Access Fresno Criminal History

Criminal history records in Fresno come from the Fresno County Superior Court and the Fresno Police Department. Fresno is the county seat of Fresno County and the fifth largest city in California. All criminal cases filed in Fresno go through the county court. The Fresno Police Department handles local law enforcement and keeps records for arrests and incidents in the city. You can search court cases online for free using the county portal. Police reports require a direct request. This page covers how to find criminal records tied to Fresno.

Fresno Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Fresno are filed with the Fresno County Superior Court. The main courthouse is the B.F. Sisk Federal Courthouse area in downtown Fresno, though the county operates its own state courthouse facilities as well. Because Fresno is the county seat, most criminal cases from the city stay at the downtown location. Arraignments, preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing all happen there. Each case receives a number when filed. You use that number to track the case through the system.

The Fresno County Superior Court case portal provides free online case lookups. Enter a name and the system returns matching criminal cases from anywhere in the county. Results show the case number, charges, hearing dates, and disposition. You can also search by case number. The system covers both active and resolved cases, though very old records may not appear.

If you need records that are not in the online system, visit the clerk at the courthouse. The staff can search internal databases and pull paper files. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies run $40 per document. Bring details about the case so the clerk can find it quickly.

Note: The Fresno County court portal may require you to accept terms of use before searching.

Fresno Police Department Records

The Fresno Police Department keeps its own records for arrests and incidents in the city. These include police reports, arrest records, incident logs, and investigation files. The department is one of the larger city police forces in the Central Valley. Records are held separately from the county court system. You cannot get police reports through the court. They come from the department itself.

To request a police report from the Fresno PD, you generally contact the records division. The department handles requests under the California Public Records Act.

The CDCR inmate search is another useful tool if someone from Fresno was sentenced to state prison. This statewide database tracks anyone currently in the California prison system and shows their facility, CDCR number, and committing county. For Fresno police reports specifically, call the records division at (559) 621-7000 or visit the main station at 2323 Mariposa Street. Walk-in requests are handled during business hours. Bring a valid ID and any details about the report you need, like a report number or the date and location of the incident.

Getting Criminal Records in Fresno

There are several ways to get criminal records tied to Fresno. The best approach depends on what kind of record you need. Court records show case filings, charges, and outcomes. Police reports cover the details of arrests and incidents. A DOJ background check gives you a complete statewide history. Most people start with the free court search and go from there.

For a statewide criminal history, go through the California DOJ Live Scan process. Under Penal Code 11105, you can request your own criminal record. Visit a Live Scan site, get fingerprinted, and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results arrive within a few business days and include records from every county in California. Fresno has a number of Live Scan locations at police stations, shipping stores, and private vendors throughout the city. This is the most thorough background check you can get because it covers the entire state.

You can also check the Megan's Law website for registered sex offenders in Fresno. That registry is public and free to search.

Fresno Criminal Record Fees

Fees for criminal records in Fresno depend on which agency you go through. Court fees are standardized across the state. Police fees are set by the city. Planning ahead helps you budget your time and money.

Common fees include:

• 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
• Fresno PD police report copies: varies
• Online court search: free

If court fees are a problem, file a fee waiver request with the clerk. Show proof of low income or public benefits. The judge reviews the request and decides. Fee waivers cover court costs but not DOJ or police fees.

Note: Live Scan rolling fees at Fresno locations typically range from $15 to $40 depending on the vendor.

Clearing Criminal Records in Fresno

California has several options for clearing criminal records. If you have a Fresno conviction, you may qualify for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. You petition the Fresno County court after completing probation. If the court grants it, the record changes to show a dismissal. The case stays on your record, but the dismissed status can help with job applications, housing, and other areas where convictions matter. AB 1076 has made parts of this automatic. The DOJ identifies eligible cases and grants relief without the person having to file.

Arrest records can be sealed too. Under Penal Code 851.87, if you were arrested in Fresno but charges were dropped or never filed, you can petition to seal the arrest. Once sealed, it will not show on most background checks. File the petition at the Fresno County courthouse. You can do it yourself, or legal aid organizations in Fresno County can help at low or no cost. Central California Legal Services covers the Fresno area and may be able to assist.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Fresno. Criminal cases from each go through their county's Superior Court.

Fresno County Criminal Records

Fresno is the county seat of Fresno County. All criminal cases from the city are processed through the Fresno County Superior Court. Visit the county page for more on court searches, sheriff records, and county resources.