Sacramento Superior Court criminal records are official documents that show court cases filed in Sacramento County. These records include charges, court dates, rulings, and case outcomes. Anyone can request them if they follow the right steps. The court keeps these files safe and makes them available to the public. You can get copies online, by phone, mail, or in person. Knowing how to access them helps with background checks, legal research, or personal records. This page explains every way to find, view, and copy criminal records from the Sacramento Superior Court.
How to Get Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Records
You can get criminal records from Sacramento Superior Court in four ways: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Each method has different steps and fees. The fastest way is using the Public Case Access System (PCAS) online. For older cases or full files, you may need to visit the courthouse or mail a form. Always have the case number ready. If you don’t have it, use the court’s search tools or call the Records Division.
For online access, go to the court’s website and create an account. You’ll pay a small fee per name search. For in-person requests, go to Room 101 at the Hall of Justice, 1400 J Street. Bring a photo ID like a driver’s license. Staff will help you find the file and make copies. Mailed requests must include a completed form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Public Case Access System (PCAS): Search Criminal Filings Online
The Public Case Access System (PCAS) lets you search Sacramento Superior Court criminal cases from January 1, 1989, to today. It only includes cases filed in this court. You won’t find arrest logs, sheriff citations, or federal records here. Each search shows the docket number, filing date, charge, and case status. To use PCAS, create a free account and verify your email.
Name searches cost money. A single search is $1.00. Five searches cost $3.50. A bulk pack of 75 searches is $25.00. Pay with credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. After payment, you get an email receipt with a transaction ID. The system updates daily, so new filings appear quickly.
Online Services Portal: Track Cases and Get Alerts
The court’s Online Services Portal offers more than just criminal records. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. It also shows civil, probate, and family law cases. One useful feature is case alerts. Sign up for a case, and the system emails you a PDF within 15 minutes of any new filing. This helps lawyers, reporters, and families stay updated.
The portal uses two-factor authentication for safety. You can log in with SMS or an authenticator app. All searches are logged for security. The system is free to use, but name-based criminal searches still require payment through PCAS.
In-Person Requests: Visit the Criminal Records Unit
The Criminal Records Unit is in Room 101 on the first floor of the Hall of Justice at 1400 J Street, Sacramento. It’s open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When you arrive, show a government-issued photo ID. Staff will check your identity before giving you access to files.
Once a file arrives, it stays on-site for 10 calendar days. During this time, you can use public photocopiers. Black-and-white copies cost $0.10 per page. Color copies are $0.25 per page. A clerk can copy for you at $1.00 per page. They also offer PDFs on a USB drive for $2.00 per file.
Mailed and Faxed Requests: How to Submit from Home
You can request records by mail or fax. Use the court’s standard request form. Include the case number, names of parties, and type of document needed. Mail to: Sacramento Superior Court, 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Fax to (916) 874-2059. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Payment must be by check or money order made out to “Sacramento Superior Court.” Do not send cash. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. For faster service, call the Records Division at (916) 874-8881 to check if the file is ready before mailing.
Finding a Case Number When You Don’t Have One
Most requests need a docket number. If you don’t have it, there are three ways to find it. First, use the criminal case index for cases filed in 2004 or later. Search by the defendant’s name and date of birth. Second, enter the name plus the month and year the case was filed. The system will show matching docket numbers.
Third, call the Records Division. Give the defendant’s name and an approximate filing date. A clerk will email the docket number within 24 hours. All searches are recorded for audit purposes. Keep your receipt as proof of request.
What Happens to Records After a Case Ends
After a criminal case closes, the original file is moved to an off-site Records Retention Center at 1020 Court Street. It’s stored in climate-controlled vaults for at least 20 years. This protects paper from damage and saves space at the courthouse. The court also makes a 35mm microfilm copy. That master is kept in the state’s central microfilm library.
Even after transfer, you can still request copies. Use the same process as for active files. Just note that retrieval may take longer. The 10-day on-site rule only applies to recently closed cases. Older files must be pulled from storage.
Fees and Payment Options for Criminal Records
Fees vary by service. Online name searches cost $1.00 each, $3.50 for five, or $25.00 for 75. Copying fees are $0.10 per black-and-white page, $0.25 per color page. Clerk-assisted copying is $1.00 per page. USB drive PDFs are $2.00 per file. Pay online with credit or debit card. For mail, use check or money order.
All payments get an electronic receipt. Keep it for your records. Fees help maintain the database and support staff. No refunds are given for completed searches, even if no records are found.
Delinquent Fines and Fee Collection
The court works with collection agencies for unpaid fines, fees, or restitution. If you think a debt is wrong, call GC Services at 1-800-333-8395 (English) or 1-800-616-6007 (Spanish). Or call the Department of Revenue Recovery at 1-916-875-7500. Both lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
They can send a written statement of what you owe. You can also check your balance online through the court’s payment portal. Always keep copies of payments and correspondence.
