San Jose Criminal History Records

Criminal history records in San Jose are kept by the Santa Clara County Superior Court and the San Jose Police Department. San Jose is the largest city in the South Bay and serves as the county seat of Santa Clara County. All criminal cases from the city go through the county court system. The SJPD maintains its own police reports, arrest records, and incident logs. Court records can be searched online for free. Police reports need a separate request to the department. This page explains how to find and get criminal records in San Jose, California.

San Jose Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from San Jose go through the Santa Clara County Superior Court. The main courthouse for criminal cases is at 191 North First Street in downtown San Jose. This is where most felony and serious misdemeanor cases from the city are handled. The court also has other locations around the county for various case types. Since San Jose is the county seat and the largest city, a large share of the county's criminal caseload comes from here. Each case gets a unique case number at the time of filing.

The Santa Clara County Superior Court case search portal lets you look up criminal cases filed in San Jose and the rest of the county. Enter a name or case number to search. Results display charges, hearing dates, case status, and the assigned courthouse. The search is free to use. You do not need to create an account. The portal includes both open and closed cases that have been entered into the digital system.

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

San Jose Police Department Records

The San Jose Police Department maintains its own records apart from the court system. This includes police reports, arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs. The SJPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the city. It is one of the larger police departments in California given San Jose's population of about one million residents. Individual police reports are not posted online for public access. You need to request the specific report you want from the department.

You can view the California DOJ's background check page for information on statewide criminal record searches that include San Jose records.

The California DOJ page provides details on how the state background check system works. San Jose residents and employers use this system for fingerprint-based criminal history checks. The DOJ database pulls records from all counties in California, including Santa Clara County. This is the most reliable way to get a comprehensive criminal history report for someone in San Jose. The SJPD Records Unit at 201 West Mission Street handles local police report requests. You can visit in person during business hours or call to ask about the process for getting copies of specific reports.

Getting Criminal Records in San Jose

There are multiple ways to get criminal records in San Jose. The path depends on what type of record you need. Court records, police reports, and state background checks each have their own process. The online court search is the best free starting point. Police reports go through the department. A full state criminal history requires a Live Scan.

For a complete criminal history from the state, visit a Live Scan site in San Jose. The California DOJ manages the statewide criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted at the Live Scan location and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results come back in a few business days. San Jose has many Live Scan locations at police stations, UPS stores, and private vendors around the city. This check pulls from all 58 counties, making it the most thorough criminal history search in California.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff runs the county jail. People arrested in San Jose are booked into the Elmwood Correctional Facility or the main jail. You can search for current inmates on the Sheriff's website. The CDCR inmate search covers state prison inmates. The Megan's Law website lists registered sex offenders in San Jose and across the state.

San Jose Criminal Record Fees

Fees for getting criminal records in San Jose vary by source. Court fees follow state schedules. Police department fees depend on the request. Here is what to expect for common records.

Typical fees for criminal records in San Jose:

• 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 clerk's office. You need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge reviews the waiver. It covers court costs only. DOJ fees and police department charges are not included in the waiver.

Note: The online court case search through Santa Clara County is free for everyone to use.

Clearing Criminal Records in San Jose

California law allows people to clear certain criminal records from their history. If you have a conviction from San Jose, you may be eligible for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. You file a petition with the Santa Clara County Superior Court after completing probation. The court changes the record to show a dismissal instead of a conviction. The conviction is not completely erased, but it changes how the record appears on background checks. AB 1076 has automated this for many qualifying cases. The DOJ now reviews records and grants automatic relief without requiring a petition from the individual.

Arrest records can also be sealed in San Jose. If you were arrested but charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, Penal Code 851.87 lets you petition to seal the arrest record. Once sealed, the arrest does not show on most background checks. File the petition at the Santa Clara County courthouse. You can do it yourself or hire a lawyer. The Santa Clara County Public Defender's office and local legal aid groups offer record clearing help for people who qualify based on income. The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is another resource for San Jose residents who need help with this process.

Nearby Cities

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

Santa Clara County Criminal Records

San Jose is in Santa Clara County. All criminal cases from the city go through the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Visit the county page for more details on court searches, sheriff records, and county-level resources.