Alameda County Criminal Records
What Is Alameda County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Alameda County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes the framework for criminal history information systems in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions and arrests made by law enforcement agencies, including the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and local police departments
- Court Records: Official proceedings of criminal cases heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration in county jail facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision following release or as an alternative to incarceration
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but may not have been charged or convicted. Conviction records document cases where individuals were found guilty of criminal offenses either through trial or plea agreements.
Criminal offenses in Alameda County are categorized as:
- Felonies: Serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison or county jail for more than one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Infractions: Minor violations usually punishable by fines
Juvenile records receive special protection under California law. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records pertaining to minors are generally confidential and not accessible to the public.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Alameda County include:
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6878
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice
Are Criminal Records Public In Alameda County
Criminal records in Alameda County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice information.
The CPRA states that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state." However, this right of access is balanced against privacy interests and public safety concerns.
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Court records for adult criminal proceedings
- Case dispositions and sentencing information
- Booking information and mugshots from county jail facilities
- Criminal history information that has resulted in conviction
Certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:
- Active criminal investigations pursuant to Government Code § 6254(f)
- Sealed or expunged records as provided by Penal Code § 1203.4
- Juvenile records as protected by Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Information that might endanger the safety of a witness or other person
The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains public access terminals at courthouse locations where members of the public may search non-confidential criminal case information. Additionally, certain criminal record information is available through online portals maintained by the court and the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
Individuals seeking their own complete criminal history records may request this information from the California Department of Justice through the Criminal Records - Request Your Own process, which requires fingerprint submission and payment of applicable fees.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Alameda County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Alameda County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for criminal record retrieval, each providing access to different components of the criminal justice system.
For court records, individuals may:
- Access the eCourt Public Portal to search for case information online
- Submit a criminal record request through the Superior Court's online portal
- Visit a courthouse location in person to view non-confidential records at public access terminals
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
For in-person requests, individuals should:
- Complete a Criminal Records Request Form (available at the courthouse)
- Provide specific case information (defendant name, case number if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
For inmate and custody information, the public may:
- Use the Alameda County Sheriff's Inmate Locator to search for currently incarcerated individuals
- Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Bureau for historical booking information
Alameda County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6878
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may:
- Submit a request to the California Department of Justice for their own records
- Authorized agencies may request criminal history information for employment or licensing purposes with proper authorization
California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice
How To Find Criminal Records in Alameda County Online?
Alameda County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms offer convenient methods for retrieving various components of criminal history data without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources include:
-
eCourt Public Portal - The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains this comprehensive case management system that allows users to:
- Search for criminal cases by name or case number
- View case summaries, charges, and hearing dates
- Access non-confidential court documents (for some cases)
- Check upcoming court appearances
-
Criminal Record Requests Portal - This specialized system enables users to:
- Submit formal requests for criminal court records
- Pay applicable fees electronically
- Receive digital copies of requested documents
- Track the status of pending requests
-
Alameda County Sheriff's Inmate Locator - This database provides:
- Current custody status of individuals in county jail facilities
- Booking information and charges
- Scheduled release dates (when available)
- Court appearance information
-
California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) - For individuals in state custody, this system offers:
- Verification of incarceration in state prison
- Basic demographic information
- Current facility location
- Parole eligibility dates
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some platforms may require registration or account creation
- Certain sensitive documents may only be available through in-person requests
- Online records may not include all historical cases, particularly older records
- Fees may apply for document copies or detailed reports
- Search functionality typically requires exact name spelling or case numbers
For comprehensive criminal history information that includes arrests, dispositions, and sentencing across multiple jurisdictions, individuals must still contact the California Department of Justice through their Criminal Records Review Process, which requires fingerprint submission and cannot be completed entirely online.
Can You Search Alameda County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270), members of the public have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. This statutory provision ensures that basic access to criminal records information is available without financial barriers.
The following free resources are available for criminal records searches in Alameda County:
- In-Person Inspection: The public may view non-confidential criminal case files at public access terminals located at courthouse facilities without charge. These terminals provide access to basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and charges
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Case status and disposition
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
- Online Resources: Several free online portals provide access to criminal records information:
- The eCourt Public Portal allows free searches of case information
- The Alameda County Sheriff's Inmate Locator provides free access to current custody information
- The Criminal Division section of the Superior Court website offers free information about criminal proceedings
While basic inspection and search functions are available at no cost, fees apply for the following services:
- Copies of court documents ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($40.00 per document)
- Background checks through the California Department of Justice ($25.00 processing fee)
- Expedited or specialized search services
Government agencies, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and public defenders, have enhanced access to criminal records systems at no cost in furtherance of their official duties. Additionally, individuals seeking their own records for purposes of employment, housing, or personal review may be eligible for fee waivers under certain circumstances as provided by Government Code § 68631.
What's Included in a Alameda County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Alameda County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include multiple categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Distinguishing features such as scars, marks, or tattoos
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest with corresponding penal code sections
- Bail amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction
- Filing date and court location
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Plea entered by the defendant
- Attorney information (public defender, private counsel, or self-representation)
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motions filed and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Conviction date and method (plea agreement or trial verdict)
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Alternative sentencing (community service, treatment programs)
- Post-conviction proceedings and appeals
- Probation or parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or holds
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the maintaining agency. Court records focus primarily on case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records contain more detailed arrest and booking information. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda maintains the official record of court proceedings, while the Alameda County Sheriff's Office maintains custody and arrest records.
Access to certain elements of criminal records may be restricted based on confidentiality laws, particularly for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and matters involving protected victims.
How Long Does Alameda County Keep Criminal Records?
Alameda County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California state law and local policies. The duration for which different types of criminal records are preserved varies based on the nature of the offense, case outcome, and document type.
The Government Code § 68152 establishes the minimum retention periods for court records in California. The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda adheres to these statutory requirements while maintaining some records for extended periods.
Standard retention periods for criminal records include:
-
Felony Cases
- Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years from date of disposition
- Other felony cases: 50 years from date of disposition
-
Misdemeanor Cases
- Misdemeanors with court-ordered probation: 5 years after case disposition
- DUI misdemeanors: 10 years after case disposition
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years after case disposition
-
Infractions
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after case disposition
- Non-traffic infractions: 3 years after case disposition
-
Arrest Records
- Arrests resulting in conviction: Maintained with corresponding case file
- Arrests without charges filed: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrests with charges dismissed: 3 years from date of dismissal
-
Custody Records
- Jail booking and custody records: 5 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely for historical and reference purposes. Additionally, the California Department of Justice maintains a permanent database of criminal history information at the state level.
Certain records may be eligible for earlier destruction or sealing through court processes such as expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4, record sealing for arrests not resulting in conviction under Penal Code § 851.8, or juvenile record sealing under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781.
The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda and the Alameda County Sheriff's Office maintain their own detailed records retention schedules in compliance with these statutory minimums.
Lookup Criminal Records in Alameda County
Criminal Record Requests Portal
Court Records Access Information
California Public Records Information
California Incarcerated Records Search