San Bernardino County Criminal Records
What Is San Bernardino County Criminal Records
San Bernardino County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that document the criminal history of individuals within the jurisdiction. These records contain information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions of criminal cases processed through the San Bernardino County criminal justice system. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6250-6270, commonly known as the California Public Records Act, most criminal records are considered public information.
Criminal records in San Bernardino County are primarily maintained by three key agencies:
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San Bernardino County Superior Court
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 384-1888
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino -
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
655 East Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 387-3545
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department -
San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office
303 West Third Street, 5th Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 382-3800
San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office
These agencies collaborate within the criminal justice system to create, maintain, and provide access to criminal records in accordance with state and federal regulations. The records serve multiple purposes including background checks, employment screening, housing applications, and statistical analysis for law enforcement and public safety planning.
Are Criminal Records Public In San Bernardino County
Criminal records in San Bernardino County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). Members of the public have the legal right to access most criminal records, with certain exceptions established by state and federal law to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Court case files for adult criminal proceedings
- Arrest records and booking information
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Probation status (in some cases)
- Sex offender registry information
However, several important exceptions limit public access to certain criminal records:
- Juvenile records are confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8 or § 1203.4
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk
222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 387-8306
San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk
This office maintains official public records but does not house criminal records directly. Criminal records requests must be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency or court.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In San Bernardino County in 2025
San Bernardino County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several established channels. The county has implemented enhanced digital systems for 2025 while maintaining traditional access methods. Individuals seeking criminal records information may utilize the following procedures:
For court records:
- Visit the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino website to access the online case information system
- Create a user account if conducting multiple searches
- Enter the defendant's name or case number in the search fields
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies or extensive searches
For in-person court record requests:
- Visit the Criminal Records Division at the San Bernardino Justice Center
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 384-1888 - Complete a records request form
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay the required fees (cash, credit card, or money order)
For Sheriff's Department records:
- Submit requests through the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department public records portal
- Complete the online form with specific information about the requested records
- Provide contact information for response delivery
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by Government Code § 6253(c)
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300-13302, certain criminal history information may only be released to authorized agencies and individuals with a legitimate need to know. Members of the public seeking comprehensive criminal history information may need to request their own records through the California Department of Justice or submit fingerprints for a background check.
How To Find Criminal Records in San Bernardino County Online?
San Bernardino County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms allow authorized users to search for and retrieve criminal record information without visiting government offices in person. Online access is governed by California Government Code § 6254.4, which establishes parameters for electronic access to public records.
The primary online resources for criminal records in San Bernardino County include:
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Superior Court Case Information Portal
The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino maintains a comprehensive case information system. Users may search by:- Defendant name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Date range of filing
-
San Bernardino County Public Records Request Portal
San Bernardino County operates a centralized public records request system at https://sanbernardinocounty.nextrequest.com/ where users can:- Submit formal requests for criminal records
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of approved documents
- Communicate with records custodians
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Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department provides an online inmate search tool that displays:- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Scheduled court dates
- Facility location
- Bail amount (if applicable)
When using these online systems, requestors should note that certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws. Additionally, users may encounter fees for certain searches or document retrievals, particularly for certified copies or extensive record searches. Payment methods typically include major credit cards and electronic fund transfers.
Can You Search San Bernardino County Criminal Records for Free?
San Bernardino County provides limited free access to certain criminal records, though comprehensive searches may incur fees. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public agencies may charge fees that cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic data compilation and extraction.
Free criminal record search options include:
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Basic Court Case Index Search
The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino offers free basic case index searches that provide:- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Next scheduled hearing dates
-
Public Access Terminals
Free on-site computer terminals are available at: San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Sheriff's Department Inmate Locator
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department provides free online inmate searches. -
Sex Offender Registry
California's Megan's Law website includes free searchable information about registered sex offenders in San Bernardino County.
Services that typically require fees include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($25 per document)
- Background checks ($25-$45 depending on scope)
- Complete case file copies ($0.50 per page)
- Expedited search services ($15 additional fee)
- Notarized record attestations ($15 per document)
The City of San Bernardino and other municipalities within the county may maintain their own records systems with varying fee structures for police reports and local criminal records. Users should contact specific agencies for current fee schedules.
What's Included in a San Bernardino County Criminal Record?
San Bernardino County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the county's criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes standards for criminal record keeping.
A typical San Bernardino County criminal record includes:
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Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Fingerprint classification
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Arrest Information
- Date and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and photographs
- Charges at time of arrest
- Disposition of arrest (released, charged, etc.)
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Court Proceedings
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office
- Plea information
- Trial outcomes
- Sentencing details
- Probation terms and conditions
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Correctional Information
- Incarceration periods
- Facility assignments
- Parole or probation status
- Compliance with court-ordered programs
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Case Disposition
- Final outcome of each case
- Conviction information
- Dismissal or acquittal records
- Post-conviction relief (expungements, reductions, etc.)
Criminal records maintained by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department may contain additional law enforcement information not available in court records. Similarly, court records may contain detailed procedural information not reflected in law enforcement databases.
What Are the Penalties for a San Bernardino County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in San Bernardino County is prosecuted under California Penal Code § 602, which defines various forms of trespass and establishes corresponding penalties. The severity of penalties depends on the specific circumstances of the trespass, prior criminal history, and aggravating factors.
Standard penalties for criminal trespass in San Bernardino County include:
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Misdemeanor Trespass (PC § 602)
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Informal probation for 1-3 years
- Possible restraining orders
- Restitution to property owners for any damages
-
Aggravated Trespass (PC § 601)
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Formal probation
- Mandatory counseling programs
- Protective orders for victims
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Trespass with Intent to Interfere with Business (PC § 602.1)
- Up to 90 days in county jail
- Fines up to $400
- Community service
The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office prosecutes trespass cases and may offer diversion programs for first-time offenders. These programs typically include:
- Community service requirements
- Educational courses
- Restitution payments
- Behavioral management classes
Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties, including longer jail terms and higher fines. Additionally, trespass convictions may have collateral consequences such as:
- Employment difficulties
- Housing application rejections
- Professional license restrictions
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Individuals charged with criminal trespass in San Bernardino County are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances and potential defenses.
How Long Does San Bernardino County Keep Criminal Records?
San Bernardino County maintains criminal records in accordance with California Government Code § 26202 and the county's records retention schedule. The retention period varies based on the type of record, case outcome, and severity of the offense.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in San Bernardino County:
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Felony Case Files
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Violent felonies: 75 years from case filing
- Non-violent felonies: 50 years from case filing
- Dismissed felony cases: 10 years from dismissal
-
Misdemeanor Case Files
- DUI and domestic violence: 25 years from case filing
- Other misdemeanors: 10 years from case filing
- Infractions: 5 years from case filing
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Arrest Records
- Arrests resulting in charges: Retained with corresponding case file
- Arrests without charges: 5 years from arrest date
- Detention without formal arrest: 3 years from incident
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Juvenile Records
- Sealed automatically at age 18 for most offenses
- Serious offenses may be retained longer
- Destruction occurs 5 years after sealing for most cases
The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department maintain separate record systems with distinct retention schedules. Electronic records may be maintained longer than physical records in some instances.
Individuals may petition for early sealing or expungement of records under California Penal Code § 1203.4 and § 851.8 if they meet eligibility requirements. Successful expungement does not result in destruction of records but limits their accessibility and use.
Lookup Criminal Records in San Bernardino County
Request public records from San Bernardino County
Search criminal case information through the Superior Court
Access Sheriff's Department public records