Fullerton Criminal History Search

Criminal history records for Fullerton are handled by the Orange County Superior Court and the Fullerton Police Department. Fullerton is in northern Orange County, a short drive from Anaheim and Los Angeles. All criminal cases filed in Fullerton go through the county court system. The police department keeps its own records for arrests and local incidents. Court records are available online at no cost through the county search portal. Police records require a direct request to the department. Here is how to search for and get criminal records in Fullerton, California.

Fullerton Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases filed in Fullerton go through the Orange County Superior Court. The county runs several courthouse locations. Cases from Fullerton are commonly handled at the North Justice Center in Fullerton itself, which is located on North Berkeley Avenue. Having the courthouse in town makes it easy to attend hearings or visit the clerk in person. Some cases may be assigned to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana depending on the nature of the charges.

The Orange County Superior Court case search is free and available to anyone. You enter a name and the system returns matching criminal cases from across the county. Results include case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and current status. You can also look up cases by number. The system pulls from all Orange County court locations, so you do not need to know which one handled a specific case to find it.

Older records may not be fully available online. The court digitized records at different times for each location. If you cannot find a case in the online system, visit the clerk's office at the North Justice Center or the Central Justice Center. Staff can search internal records and pull paper files. Standard copies are 50 cents per page and certified copies cost $40.

Fullerton Police Criminal Records

The Fullerton Police Department keeps records for all arrests and incidents in the city. These include police reports, booking records, and investigation files. The department does not post individual reports for the public to browse online. You have to request the specific record you need.

Fullerton uses an online system for police report requests. You can start a request through the Fullerton Police records portal.

The system guides you through the request process. You provide details about the record you need, like the date, location, type of incident, and report number if you have one. Having a report number makes things go faster. The department processes requests under the California Public Records Act. Most straightforward requests get a response within about 10 days. Requests for records tied to active cases or large document batches can take longer. There may be fees for copies depending on the volume, but basic requests are often handled without a charge.

Note: The Fullerton PD records unit is at the main station at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue.

Getting Criminal Records in Fullerton

How you get criminal records from Fullerton depends on the type of record. Court records come from the Orange County court. Police reports come from the Fullerton PD. A full statewide criminal history comes from the California DOJ. Each covers different ground.

For a complete state criminal history, go to a Live Scan site. The California DOJ maintains the statewide database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted at an authorized location and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the vendor's rolling fee. Results come back within a few business days and include records from every county in the state. This is the most thorough check available. Multiple Live Scan sites operate in Fullerton and nearby cities in northern Orange County at shipping stores, police stations, and private offices.

You can also visit the Fullerton Police Department in person at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue. The records division handles walk-in requests during business hours. Bring a valid ID and any case details you have. Call (714) 738-6800 to check walk-in hours and what you need to bring.

Fullerton Criminal Record Fees

Fees for criminal records in Fullerton vary by source. Court fees follow the statewide schedule. Police fees are set by the city. Knowing what to expect saves time and money.

Common fees for records in Fullerton:

• 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
• Fullerton PD report copies: varies

Fee waivers are available for court costs. File a request with the clerk and show proof of low income or public benefits. The judge makes the decision. Waivers apply to court fees only and do not cover DOJ charges or police department copy fees.

Clearing Records in Fullerton

If you have a criminal conviction from a Fullerton case, California law may let you get it dismissed. Under Penal Code 1203.4, you petition the Orange County court after you finish probation. The court changes the plea to not guilty and enters a dismissal. The conviction stays on the record but shows as dismissed. This helps with jobs and housing. AB 1076 now makes some of this automatic. The DOJ reviews qualifying records and grants relief without requiring the person to file paperwork.

Arrest records from Fullerton can also be sealed. Under Penal Code 851.87, if your arrest did not lead to charges or the case was dismissed, you may petition to seal the arrest record. Once sealed, it will not show on most background checks. File the petition at the courthouse that handled your case. You can file on your own or get help from a lawyer. Legal aid organizations in Orange County can help with the paperwork at reduced or no cost.

Note: Some serious felonies are not eligible for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4, even after probation is done.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Fullerton. Criminal cases from each city go through their respective county court systems.

Orange County Criminal Records

Fullerton is in Orange County. All criminal cases from the city are handled by the Orange County Superior Court. Visit the county page for more details on court searches, sheriff records, and county resources.