Kern criminal records provide details about arrests, charges, court cases, and convictions within Kern County, California. These records serve various purposes, from personal background checks to legal proceedings. The information contained in criminal records helps individuals, employers, and legal professionals understand past interactions with the justice system. Public access to these records is governed by California law, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
Accessing Kern criminal records involves specific steps and depends on the type of record sought and the requesting party’s eligibility. Government agencies, like the Kern County Superior Court and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, maintain these records. Understanding how to request, review, and potentially modify criminal records is important for many people in Kern County. Recent legal changes, such as California Senate Bill 731, have expanded options for clearing certain past convictions, offering new opportunities for a fresh start.
What Are Kern Criminal Records?
Kern criminal records document a person’s involvement with law enforcement and the courts in Kern County. These records can include information about arrests, criminal charges filed, court proceedings, verdicts, sentences, and probation details. They are created and kept by various government bodies, including local police departments, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kern County Superior Court. The purpose of these records is to create an official history of criminal actions and their outcomes.
Criminal records are not always a single document. Instead, they are a collection of different types of information stored across various systems. For example, arrest records detail the initial apprehension, while court records follow the case through the judicial system. Conviction records confirm guilt and sentencing. The California Public Records Act guides how much of this information is available to the public. This law aims to keep government actions open while protecting sensitive personal details.
Types of Kern Criminal Records
Different types of Kern criminal records exist, each containing specific details about a person’s criminal history. Knowing these types helps when trying to find particular information.
- Arrest Records: These documents show when and why a person was taken into custody. They include the date of arrest, the charges, and the arresting agency. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest logs and booking details. Arrest records are generally public if the person is currently in custody or was released within the past 60 days.
- Court Records: These records cover the court process for criminal cases. They include initial filings, hearing dates, court orders, and final judgments. The Kern County Superior Court manages these records for felony, misdemeanor, and infraction cases.
- Conviction Records: These show when a person was found guilty of a crime, either by a jury verdict or a guilty plea. They include the specific offense and the sentence given. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) keeps statewide criminal history summary records, also known as “RAP sheets,” which list all California arrests and criminal court cases.
- Inmate Records: These records relate to individuals held in county jails. They include booking information, charges, and expected release dates. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office oversees inmate search tools and jail rosters.
- Police Reports: These are reports made by law enforcement officers after incidents. They document details of crimes or other events. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments, like the Bakersfield Police Department, generate and store these reports.
Public Access to Kern Criminal Records
Most Kern criminal records are available to the general public. This public access is set by the California Public Records Act. This law lets people look at and get copies of records from government agencies. These agencies are responsible for making or keeping criminal records. However, some criminal records are not fully public. These records often have private information that should not be shared.
The goal of public record laws is to make sure government actions are open. This helps people see how justice is carried out. But, there are limits to what can be shared to protect people’s privacy and ongoing investigations. For instance, some details may be edited out or completely kept secret.
What Kern Criminal Records Are Public?
Many types of Kern criminal records are public. These typically cover adult arrests, court convictions, and sentencing. For example, court dockets and case statuses for criminal matters heard in the Kern County Superior Court are generally public. Arrest information is also public if the person is currently in custody or was released within the last 60 days.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides public access to recent arrest logs and inmate booking details. Crime reports are also released under the California Public Records Act, but certain sensitive details may be removed. This balance ensures that the public can stay informed while still protecting individual privacy.
Restrictions on Accessing Kern Criminal Records
California state laws limit public access to certain criminal records in Kern County. This is done to protect people’s lives and sensitive information. Some details are removed or completely sealed. For example, juvenile criminal information is often kept private to prevent issues like discrimination in jobs or school. Releasing such information could cause problems later in a young person’s life.
Other types of records are also restricted. These can include:
- Identities of informants in criminal investigations.
- Investigative files put together by law enforcement agencies.
- Medical information about people involved in cases.
- Records of adoption proceedings, juvenile court matters, and mental health cases.
- Sexual assault records, suicide or death reports, and elder abuse reports. These require a court order to be released.
