Hayward Criminal History Records

Criminal history records in Hayward come from two main sources. The Hayward Police Department handles arrest records and police reports for incidents within city limits. Court records for criminal cases go through the Alameda County Superior Court, which serves all cities in Alameda County. The court runs a free online case search tool. You can also request police reports through the city's records portal. This page covers how to find criminal records in Hayward, what fees you should expect, and where to go for help clearing old records in the city.

Hayward Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Hayward are filed in the Alameda County Superior Court. The county runs several courthouse locations. Cases from Hayward most often go to the Hayward Hall of Justice at 24405 Amador Street. This courthouse handles both criminal and civil matters for the southern part of the county. You check in at the clerk's window for case files. The building also holds courtrooms where trials and hearings take place. If your case was transferred to another location in the county, the online system will show you where it ended up.

The Alameda County Superior Court case search lets you look up criminal cases from Hayward and anywhere else in the county. Type in a last name. Add a first name to get more specific results. The system shows case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and current status. It is free. No account is needed to use it.

Older cases may not appear in the online system. The court did not digitize every record from past decades. If a case from years ago does not show up, visit the Hayward Hall of Justice in person. The clerk can pull up older files. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $40 each.

Hayward Police Records

The Hayward Police Department keeps its own records apart from the court system. Police reports, arrest records, and incident reports are all maintained by the department. If you need a copy of a police report from Hayward, you submit a request through the city's public records portal. The department does not post individual reports online for public browsing. Each request gets reviewed before records are released, and the process typically takes a few business days depending on the type of record you are asking for.

The Hayward Police records request portal is where you submit your request for police reports and other department records.

This portal handles requests for police reports, arrest records, and other public documents from Hayward PD. Fill out the form with the details of what you need. Include the report number if you have one. That helps speed things up. The department aims to respond within 10 days for standard requests. Some requests take longer if the records are large or involve sensitive information. There is no fee to submit the request itself, but the department may charge for copies.

Getting Criminal Records in Hayward

There are several paths to get criminal records in Hayward. The right one depends on what you need. Court records, police reports, and state background checks each come from different places. Most people start with the free court search online. If that does not work, try the police records portal or request a background check from the state.

For a full criminal history from the state level, go to a Live Scan site in Hayward. The California DOJ runs the statewide criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted at a Live Scan location and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the rolling fee charged by the site. Results come back within a few business days. Hayward has multiple Live Scan locations at shipping stores, police stations, and private vendors around the city. This is the most thorough criminal history check available in California since it pulls records from every county.

You can also visit the Hayward Hall of Justice in person to look up court records. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk's office is open during regular business hours on weekdays.

Note: Sealed and expunged records will not show up in any of these search methods.

Hayward Criminal Record Fees

Fees for criminal records in Hayward vary depending on the source. The court charges fees set by state law. The police department sets its own rates for copies. Knowing the costs ahead of time keeps you from making a wasted trip.

Common fees for criminal records in Hayward 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
• Police report copies: varies by request

If you cannot afford court fees, ask the clerk about a fee waiver. You will need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge decides whether to grant it. Fee waivers cover court costs only. They do not apply to DOJ fees or police report charges.

Clearing Records in Hayward

California law gives people ways to clear certain criminal records. If you have a conviction from Hayward, you may qualify for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. You file a petition with the court after completing probation. The court changes the record to show a dismissal instead of a conviction. It does not fully erase the record, but it helps with employment and housing checks. AB 1076 now makes some of this automatic. The DOJ reviews eligible records and grants relief without the person filing anything at all.

Arrest records can be sealed too. If charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, Penal Code 851.87 allows you to petition the court to seal the arrest record. Once sealed, the arrest will not appear on most background checks. File the petition at the Hayward Hall of Justice or whichever courthouse handled your case. You can do it on your own or hire a lawyer for help.

Nearby Cities

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

Alameda County Criminal Records

Hayward is in Alameda County. All criminal cases from the city are filed through the county court system. Visit the county page for more details on court searches, sheriff records, and county-level resources.