 2013

California Criminal Records Available Online

By Ben Kingsley


We all know how important public records are. They contain important information pertaining to an individual, a company as well as other government transactions. Arrest records for example would provide a person's background, if he or she has any history of criminal activities, felony or misdemeanour and has been arrested by any law enforcement agencies or not. Fresno arrest records for example are available to the public and can be accessed through online and offline means. Robberies, DUI, theft, traffic accidents and murder are just some of the records that one can access.

To be able to obtain a police report for person crime cases, the person requesting the record must provide for the case number or any other details that would help the researcher. The reports can be released to the public if the case is not restricted or still under the police investigation. If the person requesting the reports is one of the arrested parties, the reports will be given to them during arraignment hearing or to their attorney. Reports are available by mail request or by walk in.

The County's Record Bureau Public Counter is open every day for walk-ins. As there is a cut off time, it is best to come in early and bring a valid/current identification id. Fill up the form and indicate the purpose of the request. Fees for criminal records were amended recently (Eff. August 1, 2013) and charges per page cost about $.50. Certification would cost about $25. These changes will not affect civil cases. All payments must be made through money order and US bank issued checks. The office also accepts credit cards. However, they do not accept personal checks or cash.

For those who want to mail in their request, they may do so by sending a written request to the Office. The request should include the case number, the name of the person requesting as well as other information that would be helpful to the Office. Fees will be charged for reports longer than 10 pages. Each page would cost about $.20. The Office also requires a copy of the person's id. Personal criminal checks are restricted and cost about $30, which can be paid through money order or credit card.

Another way to obtain arrest record is by contacting the County Sheriff's Office. One can send in their request to the Sheriff's Records Office or obtain the records in person by visiting the Sheriff's Office from Mondays to Fridays. The office is open only from 9am to 4pm so it is important to come early. For mail requests, one must submit a request form together with a copy of their valid id as well as case number. Processing time can take about ten (10) business days. Restrictions may apply for some crime reports though one can still check if there are other parts of the case that are available for public information.

Another way to obtain a copy of arrest records is to check online public search portals that offer basic free criminal records. This comes in handy especially for those who only require basic information or want to do background checks on themselves. For more or full details report, minimal fees may apply.




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