Fresno Criminal Records Lookup

Criminal records in Fresno are handled by the Fresno Police Department and the Fresno County Superior Court. The police department manages reports and arrest records for incidents within city limits. Court records cover everything that happens after criminal charges are filed. Fresno is the fifth largest city in California and serves as the main hub for the central San Joaquin Valley. The police department processes a significant number of reports each year. You can request records online, by mail, or in person at the police records office.

Fresno Police Department Records

The Fresno Police Department manages police reports and arrest records for crimes in the city. Reports under 10 pages are free. If the report is longer, each page over 10 costs $0.20. That pricing structure makes Fresno one of the more affordable cities in California for getting police records.

You can request records online through the Fresno public records portal at fresnoca.govqa.us. The portal lets you create a request, track its progress, and receive documents electronically. For in-person requests, the Records Section is at 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721. The phone number is (559) 621-2534. Walk-in service is available during business hours. Bring identification and as much detail about the incident as possible when you visit.

The types of records you can request include crime reports, arrest reports, accident reports, and case disposition letters. Some records tied to active investigations or juvenile matters may be withheld. If a record is denied, the department will tell you the legal basis for the denial. You can appeal through the city's public records process if you disagree with the decision.

Note: Fresno PD records are separate from Fresno County Sheriff records. If the incident happened outside city limits but within Fresno County, contact the sheriff's office instead.

Fresno Court Criminal Cases

Criminal cases from Fresno go through the Fresno County Superior Court. The court uses an online portal powered by Tyler Technologies where you can search case records. Visit the Fresno court public portal to look up cases by defendant name or case number. The system returns basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status.

The main courthouse phone number is (559) 457-2000. Court document copies cost 50 cents per page, and certified copies are $40. These fees are standard across California courts under Government Code Section 70627. If you need to search court records and the search takes more than 10 minutes, there is a $15 search fee. The clerk's office at the main courthouse in downtown Fresno handles most record requests. Bring the case number if you have it.

Fresno County has multiple courthouse locations, but criminal cases from the city of Fresno are generally filed at the main courthouse downtown. The court calendar and case assignments can vary, so checking the portal first saves you a trip if you are trying to get information about a specific case.

Fresno Inmate Search

The Fresno County Sheriff's Department operates the county jail. People arrested by Fresno police are booked into this facility. The sheriff runs an inmate information center online where you can search for people in custody. The sheriff's main number is (559) 600-8600. County jail holds people who are awaiting trial or serving sentences under one year.

For inmates in California state prison, use the CDCR's CIRIS search at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. This covers anyone sentenced to state prison from Fresno or any other California county. The state prison system and county jail system are run by different agencies, so you need to check the right one depending on the person's status. If you are not sure whether someone is in county or state custody, try both searches.

Criminal Background Checks in Fresno

Fresno has several Live Scan locations where you can get fingerprint-based background checks done. The California DOJ maintains the statewide criminal history database. To check your own record, bring form BCIA 8016RR to a certified site. The DOJ charges $25 for the check. The Live Scan operator adds a rolling fee on top of that, and the amount varies by location. Find a site near you through the DOJ Live Scan locator.

After your fingerprints are submitted, track your results at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov with your ATI number and date of birth. Processing takes 48 to 72 hours when no criminal record exists. Cases with a database hit take longer for technician review. Employers in Fresno who run checks on applicants use the same DOJ system through their authorized agency account.

You can search the California sex offender registry at meganslaw.ca.gov for free. The search works by name or by map location within Fresno. It is run by the DOJ and updated on a regular basis.

Clearing Criminal Records in Fresno

California law allows people with Fresno criminal records to petition for various forms of relief. Penal Code Section 1203.4 is the main option for getting a conviction dismissed after probation. You file the petition at the Fresno County Superior Court. If the judge grants it, the guilty plea is withdrawn and the case shows as dismissed. The conviction still appears on your RAP sheet, but with a different notation that can help with employment and housing applications.

Other options include PC 851.87 for sealing arrest records when no conviction resulted, Proposition 47 for resentencing certain nonviolent felonies, and Proposition 64 for past marijuana convictions. Each requires a separate petition filed with the court. You must take the steps yourself or work with a lawyer to file on your behalf.

• PC 1203.4 dismissal after probation completion
• PC 851.87 arrest record sealing without conviction
• Prop 47 resentencing for qualifying felonies
• Prop 64 marijuana conviction relief
• Certificate of Rehabilitation for state prison sentences

Note: Central California Legal Services and other local organizations in Fresno can help with record clearing petitions for people who meet income guidelines.

Fresno County Criminal Records

Fresno is in Fresno County. All criminal court cases from the city are filed at the Fresno County Superior Court.

Nearby California Cities

Other cities in the region with criminal record resources.