Search Richmond Criminal History

Criminal history records in Richmond are maintained by the Contra Costa County Superior Court and the Richmond Police Department. Richmond sits in the western part of Contra Costa County along the San Francisco Bay. Criminal cases filed in the city go through the county court system. The Richmond Police Department handles local law enforcement and keeps its own arrest logs, incident reports, and police records. Court records can be searched online at no cost. Police reports require a separate request through the department's portal. This guide explains the steps to find criminal records in Richmond.

Richmond Criminal Court Records

All criminal cases from Richmond go through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The county runs several courthouse locations. Cases from Richmond typically get assigned to the courthouse nearest to where the offense took place. The court handles felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and traffic cases. Each case is assigned a case number at filing. You can search using that number or the defendant's name to pull up records.

The Contra Costa County Superior Court case portal lets you search criminal cases from Richmond and the rest of the county. Enter a name or case number to find records. Results show charges, hearing dates, case status, and the assigned courthouse. The search is free. You do not need to create an account. Both open and closed cases appear in the results.

Some older records may not show in the online portal. The court has been digitizing records over time, but paper files still exist for some older cases. If you cannot find what you need online, go to the courthouse clerk's office. Staff can look up records and make copies. Standard copies are 50 cents a page. Certified copies cost $40 per document.

Richmond Police Department Records

The Richmond Police Department keeps its own set of records apart from the court system. These include police reports, arrest records, incident reports, and calls for service logs. The department handles law enforcement for the city of Richmond and its surrounding areas. If you need a police report, you have to request it directly from the department. Individual reports are not posted online for the public to browse.

You can submit a records request through the Richmond Police Department NextRequest portal to get copies of police reports and other department records.

The NextRequest portal is how you file a public records request with Richmond PD. Fill out the online form and describe what you need. Add the report number if you have it. The department processes requests under the California Public Records Act. You can expect a response within 10 days for most requests. Some requests take longer if they involve large files or need review for privacy. There is usually no fee for standard requests, but the city may charge for large document sets.

Getting Criminal Records in Richmond

The way you get criminal records in Richmond depends on what type of record you need. Court records, police reports, and state background checks each have a different source. Start with the free court search if you are looking for case information. For police reports, use the department's portal. A full state background check goes through the California DOJ.

For a complete criminal history report, visit a Live Scan site in Richmond or nearby. The California DOJ manages the state criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results come back in a few business days. This check pulls records from all 58 California counties, making it the most complete option. Richmond has Live Scan locations at various spots including shipping stores and private fingerprinting services.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff runs the county jail system. People arrested in Richmond get booked into the county jail. You can check the Sheriff's website for current inmates. The CDCR inmate search covers anyone in state prison. The Megan's Law website lists registered sex offenders in Richmond and across California.

Criminal Record Fees in Richmond

Fees for getting criminal records in Richmond vary by the source. Court fees follow state-set schedules. The police department has its own fee structure for reports and copies. Plan ahead so you know what to bring.

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
• Police report copies: varies by request

If you cannot afford court fees, file a fee waiver request with the court clerk. You will need to show proof of low income or that you get public benefits. The judge reviews it. Fee waivers cover court costs but do not apply to DOJ fees or police report charges.

Note: Some online court searches are free, but printed or certified copies always have a cost attached.

Clearing Records in Richmond

California law gives people the option to clear certain criminal records. If you have a conviction from Richmond, you may be able to get it dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4. You petition the Contra Costa County Superior Court after completing probation. The court changes the record to show a dismissal. This does not erase the conviction entirely, but it changes what shows on background checks. AB 1076 now automates part of this process for qualifying cases. The DOJ reviews records and grants relief without the person filing anything.

Arrest records can also be sealed. 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, it drops off most background checks. File the petition at the courthouse that handled the case. You can do it on your own or get help from a lawyer. Legal aid groups in Contra Costa County may assist if you qualify for their programs.

Nearby Cities

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

Contra Costa County Criminal Records

Richmond is in Contra Costa County. All criminal cases from the city go through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Visit the county page for more on court searches, sheriff records, and county-level resources.