How to Find California Criminal Records

If you are doing a background check in the state of California, one of the most important things to check is the criminal record. Those convicted of crimes in California may also want to view their criminal record. Here is a guide below with many ways of investigating conviction records.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the website of California's Office of the Attorney General. In the section labeled "Helpful Guide for Californians" you will see a link for back ground check information. In the state of California, only people with a valid reason--such as employment--can access criminal records through the courts. The website has the application forms you need to fill out to request records.

2. Another helpful website to visit is the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (courtinfo.ca.gov). Here you will find information about making changes to your own criminal record, such as getting charges and convictions dismissed. If this is the reason you are searching for records, the Online Self-Help Center has all the forms you need to submit a request.

3. If you are searching for the arrest and conviction records of a current inmate, you can get info on the website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Use their inmate locator tools. The website also has information about parole dates and sex offender registries.

4. Be persistent and expect to wait a couple weeks for a response. The California Court system prefers to handle record requests by snail mail.

5. Check out a private company if you have trouble with the courts. There are many people search services that can find criminal records, even if they have been expunged. The fees will be higher than filing paperwork with the courts, but these private investigators are very good at procuring hard-to-find public records.

[starlet67]

on 5/22/2009 Great info for finding California Criminal Records!5*