Bakersfield Criminal Records

Criminal history records for Bakersfield are held by the city police department and the Kern County Superior Court. Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County, and all criminal cases from the city run through that court system. The Bakersfield Police Department keeps arrest logs, incident reports, and police files for matters within city limits. Court records cover everything from misdemeanor charges to felony trials. Both sources offer some level of online access. This page explains each option for searching and obtaining criminal records in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases filed in Bakersfield go through the Kern County Superior Court. Since Bakersfield is the county seat, the main courthouse is right in the city. The Metropolitan Division courthouse at 1215 Truxtun Avenue handles most criminal cases. Felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases all go through this location. The court also has a branch in Mojave and one in Delano for other parts of the county, but Bakersfield cases stay local.

The Kern County Superior Court portal gives you online access to criminal case records. Search by the person's name or by case number. The results show charges, hearing dates, case status, and which judge or department is assigned. It is free. You do not need an account to use it. The system covers recent years well, though some very old records may not be digitized yet.

Getting copies of court documents requires a trip to the clerk's office or a mail request. Plain copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $40 per document. For mail requests, include the case number and a check payable to Kern County Superior Court. Response times for mail requests vary but usually take one to two weeks.

Note: Traffic infractions are separate from criminal records, though some traffic offenses like DUI are classified as criminal matters in Kern County.

Bakersfield Police Criminal Records

The Bakersfield Police Department handles arrest reports, incident records, and booking information for events within the city. These are separate from court records. If you need a police report from an incident in Bakersfield, you go through the department. They do not post reports online for public viewing. You have to request the specific record you want.

Use the Bakersfield Police public records portal to submit your request for police reports and department files.

The portal uses the JustFOIA system. You create a request, describe what you need, and submit it online. Having a report number makes the process faster. If you do not have one, provide as many details as you can, like the date, location, and people involved. The city aims to respond within the timeline set by the California Public Records Act. Some requests come back quickly. Complex or large requests take more time. Copy fees may apply depending on the volume of records.

Getting Criminal Records in Bakersfield

You have several options for getting criminal records in Bakersfield. Court records and police reports come from different sources, and a statewide background check is a third route. The court search online is the quickest starting point. It is free and gives you basic case information right away. Police reports take a formal request. A DOJ background check through Live Scan gives the broadest view.

For a state-level criminal history, visit a Live Scan site in Bakersfield. The California DOJ manages the statewide criminal record database. You get fingerprinted, pay the $25 DOJ fee and the site's rolling fee, and results come back in a few business days. This check pulls records from every county in California. It is the most thorough option available. Bakersfield has multiple Live Scan locations at UPS stores, notary offices, and other vendors around the city. The legal basis for these checks is Penal Code 11105.

The Bakersfield Police Department is at 1601 Truxtun Avenue. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. Bring photo ID. Call (661) 327-7111 to check hours before heading over. The Kern County Sheriff also maintains records for areas outside city limits but still in the Bakersfield metro area.

Bakersfield Criminal Record Fees

Fees vary depending on where you get your criminal records in Bakersfield. The court follows state fee schedules. The police department has its own pricing. Here are the typical costs you should expect.

Common fees for criminal records in Bakersfield:

• Court name search (over 10 minutes): $15
• Court copies per page: $0.50
• Certified court copy: $40 per document
• DOJ background check: $25 plus Live Scan rolling fee
• Police report copies: varies by request
• Kern County Sheriff records request: varies

Court fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the charges. File the waiver request with the clerk and provide proof of low income or that you get public benefits. The judge reviews it. Waivers cover court costs only. They do not apply to DOJ or police fees.

Clearing Bakersfield Criminal Records

California law provides ways to clear criminal records. If you were convicted of a crime in Bakersfield, Penal Code 1203.4 may allow you to petition for dismissal after completing probation. The record gets updated to show the case was dismissed. This helps with employment and housing background checks. AB 1076 has made parts of this automatic for qualifying records. The California DOJ now reviews records on its own and grants relief to people who meet the criteria.

Arrest records from Bakersfield can also be sealed. Under Penal Code 851.87, if you were arrested but never charged, or if the case was dropped, you can petition to seal the arrest. Once sealed, the record stays hidden from most background searches. You file at the Kern County Superior Court. Legal aid organizations in Kern County sometimes help with the process. Check with the Kern County Bar Association for referrals if you need a lawyer and cannot afford one.

Note: Record clearing does not apply to all offense types, and certain convictions are not eligible for dismissal under PC 1203.4.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Bakersfield. Each city's criminal cases are handled by their local county Superior Court.

Kern County Criminal Records

Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County. All criminal cases from the city are filed through the Kern County Superior Court. Visit the county page for full details on court searches, sheriff records, and county resources.