Access Sierra County Criminal Records

Criminal history records in Sierra County are handled by the Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office. This is one of the least populated counties in California with only about 3,000 residents. The county seat is Downieville. There is no online court case search system for Sierra County, so record requests must be made by phone or in person. The county also does not operate its own jail. Inmates are housed in neighboring Nevada County. This page explains how to find criminal records in Sierra County despite these limited access options.

Sierra County Court Criminal Records

The Sierra County Superior Court handles all criminal cases filed in the county. The courthouse is in Downieville. Because of the small population, case volume is very low compared to most California counties. Sierra County does not have an online case search portal. If you need to check for a criminal case, you must call the court clerk at (530) 289-3698 or visit in person. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and provide basic information about filings and case status.

The California Courts website provides general guidance on how to access court records at any Superior Court in the state.

The statewide site helps you understand what records are public and how to request them from a court like Sierra County.

When you contact the clerk, have the full name and date of birth of the person you are searching for. The clerk charges $15 for a name search that takes more than 10 minutes. Copies are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost $40 each. You can also send a written request by mail to the Sierra County Superior Court in Downieville. Include a check for the estimated fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the response. Because the court is small, turnaround times can vary depending on staff availability.

Note: There is no way to search Sierra County court records online at this time.

Sierra County Inmate Information

Sierra County does not operate its own jail. People arrested in Sierra County are typically housed at the Nevada County jail in Nevada City. This means you will not find an inmate search tool specific to Sierra County. Instead, check the Nevada County Sheriff's site for current inmates, or call the Sierra County Sheriff's Office directly for information about someone who was recently arrested.

For people in state prison, the CIRIS inmate search from the California Department of Corrections is the right place to look. This covers all state prisons statewide. Anyone sentenced from Sierra County to a state prison term will appear in that search. Results show the person's current prison location, CDCR number, and commitment county. The system is free and open to the public without needing an account.

The Megan's Law website tracks registered sex offenders across California, including anyone living in Sierra County. You can search by name, address, or zip code. This registry operates under Penal Code 290 and is maintained separately from court records.

How to Get Criminal Records in Sierra County

Getting criminal records in Sierra County requires more legwork than in larger counties. Without online tools, you need to call or visit the right office. Here is a breakdown of the main ways to access records.

For court records, call the Sierra County Superior Court clerk at (530) 289-3698. The clerk can search by name or case number and tell you about filings and case status. For copies, visit in person or send a mail request. For a state-level criminal history check, go to a Live Scan location. The California DOJ keeps the official criminal record database for the state. You give your fingerprints and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the rolling fee. Results take 2 to 3 business days. Under Penal Code 11105, this database covers every county in California, including Sierra County. The closest Live Scan sites are likely in Nevada County or Yuba County since Sierra County has very few vendors.

For police reports, contact the Sierra County Sheriff's Office directly. They handle law enforcement for the county and can provide copies of arrest and incident reports from their cases.

Sierra County Criminal Record Fees

Fees for court records in Sierra County follow the same state schedule as every other California county. The small size of the county does not change the standard rates. Here are the fees you can expect.

Common fees in Sierra 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

Fee waivers are possible if you can not pay. File a fee waiver form with the Sierra County Superior Court clerk. You need to provide proof of low income or that you receive government benefits. The court will decide if you qualify. Waivers cover court filing fees and some copy charges but not DOJ or law enforcement fees.

Record Clearing in Sierra County

People with criminal records in Sierra County may qualify to have them cleared under California law. Penal Code 1203.4 allows you to petition the court to dismiss a conviction after completing probation. The petition goes to the Sierra County Superior Court. If granted, the record changes to show a dismissal rather than a conviction. This does not fully erase the record, but it helps on most background checks. AB 1076 made some dismissals automatic. The DOJ identifies eligible cases and processes relief without requiring a petition from the person.

Arrest records can be sealed under Penal Code 851.87 if charges were not filed or the case was dismissed. Once sealed, the arrest should not show on standard background checks. You file the petition with the Sierra County courthouse. Given the small size of the court, you may want to call ahead to confirm the process and what paperwork you need to bring.

Note: Legal aid options are limited in Sierra County, but statewide organizations may be able to assist with record clearing by mail or phone.

Cities in Sierra County

Sierra County has no incorporated cities. The county seat is Downieville, which is an unincorporated community. Other small communities include Loyalton, Sierraville, and Calpine. All criminal cases from anywhere in the county go through the Sierra County Superior Court in Downieville.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Sierra County. If you are not sure where a case was filed, verify the location of the arrest. Cases get filed in the county where the crime took place.