San Francisco County Criminal Records
What Is San Francisco County Criminal Records
Criminal records in San Francisco County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of criminal proceedings from initial arrest through final disposition and sentencing. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, criminal records serve as the official history of an individual's encounters with law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Criminal records in San Francisco County are categorized by several important distinctions:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document instances when an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of specific charges. It is critical to note that an arrest does not necessarily result in a conviction.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses typically punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes generally punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in San Francisco County:
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
City Hall, Room 456
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-7225
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-0670
Superior Court of San Francisco County
San Francisco Police Department
1245 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 553-0123
San Francisco Police Department
California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice
San Francisco County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information. The Superior Court of San Francisco County Criminal Division maintains official court records related to criminal proceedings within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In San Francisco County
Criminal records in San Francisco County are generally considered public documents under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal records, with certain exceptions.
The CPRA states that "access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state." This provision underscores California's commitment to governmental transparency, including within the criminal justice system.
Public criminal records in San Francisco County typically include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Restricted records include:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence and sexual assault cases
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The California Department of Justice maintains guidelines regarding public access to criminal records. While the public may access certain criminal history information through authorized channels, comprehensive criminal history reports (often called "rap sheets") are generally restricted to authorized agencies and the subject of the record.
In San Francisco County, members of the public seeking criminal record information must typically demonstrate a legitimate interest in the records and may be required to provide identification. Access may be further restricted by judicial discretion, particularly in sensitive cases or those involving ongoing proceedings.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In San Francisco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in San Francisco County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Superior Court:
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Visit the Criminal Records department of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Criminal Division Records
Hall of Justice, Room 101
850 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 551-0651
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM -
Complete a Criminal Records Request Form, available at the clerk's office.
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Provide specific case information, including the defendant's full name and, if possible, the case number.
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees (currently $15 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page).
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For certified copies, an additional fee of $25 per certification applies.
San Francisco Police Department Records:
For police reports and arrest records:
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Contact the San Francisco Police Department Records Division.
San Francisco Police Department Records Division
1245 3rd Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158
(415) 575-7232
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Complete a Request for Police Report form.
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Provide the report number, date of incident, location, and names of involved parties.
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Present valid identification.
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Pay the required fee (currently $25 per report).
Sheriff's Office Records:
For jail records and booking information:
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Contact the San Francisco Sheriff's Office Records Unit.
San Francisco Sheriff's Office Records Unit
425 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 553-1430
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Submit a written request specifying the information sought.
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Provide identification and any relevant case information.
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Pay applicable fees for copies.
State-Level Criminal History:
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the California Department of Justice.
- Complete a Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016).
- Visit an authorized Live Scan provider for fingerprinting.
- Pay the required fee (currently $25 to the DOJ plus Live Scan operator fees).
- Allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 11105, individuals may request their own criminal history records, but access to another person's complete criminal history is restricted to authorized agencies and entities.
How To Find Criminal Records in San Francisco County Online?
San Francisco County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Superior Court Case Information Portal:
The Superior Court of San Francisco County maintains an online case information system that allows users to search for criminal cases. This system provides:
- Case summary information
- Party names
- Charges filed
- Case status
- Future court dates
- Case disposition
To use this system:
- Navigate to the court's online services section
- Select "Case Information"
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Some documents may require in-person requests
San Francisco Sheriff's Inmate Locator:
The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate lookup system that allows users to:
- Verify if an individual is currently in custody
- View booking information
- Check scheduled release dates
- Find facility location information
This information is updated regularly and is accessible without registration.
California Department of Justice Resources:
The California Department of Justice's data portal offers statistical information about criminal justice in San Francisco County and throughout California. While this resource does not provide individual criminal records, it offers valuable context about crime rates, arrest statistics, and criminal justice outcomes.
Limitations of Online Access:
Users should be aware of several important limitations when searching for criminal records online:
- Complete criminal history reports ("rap sheets") are not available online to the general public
- Certain case types may be restricted from online viewing
- Older records may not be digitized
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public searches
- Some documents require in-person requests and identification verification
- Online records may not include all case documents
For comprehensive criminal record searches, particularly for employment, housing, or other official purposes, authorized users should utilize official channels through the California Department of Justice or request certified records directly from the Superior Court.
Can You Search San Francisco County Criminal Records for Free?
San Francisco County provides several options for free inspection of criminal records, in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6253), which states that "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency." This provision ensures that members of the public may view certain records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Court Record Inspection:
The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco allows free public viewing of non-confidential criminal case files at public terminals located at:
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
Criminal Division Records
Hall of Justice, Room 101
850 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Visitors may:
- Review case files at public terminals
- Take notes from records
- View docket information
- Examine non-confidential court proceedings
No appointment is necessary, though identification is required, and wait times may vary depending on staff availability.
Online Free Resources:
Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal record information:
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The Superior Court's online case information system offers free basic case searches, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Next court dates
- Case status
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The Sheriff's Office inmate locator provides free information about currently incarcerated individuals.
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The California Department of Justice's OpenJustice portal offers free statistical data about criminal justice in San Francisco County.
Fee-Based Services:
While inspection is free, the following services typically require payment:
- Copies of court documents ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($25 per certification plus copy fees)
- Complete criminal history reports from the California DOJ ($25 plus fingerprinting fees)
- Expedited services (fees vary)
Pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, courts may charge reasonable fees to cover the cost of providing copies, certifications, and other specialized services related to court records.
What's Included in a San Francisco County Criminal Record?
San Francisco County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer information (may be redacted in public copies)
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court proceedings and appearances
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and fees
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI information
- Traffic violations (if criminally charged)
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole violations
The Superior Court of San Francisco County maintains official court records, while arrest and booking information is maintained by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office and the San Francisco Police Department.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the California Department of Justice maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information, including records from all counties within California.
How Long Does San Francisco County Keep Criminal Records?
San Francisco County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California Government Code § 68152, which mandates minimum retention periods for various types of court records. These retention periods vary based on the nature of the offense, case outcome, and document type.
The following retention periods currently apply to criminal records in San Francisco County:
Felony Cases:
- Capital felony cases (death penalty imposed): Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years from date of disposition
- Other felony cases: 50 years from date of disposition
- Dismissed felony cases: 3 years from date of dismissal
Misdemeanor Cases:
- Misdemeanors with court-ordered probation: 5 years after case disposition or probation termination, whichever is later
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years from date of disposition
- Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 1 year from date of dismissal
Infractions:
- Traffic infractions: 3 years from date of disposition
- Non-traffic infractions: 3 years from date of disposition
Specific Document Types:
- Arrest warrants: Until executed or recalled, then 3 years
- Search warrants: 10 years after issuance
- Wiretap orders: 10 years after issuance
- Grand jury indictments: Same as the corresponding case type
- Probation records: 5 years after probation termination
The Superior Court of San Francisco County adheres to these minimum retention requirements, though some records may be kept longer at the court's discretion. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or archived according to court procedures.
It is important to note that while court records may be destroyed after the retention period, the California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information in its statewide repository indefinitely, unless the record is ordered sealed or expunged by court order.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 11105, the California Department of Justice maintains a comprehensive database of criminal history information from all counties, including San Francisco. This information remains in the state repository even after local court records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Lookup Criminal Records in San Francisco County
San Francisco Sheriff's Office
Superior Court Case Information System
San Francisco Criminal Court Division
Obtaining Criminal Records from San Francisco Courts
San Francisco Police Department Records
California Department of Justice Criminal Records