Shasta County Criminal Records
What Is Shasta County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Shasta County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes the framework for criminal history information systems in the state.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement that may not result in charges
- Conviction Records: Official findings of guilt through trial or plea agreements
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or jail terms under one year
- Adult Records: Generally accessible to the public with certain exceptions
- Juvenile Records: Typically sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest
- Historical Records: Documentation of past interactions with the justice system
Multiple agencies maintain these records in Shasta County:
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
300 Park Marina Circle
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6000
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
1500 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Shasta County Superior Court
The court maintains case files, dispositions, sentencing records, and court proceedings.
California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice
The state DOJ maintains the comprehensive criminal history database for California.
Criminal records typically document the full progression through the justice system, including charges filed, arraignments, plea entries, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Shasta County
Criminal records in Shasta County are generally considered public information under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), specifically 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."
The public status of criminal records, however, is subject to specific limitations and exceptions:
- Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and basic arrest information are generally accessible to the public.
- Restricted Records: Certain categories of records have limited accessibility, including:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under Government Code § 6254(f))
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4
- Juvenile records (protected under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
- Records sealed by court order
- Records involving certain victims of crimes
- Records that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest
The California Supreme Court has established in ACLU v. Superior Court (2017) that public agencies must balance the public's right to access against individual privacy rights when determining record availability.
For criminal court records specifically, the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, governs public access to electronic trial court records, establishing that "the court must provide electronic access to its electronic records" with certain exceptions.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Shasta County must follow established procedures through the appropriate maintaining agency, which may include identity verification and payment of statutory fees for copies or certified records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public may access criminal records in Shasta County through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Superior Court
- Visit the Records Department at the Shasta County Superior Court.
- Complete a records request form, providing case number if known, or defendant name and approximate case date.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies, $25 for certified copies).
- Allow staff time to retrieve records, which may be available immediately or require return on a subsequent day.
Shasta County Superior Court
1515 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Shasta County Court Records
Sheriff's Office Records Requests
- Visit the Records Division at the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.
- Complete a Public Records Request form.
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of incident, report number).
- Present identification and pay applicable fees.
- Allow 10 business days for processing as required by law.
Shasta County Sheriff's Office Records Division
300 Park Marina Circle
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6025
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sheriff's Records Division
Mail Requests
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the agency website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail to the appropriate agency address.
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing.
California Department of Justice Background Check
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints via Live Scan at an authorized provider.
- Complete form BCIA 8016 (Request for Live Scan Service).
- Pay required fees (approximately $25 state fee plus Live Scan operator fee).
- Results are typically mailed within 30 days.
California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California DOJ Background Checks
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(b), agencies may charge fees that cover the direct cost of duplication or statutory fees where applicable.
How To Find Criminal Records in Shasta County Online?
Shasta County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources vary in scope, accessibility, and user requirements.
Shasta County Superior Court Case Index
The Superior Court of California, County of Shasta maintains an online case index that allows public access to basic case information:
- Navigate to the Shasta County Superior Court Case Index.
- Select the case type (Criminal, Traffic, etc.).
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range).
- Review results showing case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status.
- Note that full case documents are not available online and require in-person requests.
This system provides 24/7 access without registration requirements but contains only basic case information.
Shasta County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster:
- Visit the Shasta County Sheriff's Inmate Information portal.
- Search by name or booking number.
- View current custody status, charges, bail amounts, and next court dates.
- Note that historical booking information is limited to current inmates.
This system updates multiple times daily and requires no registration.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator
For individuals sentenced to state prison:
- Access the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS).
- Enter the individual's name or CDCR number.
- View current location, commitment information, and potential release dates.
- Note that detailed case information is not provided.
California Department of Justice Criminal History
For official criminal history records (rap sheets):
- Authorized agencies and individuals with legal right to access may use the California DOJ's Live Scan system.
- This requires fingerprint submission and statutory fees.
- Results are provided directly to the requesting agency or individual.
- Public access is restricted per Penal Code § 11105.
Limitations of Online Access
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, certain records are not available online:
- Complete case files and documents
- Sealed or confidential records
- Juvenile records
- Records with personal identifiers
- Records older than the online system retention period
For comprehensive record searches, in-person requests at the appropriate agency remain necessary.
