San Bernardino County Criminal History

Criminal history records in San Bernardino County are maintained by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Department. This is the largest county in the United States by land area and has a population of about 2.2 million. Criminal cases go through multiple court locations spread across the county. Both the court and the Sheriff provide online search tools for public use. You can look up criminal case information through the court portal or check jail bookings on the Sheriff's site. This page explains the key ways to find criminal history records in San Bernardino County.

San Bernardino County Court Criminal Records

The San Bernardino County Superior Court processes all criminal cases filed in the county. Courthouse locations include San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Victorville, Barstow, Joshua Tree, and Big Bear. Cases get assigned to a courthouse based on where the crime happened. The court handles misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic offenses. Each courthouse processes its own calendar, but the online system ties them together so you can search records from any location in one place.

The San Bernardino Superior Court Case Access Portal lets you look up criminal records across all county court locations for free.

This portal covers criminal, civil, and traffic cases from every San Bernardino County courthouse.

Enter a last name to start your search on the San Bernardino court portal. Adding a first name narrows the results. The system shows case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and status for matching criminal cases. Click on a case for full details. Some older cases may not appear in the online system because records from many years ago were not all digitized. For those records, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. The clerk can look up older criminal records and provide copies. Standard fees set by state law apply to copies and certified documents in San Bernardino County.

San Bernardino County Inmate Search

The San Bernardino County Sheriff operates several detention facilities including the West Valley Detention Center, Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, Adelanto Detention Center, and the Central Detention Center. These facilities hold people awaiting trial and those serving county jail sentences. The Sheriff provides an online booking search tool that lets you look up anyone currently in custody. Searches are free and show the person's name, booking number, charges, bail amount, and facility location.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff booking search covers all county detention facilities.

Booking data updates throughout the day as new arrests and releases happen across San Bernardino County jails.

For people who may be in state prison instead of county jail, use the CDCR inmate search. This free tool covers all California state prison facilities. Someone sentenced in San Bernardino County to a state prison term will show up in this system. You can search by name or CDCR number. Results include the person's current facility location and county of commitment.

Note: The Sheriff's online search only shows people currently in custody, not past bookings or releases.

How to Get Criminal Records in San Bernardino County

There are several ways to get criminal history records in San Bernardino County. The best approach depends on what you need and how quickly you need it.

For court records, the free online portal is the fastest starting point. If you need certified copies or documents not available online, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. The clerk handles copy requests in person during business hours. You can also mail a written request with the defendant's name and case number along with a check for fees. Because San Bernardino County is so large, make sure you are sending your request to the right courthouse location. The main courthouse address is 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415.

For your own criminal history, use the California DOJ Live Scan process. Visit a Live Scan site, submit fingerprints, and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the rolling fee. San Bernardino County has Live Scan locations in most cities across the county. Under Penal Code 11105, the DOJ maintains the statewide criminal record repository. Results come back within a few business days for most requests. For police reports, contact the law enforcement agency that handled the case. Each city police department and the Sheriff's Office have their own records request process.

Criminal Record Fees in San Bernardino County

Court fees in San Bernardino County follow the standard California schedule. The online case search is free. Fees apply when you request copies of court documents. The Sheriff and local police departments charge their own rates for reports.

Common criminal record fees include:

• 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 can not afford court fees, file a fee waiver request at any San Bernardino County courthouse. Show proof of low income or public benefit enrollment. The judge decides if you qualify. Fee waivers cover filing fees and some copy costs but do not cover DOJ fees or police report charges.

Criminal Record Clearing in San Bernardino County

People with criminal convictions in San Bernardino County may be eligible to clear their records under California law. Penal Code 1203.4 allows you to petition the court to dismiss a conviction after completing probation. The record changes from a conviction to a dismissal. It does not disappear entirely, but it provides significant relief for employment purposes. AB 1076 made some of this automatic. The DOJ now reviews records and grants dismissals for eligible convictions without requiring anyone to file a petition.

Arrest records can be sealed in San Bernardino County as well. Under Penal Code 851.87, if charges were never filed or the case ended in dismissal, you can petition to seal the arrest. Once the court grants the petition, the arrest record will not show on most background checks. File the petition at the courthouse where the original case was handled. Several legal aid groups in San Bernardino County offer free or low-cost help with record clearing petitions.

The Megan's Law website lists registered sex offenders in San Bernardino County and across California. This public registry is searchable by name or address for free. It is separate from the court's criminal record system.

Cities in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County has many cities across its large area. All criminal cases from these cities go through the San Bernardino County Superior Court system. The courthouse that handles a case depends on where in the county the offense occurred. Below is the major city with its own criminal history resource page.

Other cities in the county include San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Upland, Hesperia, Redlands, and Chino. All criminal matters from these cities go through the county court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border San Bernardino County. Criminal cases are filed where the offense took place. If you are not sure which county handled a case, check the arrest location.