Find Modesto Criminal Records

Criminal history records in Modesto are maintained by the city's police department and the Stanislaus County Superior Court. The Modesto Police Department handles police reports, arrest logs, and incident records for everything within city limits. Criminal cases filed in Modesto go through the Stanislaus County court system. The court has a free online portal for searching cases. You can also request police records through the city's public records site. Below you will find how to search for criminal records in Modesto, what fees to expect, and options for clearing old records.

Modesto Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases filed in Modesto go through the Stanislaus County Superior Court. The main courthouse is located at 800 11th Street in Modesto, which is also the county seat. Most criminal cases from the city are handled at this location. The building has courtrooms, a clerk's office, and a public window where you can request case files. Stanislaus County also runs a second courthouse in Turlock for cases from the southern part of the county. But if the crime happened in Modesto, the main courthouse is almost always where the case gets filed.

The Stanislaus County Superior Court case search gives you access to criminal case records from Modesto and the rest of the county. Enter a name or case number. The results show charges, hearing dates, case status, and which courtroom the case is assigned to. It is free and open to the public. No account required.

Older cases might not appear online. The court has been working on adding old files to the digital system, but there are gaps. If you need a record from a long time ago and the portal comes up empty, visit the clerk in person at the main courthouse. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $40.

Modesto Police Criminal Reports

The Modesto Police Department keeps its own set of records. These are separate from the court system. Police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports are all maintained by the department's records unit. If you want a copy of a police report from Modesto, you go through the city's public records request system. The department does not publish individual reports online. You need to ask for a specific record and wait for the department to process it.

The Modesto Police public records portal is where you submit requests for police reports and other city records.

Use this portal to request police reports, arrest records, and other public documents from the Modesto PD. Fill in the form and describe what you need. A report number helps speed things up if you have one. The department processes most requests within a couple of weeks. Larger or more involved requests can take longer. There is no charge to submit the request, but you may be charged for copies of the records once they are ready.

Getting Criminal Records in Modesto

You have a few options for getting criminal records in Modesto. Each type of record comes from a different place. Court records, police reports, and state-level background checks are all handled by different agencies. The free court search online is where most people start. If that does not give you what you need, move on to the police records portal or a statewide check.

For a statewide criminal history, go to a Live Scan location in Modesto. The California DOJ manages the state criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted at the Live Scan site and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus whatever rolling fee the vendor charges. Results arrive within a few business days. Modesto has several Live Scan locations at shipping stores, the police department, and private vendors. This is the most complete background check you can get because it covers all 58 California counties in one search.

The Stanislaus County courthouse at 800 11th Street also allows walk-in record requests. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can look up records by name or case number during regular business hours.

Note: Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear through any of these search methods.

Modesto Criminal Record Fees

The cost of getting criminal records in Modesto depends on where you go. Court fees follow state rules. Police fees are set by the city. Here is what to expect.

Common fees for criminal records in Modesto:

• 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
• Online court case search: free

If the court fees are too much, ask the clerk about a fee waiver. You need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge decides. Fee waivers apply to court costs only. They do not cover DOJ or police fees.

Clearing Criminal Records in Modesto

California gives people paths to clear their criminal records. If you have a conviction from Modesto, you might qualify for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. You file a petition with the Stanislaus County Superior Court after completing probation. The court changes the conviction to a dismissal on the record. It does not erase the conviction, but it makes a real difference when employers or landlords run background checks. AB 1076 has made portions of this process automatic. The DOJ now reviews records and applies relief where people qualify without them having to take any action.

Arrest records can be sealed under Penal Code 851.87. If charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, you can petition the court to seal the arrest. Once sealed, the arrest does not appear on most background checks. File the petition at the Stanislaus County courthouse. You can handle it yourself or hire a lawyer to assist.

Nearby Cities

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

Stanislaus County Criminal Records

Modesto is in Stanislaus County. All criminal cases from the city are filed through the county court system. Visit the county page for more on court searches, sheriff records, and county resources.