Only certain people or groups can get restricted criminal records. These include the person the record is about, their lawyers, crime victims, and law enforcement agencies. These parties must often show proof of identity or legal interest to get these records.
How to Request Kern Criminal Records
To request Kern criminal records, people need to know which agency holds the information they seek. Different government bodies keep different types of records. For statewide criminal history, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is the main source. For local court case information, the Kern County Superior Court is the place to go. Local arrest records usually come from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or local police.
Each agency has its own process for requesting records. Some offer online portals, while others require in-person visits or mailed requests. It is important to follow each agency’s specific steps, including filling out the right forms and paying any fees.
Requesting Records from the California Department of Justice
The California Department of Justice offers access to statewide criminal history summary records. This is often called a “RAP sheet.” The DOJ only gives these records to the person the record is about, law enforcement, and authorized agencies.
To get your own criminal history record from the DOJ:
- Get the Live Scan Form: Download the “Request for Live Scan Service” form (BCIA 8016RR) from the California DOJ website.
- Fill Out the Form: Put in your personal details like your full name, birth date, and Social Security number. Mark “Record Review” as the “Type of Application” and “Reason for Application.”
- Fingerprinting: Take the completed form to an approved Live Scan site for fingerprinting. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting services at its Licensing Unit. Rolling fees for fingerprinting vary by location. There is a $25 fee to the DOJ for processing.
- Wait for Results: It can take 1-2 months to get your RAP sheet.
If you live outside California, you must use manual fingerprint cards (Form FD258) instead of Live Scan.
Requesting Records from the Kern County Superior Court
The Kern County Superior Court provides information on criminal court case records. These records include details about cases filed, court dates, and outcomes.
You can request court records in a few ways:
- Online Case Search: The Superior Court website has a case search page. This allows people to look up judicial records, make payments, and find civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.
- In-Person: You can visit the courthouse during business hours to view original files. You can also request photocopies. If you do not know the case number, you can search for it yourself at the courthouse for no charge or ask the clerk for a fee.
- By Mail: You can mail a request for photocopies. Mailed requests need a research fee to look up the case number, any copy fees, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the reply.
Copies of court records often cost 50 cents per page, with certified copies costing an extra $25.
Requesting Records from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records, inmate records, and crime reports for areas outside city limits.
- Arrest Records: The Arrest Records Unit processes bookings. Arrest information is public if the person is currently in custody or was released within the past 60 days. You can get this information from the court website (www.kern.courts.ca.gov) which includes date of arrest, charges, and court disposition. If you were arrested by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, you can get information about your arrest at no charge.
- Crime Reports: The Crime Reports Unit houses reports generated by the Sheriff’s Office. These are released under the California Public Records Act. Victims or their authorized representatives can get copies of criminal reports for certain crimes, with sensitive information removed. You can submit a request by mail, in person, or by email.
- Inmate Records: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains inmate searches, which provide an inmate lookup tool. When you put in a person’s name and booking number, you can find details like physical description, charges, arrest date, sentencing, and where they are held. The Kern County Sheriff’s website also has an Inmate Search to view information on all inmates currently in custody.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Records Section is at 1350 Norris Road, Building B, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Their public hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bakersfield Criminal History Search and Police Reports
For criminal history within Bakersfield city limits, the Bakersfield Police Department is the primary source. Arrest records in Bakersfield are generally public under California’s Public Records Act.
- Free Onsite Access: The Bakersfield Police Department, located at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, offers a free onsite public access terminal to view records. Photocopies cost 2 cents per page. A valid ID is needed.
- Written Requests: Citizens can send a written request by mail or visit the Records Unit in person at 1601 Truxtun Avenue to get police records like incident reports or arrest affidavits. There is no public online portal for these records at this time. Requests usually take 10 to 14 business days to process.
Kern County Mugshots Lookup and Sex Offender Registry Search
Looking up mugshots and searching sex offender registries are specific types of criminal record searches. These tools help people find information about individuals with criminal histories, often for safety or background checking purposes.
