Orange County Criminal History

Orange County criminal history records are managed by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Department in this densely populated Southern California county. With over 3.2 million residents, Orange County is the third most populous county in the state. The county seat is Santa Ana. Criminal cases go through one of the largest court systems in California. Both the court and the Sheriff provide online tools for searching criminal records and checking jail bookings. This page explains how to find court cases, look up inmates, and request background checks in Orange County.

Orange County Court Criminal Records

The Orange County Superior Court handles all criminal cases filed in the county. The court operates several locations, with the main criminal court in Santa Ana. Cases get assigned to a courthouse based on where the crime took place and the type of case. The court provides two online tools for searching criminal records. The CMS Public Portal shows criminal and traffic case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case status. You can search by name or case number at no charge. The system covers recent cases from all Orange County court locations.

The OC court portal gives the public free access to criminal case data from courthouses across Orange County.

Orange County also runs a separate name search tool for court records. This tool is designed for people who need to search across all case types in the county court system. It pulls up criminal, civil, family, and other case types linked to a person's name. Use the main CMS portal if you only need criminal case details, or the name search tool for a broader look at all court activity. Both are free to use.

The name search function covers all case types, giving a more complete view of someone's court history in Orange County.

For records not found online, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies run $40 per document. The Santa Ana courthouse handles the highest volume of criminal case requests. Older cases that predate the online system may only be available in person.

Orange County Sheriff Inmate Search

The Orange County Sheriff's Department operates the county jail system and provides an online public services portal. Through this portal, you can search for inmates currently in custody at the OC jail. Enter a name to find booking details, charges, bail amount, and facility location. The system updates throughout the day as new bookings and releases happen. You do not need to create an account or pay a fee to search.

The Sheriff's portal provides real-time custody status for everyone booked into the Orange County jail facilities.

Orange County has multiple jail facilities. The main intake center processes most new bookings. Inmates may be housed at different locations depending on their charges and classification. The Sheriff's search tool covers all facilities. If the person you are looking for is not in the county jail, they may have been transferred to state prison. The CDCR inmate search covers all California state prisons and shows the inmate's current facility and commitment county. For Orange County cases that resulted in a state prison sentence, this is where to check.

Note: Inmates transferred to federal custody for federal charges will not appear in either the county or state search systems.

How to Get Criminal Records in Orange County

Orange County provides several paths for accessing criminal records. The court portals are the best starting point for case information. The Sheriff's portal covers jail bookings. State background checks go through the DOJ Live Scan process.

The California DOJ maintains the official statewide criminal record database. For your own record or an authorized background check, visit a Live Scan location. You submit fingerprints and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Orange County has many Live Scan sites at police stations, UPS stores, and private vendors across the area. Results arrive within a few business days for most requests. Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ holds the statewide criminal record repository covering all California counties, including Orange County. Employers, licensing agencies, and volunteer organizations frequently use this system for background screening in Orange County.

Each city police department in Orange County maintains its own arrest reports. Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and other city police departments handle report requests separately. Contact the agency that made the arrest for a copy of the police report.

Orange County Criminal Record Fees

Criminal record fees in Orange County follow the statewide California schedule for court-related costs. Both online court search portals are free. Fees apply when you need copies, certified documents, or clerk-assisted searches at the courthouse.

Common fees for criminal records in Orange 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
• Police report copies: varies by agency

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. File a fee waiver form with the Orange County court clerk at any courthouse location. You need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge reviews each request. Waivers cover court filing fees and some copy costs. They do not apply to DOJ background checks, police report fees, or Sheriff's Department charges in Orange County.

Criminal Record Clearing in Orange County

California law provides multiple ways to clear or reduce criminal records. Orange County residents with eligible convictions can petition for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4 after completing probation. The record then shows a dismissal rather than a conviction. It is not completely erased, but it makes a significant difference for employment, housing, and other opportunities. AB 1076 now automates some of this process. The DOJ reviews eligible records and applies relief statewide without the individual needing to file anything.

Arrest records can be sealed under Penal Code 851.87. If charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, you can petition the Orange County Superior Court to seal the arrest. Once sealed, the arrest will not appear on most background checks. The Orange County Public Defender's office and legal aid organizations in the area sometimes hold expungement clinics. These events help people fill out and file record clearing petitions at no cost. Check with the Orange County Bar Association for upcoming clinics.

The Megan's Law website maintains a public registry of sex offenders in Orange County and across California. The public can search by name or address at no charge. This is separate from court criminal records and is maintained by the DOJ.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County has 34 cities. All criminal cases from these cities go through the Orange County Superior Court. Which courthouse handles a case depends on where the offense occurred. Below are the major cities with their own criminal history resource pages.

Other cities in Orange County include Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Westminster, Tustin, Lake Forest, Buena Park, Laguna Niguel, and Yorba Linda. All criminal cases from these cities are processed through the Orange County court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County. If the crime or arrest happened in a neighboring county, you need to search their records instead. Always verify the location of the incident before searching.