criminal records california online: what you can find and how to search

Understanding what “public” means

In California, some court and arrest information is public, but access varies by county and purpose. Case summaries may be visible, while complete rap sheets are restricted to the individual, employers with authorization, or certain agencies.

Where to look

You can begin with county superior court portals for case lookups, then check statewide offender registries and appellate dockets. For your own record, the California DOJ offers a fingerprint-based Live Scan request, which is the most accurate source.

Tips for responsible searches

• Confirm identities with multiple data points; names alone often match several people.
• Read docket notes carefully; dismissed or expunged outcomes differ from convictions.
• Keep context in mind-charges can be reduced, stayed, or later sealed.
• If using information for screening, follow FCRA and California’s “ban-the-box” rules.
• Respect privacy: avoid sharing sensitive details you don’t need.

When accuracy matters, compare results across at least two sources and note dates. If you find an error, courts have procedures to correct records, and you can petition to seal or dismiss eligible matters. Thoughtful searching helps you stay compliant and fair.