Kern County Mugshots Lookup
Mugshots are booking photos taken when a person is arrested. In Kern County, if you have been arrested by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, you may buy your own booking photo for a $5 fee by appearing in person with photo ID. However, Arrest Records staff are not allowed to give booking photos to the general public or the media.
For general inmate information, including booking details which may sometimes include mugshots, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides an online inmate search. This tool helps people find individuals currently in custody in Kern County jails.
Kern County Sex Offender Registry Search
The Megan’s Law website allows the public to get information on registered sex offenders. This is a statewide registry in California. To find information on registered sex offenders, you can go to the Attorney General’s website. This resource helps ensure public safety by making information about registered sex offenders available.
Kern Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing
Having a criminal record can make it hard to get a job, housing, or educational opportunities. Expungement and sealing offer ways to clear certain past convictions or arrests, giving people a fresh start. While often used interchangeably, “expungement” in California usually means a dismissal of a conviction, not a complete removal or sealing from all records. “Sealing” typically refers to making records unavailable to the public.
Recent changes in California law, like Senate Bill 731, have made more people eligible for record clearing. This means more individuals can seek to lessen the impact of past mistakes.
Kern Criminal Record Expungement Process
Expungement in California, under Penal Code Section 1203.4, allows eligible people to withdraw their guilty or “no contest” plea, or have a guilty verdict set aside if they had a trial. Then, the court dismisses the charges, releasing the person from most penalties of the conviction. This means a person can truthfully state on job applications that they have not been convicted of a crime, though the conviction and dismissal may still show up on some background checks.
Eligibility for expungement generally applies if you:
- Were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and completed probation.
- Were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and were not put on probation, in which case you can petition one year after the conviction date.
- Are not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving a sentence for another crime.
Certain serious felonies, violent felonies, sex offender crimes, and sex crimes against children are not eligible for expungement. Felonies that resulted in a state prison sentence were previously ineligible, but a new law (SB 731) allows courts to use their judgment to grant expungement for some of these cases if at least two years have passed since the prison term ended.
To expunge a record in Kern County:
- Complete a Petition: Fill out the CR-180 and CR-181 forms, or the Judicial Council-issued CR-409 (Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records) and CR-410 (Order to Seal Arrest and Related Records).
- File the Petition: File the petition with the Kern County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. You can find forms and instructions at the Kern County Law Library.
- Serve Documents: Copies of the petition must be given to the District Attorney and the Probation Department. This can be done by fax, email, mail, or in person for “Counter Service.”
- Court Review: The court will review the petition and make a decision. A hearing might be held. Judges often grant expungements to people who show they can find work, have no new convictions, and have completed probation.
The Kern County Public Defender’s Office has a “Clean Slate” program that helps people with expungement. This service is free and confidential.
Criminal Record Sealing in Kern County
Sealing a record makes it unavailable to the general public. This is different from expungement (dismissal) of an adult conviction. In California, sealing often applies to juvenile records or arrest records where no charges were filed or charges were dismissed.
- Juvenile Records: Juvenile court records can be sealed. This usually happens after a certain amount of time, often five years from the offense or end of court proceedings, or when the person reaches 18 years old. The Kern County Probation Department can provide an application to seal juvenile records. A probation officer will investigate to see if the person is eligible. If approved, the court sends an order to all agencies involved to seal the record.
- Arrest Records: If no court case was filed after an arrest, you can petition the law enforcement agency to seal and destroy the adult arrest records within two years. You can use the Judicial Council forms CR-409 and CR-410 or local Kern County forms.
With the passage of SB 731 and AB 1076, record sealing has become an automatic process in many cases, even for certain convictions where someone served time in state prison.
Kern County Background Checks and Employment
Background checks are a common part of applying for jobs, housing, or licenses. Employers often check criminal records to make hiring decisions. In Kern County, like the rest of California, there are rules about how and when employers can use criminal history information. These rules aim to give people with past convictions a fair chance.
Verifying Kern County Criminal History for Employment
Employers must follow specific laws when doing criminal background checks in California. The statewide “ban the box” law means employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. Background checks are generally allowed only after a conditional job offer is made. Also, employers must get written permission from the job applicant before running a background check. When an employer reviews a background report, they must consider several things before deciding not to hire someone. These include how old the conviction is, if the crime relates to the job, and any efforts the person has made to change their life. If an applicant is not hired because of a criminal record, they have the right to appeal the decision under California law.