Third-Party Services vs. Official Court Records
Some websites claim to offer “free” Sacramento criminal records. Most are third-party services that collect public data. They may show arrest logs, charge sheets, or docket entries. But they are not official court sources. Their info can be outdated or incomplete.
For accurate, up-to-date records, always use the Sacramento Superior Court’s official systems. Third-party reports often cost $19.99 or more. The court’s own tools are more reliable and often cheaper. Only the court can provide certified copies for legal use.
Types of Documents Included in Criminal Records
Sacramento criminal records contain many documents. These include arrest reports from the Sheriff’s Office, charging papers from the District Attorney, court transcripts, final judgments, sentencing orders, and jail records. The Superior Court maintains all these files.
Not every document is online. Some older files are only on microfilm or in storage. Full case files require a formal request. You must provide the docket number and show ID to get copies.
Special Rules for Proposition 47 Records
Government agencies requesting records related to Proposition 47 must follow a special process. This law, effective April 15, 2015, changed some felonies to misdemeanors. Requests for these records use the “PC 1170.18 Petitions” form. It’s separate from regular public requests.
Agencies should contact the Records Division directly. Regular users can still search these cases in PCAS, but certified copies may need extra steps. Always mention Prop 47 when requesting.
How Long Records Stay Available
Active criminal files are kept at the courthouse until closure. After that, they go to the retention center for at least 20 years. Some records may be kept longer if required by law. Microfilm copies last even longer. After 20 years, files may be destroyed unless needed for appeals or audits.
If you need an old record, request it early. Retrieval from storage takes time. The court does not guarantee access to files past their retention period.
Contact Information and Hours
Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Records Division Phone: (916) 874-8881 Fax: (916) 874-2059 Address: 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Website: https://saccourt.ca.gov/criminal/records.aspx
For online searches: https://services.saccourt.ca.gov/PublicCaseAccess/Criminal
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Records
People often have questions about accessing, copying, and understanding criminal records. Below are the most common ones, answered clearly and directly based on current court policies and procedures.
Can I get a criminal record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes, you can still get a record without the case number. Use the Public Case Access System to search by the defendant’s name and date of birth or name plus filing month and year. If that doesn’t work, call the Records Division at (916) 874-8881. Give them the person’s name and an estimated filing date. A clerk will email you the docket number within 24 hours. All searches are logged for security. You’ll need this number to request copies. Without it, the court cannot locate the file. This step ensures only authorized people access sensitive data.
Are Sacramento criminal records free to view online?
Basic case details like docket number, charge, and status are free to view in the Public Case Access System. However, searching by name costs money: $1.00 per search, $3.50 for five, or $25.00 for 75. These fees pay for system maintenance and staff. You must create an account and pay before seeing results. There is no free full record download. For certified copies or full files, additional copying fees apply. Third-party sites may claim “free” records, but they are not official and often outdated.
How long does it take to get copies of a criminal record?
Online searches show results instantly after payment. For physical copies, timing depends on how you request them. In-person requests at the Criminal Records Unit can be fulfilled the same day if the file is on-site. Mailed requests take 5 to 10 business days. Files stored off-site may take longer to retrieve. Once logged, files stay at the courthouse for 10 calendar days. After that, they move to the retention center. Plan ahead if you need records for legal deadlines.
Can anyone request a criminal record, or is it restricted?
Yes, anyone can request public criminal records from Sacramento Superior Court. There are no restrictions based on relationship or purpose. However, you must provide accurate information and show a government-issued photo ID when picking up copies in person. The court logs all requests for audits. Some sensitive details, like juvenile records or sealed cases, are not public. But most adult criminal filings are open to all.
What if my record has incorrect information?
If you find errors in your criminal record, contact the Records Division immediately. Call (916) 874-8881 or visit in person. Bring proof of the mistake, like a court order or dismissal notice. The court will review and correct official files if needed. For third-party sites showing wrong data, contact them directly—but only the court can fix the source record. Keep copies of all corrections for your files.
Are old criminal records still available after many years?
Yes, most criminal records are kept for at least 20 years after case closure. They are stored in climate-controlled vaults at the off-site Records Retention Center. Some may be on microfilm for longer preservation. After 20 years, files may be destroyed unless needed for legal reasons. If you need an old record, request it as soon as possible. Retrieval from long-term storage takes extra time.
Can I get a certified copy of a criminal record for court or employment?
Yes, the Sacramento Superior Court provides certified copies for legal use. These include an official seal and signature. You can request them in person, by mail, or online. Certified copies cost more than regular copies due to processing. They are accepted by employers, immigration offices, and other courts. Always specify “certified copy” on your request form. Regular printouts from PCAS are not legally certified.