Glenn County Criminal Records
Criminal history records in Glenn County are held by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office. Glenn County is a small, rural county in the northern Sacramento Valley with about 28,000 residents. The county seat is Willows. You can search for criminal case records through the court or check arrest logs from the Sheriff. Background checks go through the California DOJ Live Scan process. This page covers how to find, request, and use criminal records in Glenn County, including court cases, jail bookings, and state background check options.
Glenn County Quick Facts
Glenn County Court Criminal Records
The Glenn County Superior Court handles all criminal cases filed in the county. There is one courthouse in Willows. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to felonies. The court keeps files on all charges, hearings, and case outcomes. Glenn County is small enough that one judge often handles most criminal matters. You can look up case information by visiting the court or checking the Glenn County Superior Court website for any available online tools. The court has limited online case access compared to larger counties, so many record requests still need to be done in person or by mail.
The California Courts website provides general information about court records across the state, including Glenn County.
This statewide portal offers links and tools that can help you find Glenn County court records and forms.
To get copies of criminal case records from Glenn County, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Willows. Bring the case number if you have it. A name search can also pull up records, but it takes longer. The clerk charges standard state fees for copies. If you do not have a case number, the clerk will search by name for a fee. Some older records may be archived and take extra time to find. The court does not post criminal case files online, so plan for an in-person visit or send a written request by mail to the Glenn County Superior Court clerk.
Note: Glenn County has limited online court access, so in-person or mail requests are the most reliable way to get criminal case records.
Glenn County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Glenn County Sheriff runs the county jail in Willows. The jail holds people who are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The Sheriff's Office publishes booking reports in PDF format. These reports list recent arrests, charges, and booking details. You can contact the Sheriff's Office to ask about current inmates or recent bookings. The jail is small, so the booking list is usually short.
For people who are no longer in county jail and may be in state prison, the CDCR inmate search covers all California state prison inmates. This includes anyone sentenced from Glenn County to state prison. The search is free and shows the person's current facility, CDCR number, and commitment county.
If you need arrest records beyond what the booking log shows, you can file a public records request with the Glenn County Sheriff. Police reports and arrest records may be available under the California Public Records Act. Response times vary. Some records may be withheld if an investigation is still open or if the record is exempt from disclosure. Call the Sheriff's Office in Willows for details on how to submit your request.
How to Get Records in Glenn County
There are a few ways to get criminal history records in Glenn County. The right method depends on what type of record you need. Court records come from the Superior Court. Arrest and booking records come from the Sheriff. Statewide background checks come from the California DOJ. Each source has its own process and fees.
For your own criminal history from the state, go to a Live Scan site. The California DOJ fingerprint services page lists Live Scan locations across the state. Glenn County has limited Live Scan sites, so you may need to travel to a nearby county like Butte or Colusa. You submit your fingerprints and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus a rolling fee charged by the Live Scan site. Results come back in a few business days. Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ holds the statewide criminal record database that includes records from Glenn County and all other California counties.
For police reports, contact the law enforcement agency that handled the case. In Willows, that is usually the Willows Police Department. For areas outside city limits, the Glenn County Sheriff handles reports. Each agency has its own form and fee for releasing copies of police reports.
Criminal Record Fees in Glenn County
Fees for criminal records in Glenn County follow state guidelines. The Superior Court charges the same fees as other California courts. These are set by the state legislature and apply statewide. Knowing what to expect saves time when you visit the courthouse or send a mail request.
Common fees for Glenn County criminal records include:
- Court name search (over 10 minutes): $15
- Copies per page: $0.50
- Certified copy per document: $40
- DOJ background check: $25 plus Live Scan rolling fee
- Exemplification: $50
If you can not afford the fees, ask the court about a fee waiver. You can file a fee waiver request with the clerk at the Glenn County courthouse. You need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge decides if you qualify. Fee waivers cover court filing fees and some copy costs but do not apply to DOJ background check fees or police report costs.
Glenn County Criminal Record Clearing
California law lets people clear or seal certain criminal records. If you have a conviction in Glenn County, you may be able to get it dismissed. Under Penal Code 1203.4, you can petition the court to dismiss a conviction after you finish probation. The record then shows a dismissal rather than a conviction. It does not erase the record entirely. AB 1076 now makes some of this process automatic. The DOJ reviews eligible records and grants relief on its own, without the person needing to file anything in Glenn County or any other county.
Arrest records can also be sealed. If charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, Penal Code 851.87 lets you petition the court to seal the arrest record. Once sealed, the arrest will not show up on most background checks. You file the petition at the Glenn County Superior Court in Willows. You can do this yourself or hire a lawyer.
The Megan's Law website lists registered sex offenders in Glenn County and across California. This registry is separate from court records. Penal Code 290 requires certain offenders to register. The public can search by name or zip code at no cost.
Cities in Glenn County
Glenn County has two cities: Willows and Orland. Neither city has a population over 100,000, so they do not have their own criminal history resource pages on this site. All criminal cases from cities in Glenn County go through the Glenn County Superior Court in Willows. Contact the court or the local police department for records from these areas.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Glenn County. If you are not sure where a criminal case was filed, check the location where the arrest or incident happened. Cases are filed in the county where the crime took place.