For individuals checking their own records, the California Department of Justice provides a complete statewide criminal history. The Kern County Superior Court also offers felony and misdemeanor records from 1988 to the present.
Kern County Inmate Search and Bookings
When someone is arrested in Kern County, they are taken to a jail facility for booking. This process involves recording their personal details, taking fingerprints, and noting their charges. This information then becomes part of the inmate records. These records are important for law enforcement, courts, and the public.
How to Search for Inmates in Kern County
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office provides ways to find information about people in custody.
- Online Inmate Search: The Kern County Sheriff’s website has an “Inmate Search” tool. This allows people to view information on all inmates currently held in Kern County jails. The available information includes charges and the next court date.
- Booking Information: When an individual is arrested, they are typically booked at the Kern County Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. Their personal information, fingerprints, and charges are recorded there. These records become part of the arrest file and are added to jail rosters and court prosecution dockets.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also maintains inmate searches, which can provide details about people in state prisons.
Kern County Court Docket for Criminal Cases
The court docket is a schedule of court proceedings and a record of actions taken in a case. For criminal cases in Kern County, the Superior Court’s Criminal Division handles these matters. The docket helps track the progress of a case through the court system.
Finding Criminal Case Information on the Docket
Interested people can search for available case records through the Kern County Superior Court’s online portal. This portal allows users to look up criminal dockets and court records by name or case number. You can also visit the courthouses in person to request copies from the clerks of the court. The court records show all documents related to a criminal case, from the first filing of charges to the final decision.
Removing a Misdemeanor from a Record in Kern County
Removing a misdemeanor from a record in Kern County usually means getting the conviction dismissed through the expungement process. This falls under California Penal Code Section 1203.4. A dismissal can greatly improve someone’s life by removing many of the penalties and disabilities linked to the conviction.
The Process for Misdemeanor Dismissal
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor and completed probation, you are likely eligible to petition the court for dismissal. If you were not placed on probation for a misdemeanor, you can petition for dismissal one year after the conviction date.
The steps are similar to the general expungement process:
- Prepare Forms: Complete the necessary petition forms, such as CR-180 and CR-181, or the Judicial Council forms CR-409 and CR-410.
- File with the Court: File these forms with the Kern County Superior Court. For misdemeanor petitions in Bakersfield, you need to confirm hearing dates with the misdemeanor department. Misdemeanor hearings are typically held Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 AM in Department MC.
- Serve Parties: Copies of the paperwork must be served on the District Attorney and the arresting agency.
- Court Decision: The court will review your petition. If granted, the court will vacate your conviction and enter a dismissal on your record.
Even if you owe fines or fees, you might still be able to get your record expunged. The court considers if you have fulfilled the conditions of probation, including paying fines and restitution.
Official Kern County Contact Information
For official inquiries related to Kern criminal records, you can directly contact the relevant government agencies.
Kern County Superior Court
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Main Courthouse Address:
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301 - Phone: (661) 610-6000 (Felonies and Misdemeanors, select option 4)
(661) 610-7000 - Website: www.kern.courts.ca.gov
- Hours: Court Administration office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Courts are closed on Court holidays.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
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Records Section Address:
1350 Norris Road, Building B
Bakersfield, CA 93308 - Arrest Records Phone: (661) 391-7624
Crime Reports Phone: (661) 391-7431 - Website: www.kernsheriff.org
- Public Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bakersfield Police Department
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Records Department Address:
1601 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-5109 - Records Phone: (661) 326-3800
- Hours: Regular business hours.
Kern County Public Defender’s Office
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Address:
1315 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301 - Phone: (661) 868-4799
Email: cleanslate@kerncounty.com - Website: www.kerncounty.com/government/departments/public-defender/clean-slate-program
Frequently Asked Questions About Kern Criminal Records
What information can I find in Kern County criminal records?
