San Mateo County Criminal Records

What Is San Mateo County Criminal Records

Criminal records in San Mateo County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, these records document various stages of criminal proceedings from initial arrest through final disposition.

Criminal records in San Mateo County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement agencies where probable cause existed to believe a crime was committed
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas resulting from criminal proceedings
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
• Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years or older, which are generally accessible to the public
• Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18, which are sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
• Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
• Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings regardless of outcome

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records within San Mateo County:

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County

The Superior Court of San Mateo County maintains records of criminal cases including charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, and sentencing information.

California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice

The state maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information from all counties, including San Mateo.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:

• Initial charges and booking information
• Arraignment proceedings
• Plea entries
• Trial proceedings and outcomes
• Sentencing details
• Probation or parole information
• Post-conviction relief or expungements

Are Criminal Records Public In San Mateo County

Criminal records in San Mateo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically under Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state."

Under current California law, adult criminal records maintained by San Mateo County courts and law enforcement agencies are presumptively public records. The California Public Records Act § 6253(a) states that "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record."

Public criminal records in San Mateo County typically include:

• Court case information for adult defendants
• Conviction records
• Sentencing information
• Court calendars and dockets
• Booking information and mugshots
• Inmate custody status

However, significant exceptions exist that restrict public access to certain criminal records:

• Ongoing investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure under Government Code § 6254(f)
• Sealed records: Cases that have been judicially sealed are not accessible to the public
• Juvenile records: Records involving minors are confidential pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
• Expunged records: Records that have been expunged under Penal Code § 1203.4 may have limited public accessibility
• Diversion program records: Successful completion of certain diversion programs may result in non-public records
• Certain domestic violence and sexual offense records: Special protections exist for victims in these cases

The San Mateo County Superior Court maintains the official repository of criminal case records for the county, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and custody records. Both agencies provide mechanisms for public access to non-restricted records.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In San Mateo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in San Mateo County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple access points depending on the specific records needed and the purpose of the inquiry.

For in-person requests at the courthouse:

1. Visit the Criminal Records Division of the San Mateo County Superior Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, excluding holidays)
2. Complete a Criminal Records Request Form, available at the clerk's counter
3. Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
5. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $15 for record searches plus $0.50 per page for copies)
6. Wait for staff to process the request (same-day service is typically available for simple requests)

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Criminal Division
400 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County Criminal Division

For mail requests:

1. Download and complete the Criminal Records Request Form from the San Mateo County Superior Court website
2. Include the subject's full name and any known identifiers (DOB, case numbers)
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
4. Include payment by check or money order for applicable fees
5. Mail the request to the Criminal Records Division at the address listed above
6. Allow 10-15 business days for processing

For comprehensive criminal history information (rap sheets):

1. Submit fingerprints through an authorized Live Scan provider
2. Complete the Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016)
3. Pay the required Department of Justice processing fee (currently $25) plus any Live Scan operator fees
4. Results will be mailed directly to the requesting individual

California Department of Justice
Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice Criminal Records

For active warrant information:

1. Contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
2. Provide the subject's full name and date of birth
3. Inquire about any active warrants

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division
400 County Center, 3rd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

How To Find Criminal Records in San Mateo County Online?

San Mateo County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources allow members of the public to search for and retrieve certain criminal records without visiting government offices in person.

The primary online resource is the San Mateo County Superior Court's Online Case Access portal, which provides public access to non-confidential court case information. To utilize this system:

1. Navigate to the San Mateo County Superior Court website
2. Select the "Online Case Access" option
3. Choose "Criminal Case Information" from the available databases
4. Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
5. Review the case summary information displayed
6. Note that while basic case information is viewable online, document images are not currently available through this portal

The online system provides access to:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Charges filed and statute citations
• Case status and next court dates
• Party information
• Register of actions (chronological case events)
• Disposition and sentencing information

For custody status and inmate information, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Inmate Locator:

1. Visit the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
3. Enter the individual's name or booking number
4. View current custody status, charges, and bail information

For state-level criminal history information, the California Department of Justice's data portal provides aggregate criminal justice statistics but does not offer individual criminal history searches online. Individual criminal history reports (rap sheets) require fingerprint submission through the Live Scan process.

For information about individuals currently incarcerated in state prison, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) allows searches by name or CDCR number.

Important limitations of online criminal records searches include:

• Records sealed by court order are not accessible online
• Juvenile records are not available through public portals
• Certain sensitive case types may be restricted
• Historical records may not be fully digitized
• The online system is not the official court record
• Document images require in-person requests

Can You Search San Mateo County Criminal Records for Free?