Can You Search Shasta County Criminal Records for Free?
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) establishes the public's right to inspect government records during normal business hours at no cost. Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(a), "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."
Free In-Person Inspection Options
Members of the public may inspect criminal records without charge at the following locations:
Shasta County Superior Court Records Department
1515 Court Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The court provides public access terminals for viewing case indexes and basic information. Staff assistance for retrieving physical case files is available at no cost for inspection purposes.
Shasta County Sheriff's Office Records Division
300 Park Marina Circle
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6025
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office allows inspection of non-confidential reports and booking information at no charge.
Free Online Resources
Several digital platforms provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- Shasta County Superior Court Case Index - Provides basic case information including defendant name, case number, charges, and status.
- Shasta County Sheriff's Inmate Information - Offers current custody status, charges, and next court dates for current inmates.
- California Incarcerated Records & Information Search - Provides location and basic information for state prison inmates.
Fee-Based Services
While inspection is free, agencies may charge for:
- Copies of records (typically $0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($25 per document at the court)
- Research fees for extensive searches (varies by agency)
- Background checks through the California Department of Justice ($25 state fee plus Live Scan operator fee)
These fees are authorized under Government Code § 6253(b), which states that "the agency may charge the direct cost of duplication" or statutory fees where applicable.
Individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information (rap sheets) must use the fee-based Live Scan fingerprinting process through the California Department of Justice, as direct public access to these records is restricted by Penal Code § 11105.
What's Included in a Shasta County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Shasta County typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case.
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number
- Social Security Number (partially redacted in public documents)
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at booking (including California Penal Code sections)
- Bail amount and status
- Pre-trial custody information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations (California Penal Code sections)
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing information
- Motion filings and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and fees imposed
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI information
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Risk assessment information (in probation records)
- Victim information (often redacted in public copies)
The comprehensiveness of records depends on case progression and outcome. Cases dismissed before trial contain less information than those resulting in conviction. Records maintained by different agencies (Sheriff, Courts, District Attorney, Probation) may contain varying levels of detail specific to their function in the criminal justice process.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13326, criminal history information is maintained in the statewide Criminal Justice Information System, with local agencies maintaining their own record systems that feed into the state database.
How Long Does Shasta County Keep Criminal Records?
Shasta County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California Government Code § 26202 and the guidelines of the Judicial Council of California. These retention periods vary by record type and severity of offense.
Court Records Retention
The Superior Court of California, County of Shasta retains criminal case records according to the following schedule:
- Felony Cases: All records for cases resulting in conviction are retained permanently, including those involving violent felonies, sex offenses, and serious drug crimes.
- Other Felonies: Records for less serious felony convictions are maintained for 75 years from the date of final disposition.
- Misdemeanor Cases: Records are typically retained for 5-10 years depending on offense type:
- DUI cases: 10 years
- Domestic violence: 10 years
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years
- Infractions: Records are generally maintained for 3 years.
- Dismissed Cases: Records for cases dismissed before trial are typically kept for 3 years.
- Sealed Records: Pursuant to Penal Code § 1203.4 (expungement) or § 851.8 (factual innocence), records ordered sealed by the court are removed from public access but may be retained for administrative purposes.
These retention periods are established by the Judicial Council of California Records Retention Guidelines.
Sheriff's Office Records Retention
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports: 7 years for misdemeanors, permanent for felonies
- Booking Information: 5 years after release from custody
- Investigation Reports: 7 years for misdemeanors, permanent for felonies, homicides, and sexual assaults
- Jail Records: 5 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
- Photographs/Mugshots: Permanent retention
California Department of Justice Records
At the state level, the California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information according to the following schedule:
- Criminal History Records (RAP sheets): Maintained permanently in the Automated Criminal History System
- Arrest Information: Maintained permanently unless sealed by court order
- Conviction Records: Maintained permanently
- Fingerprint Records: Maintained permanently in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
It should be noted that under California Penal Code § 11105.5, arrest records not resulting in conviction may be removed from criminal history after one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies, upon petition by the arrested individual.
Digital records maintained in court case management systems may have different retention periods than physical records. The transition to digital record-keeping has enabled longer retention of some record types previously subject to destruction due to storage limitations.
Lookup Criminal Records in Shasta County
Court case records in Shasta County