Find Modoc County Criminal Records

Modoc County criminal history records are kept by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office in this remote northeastern California county. With about 9,000 residents, Modoc is one of the smallest counties in the state. The county seat is Alturas. Criminal cases go through a single courthouse. The court does offer an online case search portal, and the Sheriff accepts records requests through a public records platform. This page explains how to look up criminal cases, check arrest records, and request background information in Modoc County.

Modoc County Court Criminal Records

The Modoc County Superior Court handles all criminal matters filed in the county. Everything goes through the one courthouse in Alturas. Despite being a small county, Modoc does provide an online court case portal. You can search criminal cases by name or case number at no cost. The portal shows case type, charges, hearing dates, and status. Both felony and misdemeanor cases from Modoc County appear in the system. This makes it much easier to find records without making the long drive to Alturas.

The California Courts website has address and contact details for the Modoc County courthouse in Alturas.

The DOJ background check system supplements court records for comprehensive criminal history checks on Modoc County residents.

If you need records that are not in the online system, contact the clerk by phone or visit in person. Older cases or sealed records will not appear on the portal. The clerk can check archived files and provide copies. Standard copy fees apply at 50 cents per page, with certified copies at $40 per document. Given Modoc County's remote location, calling ahead to confirm what is available can save you a long trip. The clerk's office can often give you basic case information over the phone, though copies must be picked up or mailed.

Modoc County Sheriff Arrest Records

The Modoc County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for the county and operates the county jail. The Sheriff accepts public records requests through the NextRequest platform. This lets you submit records requests online and track their progress. You can ask for arrest records, booking logs, and other law enforcement records through this system. It is a convenient option given how far Modoc County is from most population centers.

For people who have been sentenced to state prison from Modoc County, the CDCR inmate search is the tool to use. It covers all California state prisons and shows each inmate's current location, CDCR number, and commitment county. The search is free. If someone is not in the county jail or the state prison system, they may have been released or transferred to another jurisdiction.

Note: Modoc County has a small jail with limited capacity, so some inmates may be housed in neighboring county facilities under contract agreements.

Getting Criminal Records in Modoc County

Criminal records in Modoc County can be obtained through several channels. The online court portal handles most case lookups. The Sheriff's NextRequest platform works for arrest and booking records. State background checks require a Live Scan visit.

For a state criminal history report, go to a Live Scan location. The California DOJ runs the statewide criminal record database. You submit fingerprints and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus a rolling fee. Because Modoc County is so remote, you may need to travel to Redding or another larger city for Live Scan services. Results typically arrive within a few business days. Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ maintains criminal history records from every California county, including Modoc. This is the most complete source for a person's full California criminal background.

For police reports from specific incidents, use the NextRequest system or contact the Sheriff's Office directly. The Alturas Police Department handles its own records for incidents within city limits. Check with the right agency based on where the event took place.

Criminal Record Fees in Modoc County

Court fees in Modoc County match the statewide schedule. The online case search portal is free. Fees come into play when you need copies, certified documents, or a clerk-assisted name search.

Here are the standard criminal record fees for Modoc County:

• 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, the court can waive fees. File a fee waiver form with the Modoc County clerk. Show proof of low income or public benefit enrollment. The judge reviews each request. Waivers cover court filing fees and certain copy costs. They do not apply to DOJ fees or costs charged by the Sheriff's Office.

Note: Mailing a check with your request is often the easiest payment method for Modoc County court records given the county's remote location.

Criminal Record Clearing in Modoc County

California law gives people the chance to clear certain records. If you have a Modoc County conviction, Penal Code 1203.4 lets you petition for dismissal after finishing probation. The conviction stays on the record but is marked as dismissed. AB 1076 made some dismissals automatic. The DOJ now reviews eligible records and processes relief without a petition. This helps people in rural counties like Modoc who may have limited access to legal services.

Arrests that never led to charges or ended in dismissal can be sealed under Penal Code 851.87. File the petition at the Modoc County courthouse. Once the arrest is sealed, it will not appear on most background checks. You can file on your own, but a lawyer can help if the case is complicated. Legal aid services covering northeastern California may provide free help with these petitions.

The Megan's Law website tracks registered sex offenders in Modoc County and across the state. This public registry lets anyone search by name or address for free. It is maintained separately from court criminal records.

Cities in Modoc County

Modoc County has no cities with a population over 100,000. Alturas is the county seat and the only incorporated city. The rest of the county is unincorporated rural land. All criminal cases from Modoc County go through the single Superior Court in Alturas.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Modoc County in the far northeast corner of California. If a case was filed in a neighboring county, you will need to search their records system instead.