Del Norte County Criminal Records

Criminal history records in Del Norte County are maintained by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office. Del Norte is a small, remote county on the far northern California coast with about 28,000 residents. Crescent City is the county seat and only incorporated city. Criminal cases go through the Del Norte County Superior Court, which offers a public portal for online case searches. The Sheriff provides custody information through a separate online tool. This page covers the ways to search for criminal records in Del Norte County and how to request copies.

Del Norte County Court Criminal Records

The Del Norte County Superior Court is in Crescent City at 450 H Street. It handles every criminal case filed in the county. The court offers a public portal where you can search for criminal, traffic, and civil cases. The portal is free and open to anyone. Search by name or case number to find matching records. Results include the case type, charges, hearing dates, and current status. Most recent cases are in the online system. Older cases might need to be checked directly with the clerk.

The Del Norte County Superior Court public portal provides free access to search criminal case records.

This portal shows criminal case data for all filings handled by the Del Norte County courthouse.

To get copies of court documents, visit the clerk's office or mail a request. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $40 per document. When mailing a request, include the case number if you have it. If you do not have the case number, provide the defendant's full name and date of birth to help the clerk locate the right records. Del Norte County is remote, so mail requests are common from people who cannot easily visit Crescent City in person. Processing times depend on the clerk's workload but generally take a week or two for straightforward requests.

Del Norte County Inmate Search

The Del Norte County Sheriff operates the county jail in Crescent City. The Sheriff provides an online tool to check who is currently in custody. This tool shows the names, charges, and booking information for inmates at the facility. It is free to use and updates as bookings and releases happen.

The Del Norte County Sheriff inmate lookup shows everyone currently held in the county jail.

This tool reflects real-time custody data for the Del Norte County detention facility.

Del Norte County is also home to Pelican Bay State Prison, one of California's highest-security prisons. Pelican Bay is a state facility and is not part of the county jail system. If you are looking for someone at Pelican Bay, use the CDCR inmate search instead of the county Sheriff's tool. The CDCR system covers all state prisons in California. The county jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. State prison holds people with longer sentences from courts across California, not just Del Norte County.

Note: Pelican Bay State Prison inmates are not listed in the county Sheriff's custody tool.

Getting Criminal Records in Del Norte County

Criminal records in Del Norte County come from a few sources. The court has case records. The Sheriff has booking and arrest records. The California DOJ has the statewide criminal history database. Each source serves a different purpose.

For a full California criminal history, use the California DOJ Live Scan fingerprint process. Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ keeps the official statewide criminal record repository. You get fingerprinted at a Live Scan site and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Del Norte County has limited Live Scan locations. You may be able to find one at the Crescent City Police Department or a nearby provider. Results come back in a few business days and include records from all 58 California counties. This is the most thorough criminal history check available.

For police reports, contact the Crescent City Police Department or the Del Norte County Sheriff depending on which agency handled the case. Crescent City PD covers the city limits. The Sheriff covers everything outside city limits, which is the majority of the county.

Del Norte County Criminal Record Fees

Court fees in Del Norte County are the same as every California Superior Court. The state sets the fee schedule, so there is no difference between a small county like Del Norte and a large one like Los Angeles. The costs are straightforward.

• Court name search (over 10 minutes): $15
• Copies per page: $0.50
• Certified copy per document: $40
• Exemplification: $50
• DOJ background check: $25 plus Live Scan rolling fee

If you qualify for a fee waiver, submit the request form to the Del Norte County Superior Court clerk. You need to demonstrate low income or enrollment in public benefit programs. Approved waivers cover court fees and some copy costs. They do not cover DOJ or law enforcement fees. The online case search is always free.

Note: The courthouse may not accept credit cards for all transactions, so bring cash or a check if visiting in person.

Record Clearing in Del Norte County

If you have a criminal conviction from Del Norte County, California law offers several ways to get relief. Penal Code 1203.4 lets you petition the court to dismiss a conviction after finishing probation. The court withdraws the guilty plea and enters a dismissal. This helps when applying for jobs or housing because the record shows a dismissal rather than a conviction. File the petition at the Del Norte County Superior Court in Crescent City.

AB 1076 made some of this automatic. The California DOJ reviews eligible records and clears them without requiring anyone to file paperwork. This covers cases where probation was completed and no new crimes were committed. People in Del Norte County benefit from this since it removes the need to hire an attorney or figure out the court process on their own.

Arrest records that did not lead to a conviction can be sealed under Penal Code 851.87. Once sealed, the arrest does not appear on most background checks. File the petition at the courthouse in Crescent City. The Megan's Law sex offender registry is maintained separately by the state and is always available to the public regardless of any record clearing actions.

Cities in Del Norte County

Del Norte County has one incorporated city: Crescent City. Its population is well under the threshold for a dedicated page. All criminal cases in Del Norte County, whether they happen in Crescent City or the unincorporated areas, go through the Superior Court. The Crescent City Police Department handles city cases while the Sheriff covers everything else.

Nearby Counties

Del Norte County is at the very top of California, bordering Oregon. It only has two neighboring California counties. If a case was filed somewhere other than Del Norte, check the court system for the correct county.