Kern County criminal records contain various details about a person’s interactions with the justice system. These documents typically include personal information about the record subject, such as names, any other names used, birth date, and physical features. They also show arrest details, including the date of arrest and the agency involved. The specific criminal offense is listed, along with its classification (e.g., felony or misdemeanor). Sentencing information is present, which might cover the state ID, the prison or probation agency, and parole or prison release dates. Court details are also part of the record, such as the court name, case number, and the date the case was decided. However, publicly available criminal records may not include sensitive information like juvenile crime data or details about crime victims, which are often protected to ensure privacy and prevent discrimination.
Can I get free Kern County public criminal records?
Yes, you can often get some Kern County public criminal records for free, especially by searching in person. The Kern County Superior Court offers public access terminals at its courthouse facilities. These terminals allow people to view criminal dockets and court records by name or case number without a fee. Similarly, the Bakersfield Police Department has a free, on-site public access terminal where records can be viewed. While viewing is free, there may be a small fee for photocopying if you want physical copies of the records. Online public portals for court cases might also allow free searches for basic case information. However, getting official certified copies or detailed statewide criminal history reports from the California Department of Justice will usually involve fees for processing and fingerprinting services.
How do Kern County arrest records differ from conviction records?
Kern County arrest records and conviction records show different stages of a person’s involvement with the criminal justice system. An arrest record documents the initial event when a person is taken into custody by law enforcement. It includes details like the date of arrest, the charges at that time, and the arresting agency. An arrest does not mean a person is guilty; it only means they were suspected of a crime. On the other hand, a conviction record means a person has been found guilty of a crime, either by pleading guilty or no contest, or by a jury or judge’s verdict after a trial. Conviction records include the specific offense, the date of conviction, and the sentence given. While an arrest record might exist without a conviction, a conviction record always follows an arrest or a formal charge.
What is the process for a Kern County background check for public records?
A Kern County background check for public records involves looking at various sources to gather information about a person’s history. This process often starts with checking the Kern County Superior Court website for criminal case information, including felonies and misdemeanors. The court’s online portal allows searches by name or case number. For arrest records and inmate information, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office website provides an inmate search tool and details on how to get arrest logs. To get a complete statewide criminal history summary, also known as a “RAP sheet,” individuals must go through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) by submitting fingerprints via Live Scan and paying a fee. Some local police departments, like the Bakersfield Police Department, also offer public access terminals for viewing local records. When employers conduct background checks, they must follow California laws, which include getting written consent from the applicant and only checking criminal history after a conditional job offer.
How can I get a Kern County police report?
To get a Kern County police report, you need to know which law enforcement agency created the report. If the incident happened within Bakersfield city limits, the Bakersfield Police Department is the correct agency. You can submit a written request by mail or visit their Records Unit in person at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Currently, there is no public online portal to request these reports, and processing usually takes 10 to 14 business days. For incidents in unincorporated areas of Kern County, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office handles the reports. Their Crime Reports Unit is responsible for housing these records. Crime reports are released according to the California Public Records Act. Victims or their authorized representatives can get copies of criminal reports for certain types of crimes, with sensitive information removed. You can submit a request to the Sheriff’s Office by mail, in person at 1350 Norris Road, Building B, Bakersfield, CA 93308, or by email.
What are the recent changes to expungement laws in California that affect Kern County?
Recent changes to California expungement laws, particularly through California Senate Bill 731 (SB 731), have expanded who is eligible to clear their criminal records. Before these changes, many felony convictions that resulted in a state prison sentence made a person automatically ineligible for expungement. However, effective July 1, 2023, SB 731 allows courts to use their judgment to grant expungement for certain felony convictions, even if the person served time in prison. This is possible as long as the felony is not specifically excluded by existing law (such as serious sex offenses requiring registration or crimes against children) and at least two years have passed since the person completed their prison term. Additionally, SB 731 and Assembly Bill 1076 (AB 1076) have also introduced automatic record sealing in many cases, removing the need for individuals to file a formal expungement petition for certain eligible convictions. These changes provide more opportunities for individuals in Kern County to get a fresh start and reduce barriers to employment and housing.