San Mateo County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain services do carry fees. Under the California Public Records Act, specifically Government Code § 6253(a), "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency" at no cost for inspection.

Free criminal records access options in San Mateo County include:

• In-person inspection: Members of the public may visit the San Mateo County Superior Court's Criminal Division during regular business hours to inspect publicly available criminal case files at no charge. While inspection is free, copying services incur fees ($0.50 per page).

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Criminal Division
400 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-5100
Superior Court of San Mateo County Criminal Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM (excluding holidays)

• Online case information: Basic case information is available at no charge through the San Mateo County Superior Court's Online Case Access portal. This free service provides case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information, though it does not include document images.

• Public access terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to the court's case management system with more detailed information than the public website.

• Sheriff's Inmate Locator: The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office provides free online access to current inmate information, including charges and custody status.

Services that require payment include:

• Certified copies: Official court documents with certification carry fees ($25 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
• Background checks: Comprehensive criminal history information (rap sheets) through the California Department of Justice requires a $25 processing fee plus Live Scan operator fees
• Research services: Staff-assisted searches for cases without specific case numbers or dates incur a $15 research fee
• Document delivery: Requests for documents to be mailed, faxed, or emailed may incur additional service fees

It is important to note that while free access options exist, they may require more time and effort than fee-based services. In-person inspection requires travel to the courthouse and potentially waiting for assistance, while online free services provide limited information compared to comprehensive background checks.

What's Included in a San Mateo County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by San Mateo County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases or prior names
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph when available
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Driver's license number

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer information
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at time of arrest with corresponding penal code sections
• Bail amount and status
• Pre-trial detention information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (misdemeanor or felony court)
• Charging document details (complaint, information, or indictment)
• Specific charges filed by the prosecutor with statute citations
• Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
• Plea entered
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Judge assigned to the case
• Court appearance dates and proceedings

Disposition Information:

• Final outcome of each charge (convicted, acquitted, dismissed)
• Conviction date if applicable
• Sentencing details including:
  • Incarceration terms (jail or prison duration)
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment program mandates
• Post-conviction relief (appeals, expungements, reductions)
• Probation or parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or bench warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Probation reports (restricted access)
• Risk assessment information

Criminal records in San Mateo County are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes standards for criminal justice record keeping. The level of detail available in publicly accessible records may vary based on confidentiality restrictions and the specific agency maintaining the records.

How Long Does San Mateo County Keep Criminal Records?

San Mateo County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California state law and local policies. The duration for which these records are preserved varies based on the type of record, case outcome, and severity of the offense.

Under California Government Code § 68152, which governs court records retention, San Mateo County adheres to the following retention periods:

• Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention for cases involving violent felonies, sex offenses, and other serious crimes. Other felony conviction records are maintained for 75 years from the date of disposition.

• Felony cases not resulting in conviction: Records are retained for 3 years from the date of arrest if no charges are filed, or 10 years from the date of dismissal or acquittal if charges were filed.

• Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: Records for most misdemeanor convictions are retained for 5-10 years, depending on the offense type. DUI convictions are maintained for 10 years.

• Misdemeanor cases not resulting in conviction: Records are typically retained for 1 year from the date of arrest if no charges are filed, or 5 years from the date of dismissal or acquittal if charges were filed.

• Infractions: Records are generally maintained for 3 years from the date of final disposition.

• Arrest records: The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with Penal Code § 851.8, which allows for petition for destruction of arrest records in cases of factual innocence.

• Probation records: Maintained for the duration of the probation period plus 5-10 years, depending on the underlying offense.

• Juvenile records: Maintained until the subject reaches age 38, unless ordered sealed by the court pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781.

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, electronic indices and digital records may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained permanently even after physical copies are destroyed.

The California Department of Justice maintains a permanent database of criminal history information (rap sheets) that includes records from San Mateo County, even after local records may have been purged according to retention schedules.

Individuals seeking to limit the duration of their criminal records may petition for early sealing or expungement under various California remedial statutes, including Penal Code § 1203.4 (expungement), § 1203.4a (misdemeanor expungement), and § 851.8 (factual innocence).

Lookup Criminal Records in San Mateo County

Online Case Access - Superior Court of San Mateo County

Criminal Division of the Superior Court of San Mateo County

California Department of Justice Criminal Records

California Department of Justice Data Portal

California Incarcerated Records & Information Search

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation