Yolo County Criminal Records
What Is Yolo County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Yolo County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, which establishes the framework for criminal history information management throughout the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents detailing when an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Yolo County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings handled by the Superior Court of Yolo County
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding time served in county jail facilities or state prisons under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that legal proceedings determined the individual violated criminal statutes.
Criminal offenses in Yolo County are categorized as follows:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison or county jail for more than one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Infractions: Minor violations usually punishable by fines
Juvenile records receive special protection under California law. Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age are generally confidential and not accessible to the public.
Multiple agencies maintain components of Yolo County's criminal records system:
Yolo County Sheriff's Office
140 Tony Diaz Drive
Woodland, CA 95776
(530) 668-5280
Yolo County Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of Yolo County
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6700
Superior Court of Yolo County
Yolo County District Attorney's Office
301 Second Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8180
Yolo County District Attorney
Are Criminal Records Public In Yolo County
Criminal records in Yolo County are generally considered public information in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 6250-6270. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice information.
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 principle extends to criminal records maintained by county agencies, with certain important exceptions and limitations.
The following categories of criminal records are typically accessible to the public:
- Court records for adult criminal proceedings
- Conviction information
- Booking photos and arrest logs
- Inmate custody status
However, California law establishes several significant restrictions on public access to certain types of criminal records:
- Sealed Records: Cases that have been judicially sealed pursuant to Penal Code § 851.91 (arrest record sealing) or Penal Code § 1203.4 (expungement)
- Juvenile Records: Information pertaining to minors is confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Ongoing Investigations: Records that could compromise active law enforcement investigations
- Diversion Programs: Records of successfully completed diversion programs may be restricted
- Certain Domestic Violence and Sexual Offense Records: Information that could endanger victims
The Yolo County Criminal Division maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, while the Sheriff's Office retains arrest and custody information. Both agencies must balance public access rights with privacy protections and statutory restrictions.
Members of the public seeking criminal record information should be aware that while the records may be public, obtaining comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is restricted. Under California law, official criminal history summaries compiled by the Department of Justice are available only to authorized entities and the subject of the records themselves.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Yolo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Yolo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The procedures outlined below reflect current practices that remain in effect.
In-Person Requests at the Superior Court:
- Visit the Yolo County Superior Court's Criminal Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays).
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies).
Yolo County Superior Court - Criminal Division
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6700
Yolo County Superior Court
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
- Visit the Records Division at the Yolo County Sheriff's Office.
- Complete a Public Records Request form.
- Provide specific information about the records being sought.
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing pursuant to Government Code § 6253(c).
Yolo County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
140 Tony Diaz Drive
Woodland, CA 95776
(530) 668-5280
Yolo County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Court or Sheriff's Office).
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and specific information sought.
- Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check with the specific agency for current fee schedule).
For Personal Criminal History Records:
Individuals seeking their own criminal history records must submit a request to the California Department of Justice through the Record Review Process, which requires:
- Completion of a Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016RR).
- Submission of fingerprints at an authorized Live Scan location.
- Payment of processing fees (currently $25 plus Live Scan operator fees).
The Yolo County Sheriff's Office serves as an authorized Live Scan fingerprinting location for this purpose.
How To Find Criminal Records in Yolo County Online?
Yolo County provides several digital platforms that allow members of the public to access certain criminal records online. These resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may not contain all available information.
Yolo County Superior Court Case Index:
The Yolo County Superior Court maintains an online case index that allows users to search for criminal cases by:
- Defendant name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
To access this system:
- Navigate to the court's official website
- Select "Case Information" from the main menu
- Choose "Case Index Search"
- Enter search criteria
- Review basic case information displayed in results
This system provides case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status. However, it does not display complete case files or documents.
Yolo County Sheriff's Inmate Information System:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Scheduled court dates
- Bail amounts
Users can search by:
- Inmate name
- Booking number
California Courts Self-Help Portal:
The California Courts Self-Help website provides information about accessing and potentially cleaning criminal records. While not a direct search tool, it offers guidance on navigating the criminal records system.
Important Limitations of Online Access:
- Complete case files are not available online and require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online viewing
- Historical records (typically pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Juvenile records are not accessible through public online portals
- Registration may be required for certain online systems
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals must still utilize the formal request processes outlined by the California Department of Justice or visit the appropriate county offices in person.
Can You Search Yolo County Criminal Records for Free?
Yolo County residents and members of the public have several options to access criminal records without payment, though certain limitations and fees apply for specific services.
Free Public Inspection Rights:
The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6253) establishes the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without charge. Pursuant to this statute, individuals may:
- Visit the Yolo County Superior Court Clerk's Office to review publicly available case files
- Examine non-confidential criminal court records in person
- Access the public terminals at the courthouse to view basic case information
Yolo County Clerk-Recorder
625 Court Street, Room B01
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8130
Yolo County Clerk-Recorder
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms provide free access to basic criminal record information:
- The Yolo County Superior Court's online case index allows free searches of criminal cases by name or case number
- The Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system provides current custody information at no charge
- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offers a free inmate locator for state prisoners
Fees That May Apply:
While inspection is generally free, the following services typically incur charges:
- Copies of court documents ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies of court records ($25 per document)
- Complete criminal history reports from the California Department of Justice ($25 plus fingerprinting fees)
- Expedited or specialized search services
Fee Waivers:
Under certain circumstances, individuals may qualify for fee waivers:
- Those with demonstrable financial hardship may file a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001)
- Certain victim services organizations may access records related to specific cases without charge
- Government agencies conducting official business are typically exempt from copy fees
The Superior Court of Yolo County provides fee waiver forms and assistance for qualifying individuals.
What's Included in a Yolo County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Yolo County 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)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Criminal charges filed (including California Penal Code sections)
- Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
- Post-conviction modifications
- Appeal information
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole violations
The Yolo County Criminal Division maintains court records containing case proceedings and outcomes, while the Sheriff's Office retains arrest and custody information. The level of detail available to the public may vary based on confidentiality restrictions and the specific nature of the case.
How Long Does Yolo County Keep Criminal Records?
Yolo County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California state law and local policies. These schedules vary by record type and severity of offense.
Court Records Retention:
The Superior Court of Yolo County retains criminal case records according to Government Code § 68152, which establishes the following minimum retention periods:
-
Felony Cases: All records must be retained permanently if the defendant was sentenced to death or life imprisonment. For other felonies, records must be kept for 75 years after final disposition.
-
Misdemeanor Cases: Records for most misdemeanors must be retained for 5 years after final disposition. However, certain misdemeanors, including domestic violence, DUI, and sex offenses, require longer retention periods ranging from 10 to 75 years.
-
Infraction Cases: Records are typically retained for 3 years after final disposition.
-
Juvenile Records: These are generally retained until the subject reaches age 38, though serious offenses may be kept longer.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Yolo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and investigative records according to schedules that typically include:
-
Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies.
-
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Maintained indefinitely in digital format.
-
Investigative Files: Homicide and sexual assault investigations are kept permanently; other felony investigations are retained for 10 years; misdemeanor investigations are kept for 5 years.
California Department of Justice Records:
Criminal history information reported to the California Department of Justice is maintained in the state's criminal history database permanently, though certain records may be sealed or restricted from public disclosure under specific circumstances.
Record Sealing and Expungement:
Under California law, certain records may be eligible for sealing or expungement before the standard retention period expires:
- Arrests not resulting in conviction may be sealed pursuant to Penal Code § 851.91
- Successful completion of probation may allow for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4
- Juvenile records may be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
Individuals seeking to clean their criminal record may find guidance through the California Courts Self-Help Center, which provides information on eligibility and procedures.
Lookup Criminal Records in Yolo County
Yolo County Sheriff's Office fingerprinting services
Superior Court of Yolo County case information
Yolo County Clerk-Recorder public records
Yolo County Criminal Division case lookup
California Department of Justice public records access
California Department of Corrections inmate locator