Kern County Criminal Records
What Is Kern County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kern County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, criminal records are maintained as part of the state's criminal history information system to document and track criminal activity.
These records typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Kern County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing the most commonly accessed type of criminal record.
- Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal cases, including arraignments, motions, trial transcripts, and sentencing information.
Criminal records in Kern County are classified according to offense severity:
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison for terms exceeding one year.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines, probation, or county jail terms of less than one year.
- Infractions: Minor violations that generally result in fines rather than incarceration.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Kern County:
Kern County Sheriff's Office
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 861-3110
Kern County Sheriff's Office
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393
Kern County Superior Court
Kern County District Attorney's Office
1215 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-2340
Kern County District Attorney
California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice
It is important to note that juvenile records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public, in accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, which protects the confidentiality of minors involved in the justice system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Kern County
Criminal records in Kern 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."
Under current law, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Court records for adult criminal proceedings
- Conviction information
- Sentencing details
- Case dispositions
- Court calendars and dockets
- Arrest logs (with limited information)
However, significant restrictions exist regarding public access to certain types of criminal records:
- Ongoing investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure under Government Code § 6254(f).
- Sealed records: Cases that have been judicially sealed, including those eligible under California Penal Code § 1203.4 (expungements), are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile records: As mandated by California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, records involving minors are confidential and not publicly available except to specific authorized individuals.
- Diversion program records: Cases resolved through pretrial diversion programs may be restricted from public view upon successful completion.
- Certain domestic violence and sexual offense records: Information that might compromise victim privacy is often redacted or restricted.
The California Department of Justice maintains the state's official criminal history repository but does not provide public access to comprehensive criminal history information. Instead, members of the public seeking criminal records in Kern County must typically access them through the Kern County Superior Court or other local agencies that maintain specific portions of criminal records.
It is worth noting that while records may be technically public, practical barriers to access often exist, including registration requirements, fees, and the need to know specific identifying information to locate relevant records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kern County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kern 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
The Kern County Superior Court maintains records of criminal proceedings within its jurisdiction. To access these records:
- Visit the Records Department at the Kern County Superior Court.
- 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).
Superior Court of California, County of Kern
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Kern County Superior Court
Sheriff's Office Records Requests
For arrest records, booking information, and jail records:
- Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office Records Section.
- Complete a Public Records Request form.
- Provide specific information about the record being sought.
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing, as stipulated under the California Public Records Act.
Kern County Sheriff's Office Records Section
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kern County Sheriff's Office
Mail Requests
For those unable to appear in person, mail requests are accepted by both the Superior Court and Sheriff's Office. Requests must include:
- A completed records request form (available on the respective agency websites).
- A copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope for return documents.
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
California Department of Justice Background Checks
For official criminal history reports (also known as "rap sheets"):
- Complete a Request for Live Scan Service form (BCIA 8016).
- Visit an authorized Live Scan provider for fingerprinting.
- Pay the required fee (currently $25 for the state processing fee, plus the Live Scan operator's fee).
- Results will be mailed directly to the requesting individual.
The California Department of Justice oversees this process for statewide criminal history information.
Attorney Requests
Licensed attorneys may access criminal records on behalf of clients by:
- Submitting a written request on official letterhead.
- Providing proof of representation.
- Including client authorization for release of records.
- Paying applicable fees.
All requests must comply with California Rules of Court and local court rules regarding access to records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kern County Online?
Kern County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
Kern County Superior Court Case Information Search
The Kern County Superior Court online case information system provides public access to basic case information:
- Navigate to the court's official website.
- Select the "Case Information Search" option.
- Search by name, case number, or citation number.
- Review basic case information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Charges filed
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status and disposition
- Party information
This system does not provide access to complete case files or documents, which must be requested in person. Additionally, the online disclaimer notes that this information "does not constitute the official record of Kern County Superior Court" and is provided as a public service.
Kern County Sheriff's Inmate Search
For information regarding currently incarcerated individuals:
- Visit the Kern County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View basic custody information including:
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bail amount
- Next court date
- Expected release date (when available)
California Department of Justice Resources
The California Department of Justice's data portal provides aggregate criminal justice statistics but does not offer individual criminal records. However, the portal includes valuable information about:
- Crime rates by jurisdiction
- Arrest statistics
- Court disposition data
- Incarceration trends
Public Portal Limitations
Users should be aware of significant limitations to online record searches:
- Complete criminal history information ("rap sheets") is not available online to the general public.
- Court documents and case files typically require in-person requests.
- Some case types may be restricted from online viewing.
- Historical records may not be fully digitized.
- Registration may be required for certain search functions.
- Information may be updated on varying schedules.
For comprehensive criminal background checks, individuals must still utilize the official California Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprinting process, as online searches do not provide complete criminal history information.
Can You Search Kern County Criminal Records for Free?
Access to certain criminal records in Kern County is available without charge, in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270), which establishes the public's right to inspect government records. However, the availability of free access varies by record type and access method.
Free In-Person Inspection Options
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Kern County Superior Court
1415 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-5393
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Members of the public may:
- Review case indexes at public terminals
- Inspect non-sealed court files for specific cases
- View daily court calendars
- Examine judgment and sentencing information
Kern County Sheriff's Office
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Limited information available for free inspection includes:
- Current inmate rosters
- Recent arrest logs (with certain information redacted)
- Press releases regarding significant cases
Free Online Resources
Several digital platforms provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- Kern County Superior Court Case Information Search: Basic case information is available at no cost through the court's online portal.
- Kern County Sheriff's Inmate Search: Information about currently incarcerated individuals is freely accessible.
- California Department of Justice OpenJustice Data Portal: Aggregate criminal justice statistics are available without charge.
Fee-Based Services
While inspection of records is often free, fees typically apply for:
- Copies of court documents ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies of court records ($25.00 per document)
- Background checks through the California Department of Justice ($25.00 state fee plus Live Scan operator fee)
- Research services for records older than three years ($15.00 per name search at the Superior Court)
- Expedited processing services
It is important to note that comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is never available for free public access due to privacy regulations established under California law. Official criminal history reports may only be obtained through the California Department of Justice's fee-based fingerprint background check process or by the subject of the records themselves through the record review process.
What's Included in a Kern County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Kern County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case, but generally includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Enumerated charges at time of arrest
- Probable cause statements
- Bail information and custody status
- Rights advisement documentation
Court Case Information
- Court case number and jurisdiction
- Filing date and court division assignment
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Arraignment details and initial plea
- Legal representation information
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Motions filed and judicial rulings
- Evidence and exhibit logs
- Witness information (may be redacted in public versions)
Case Disposition
- Trial outcome or plea agreement details
- Conviction date and specific charges of conviction
- Dismissals or acquittals
- Sentencing information including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction modifications
- Appeal information and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Firearms prohibitions
- License suspensions or professional discipline
- Diversion program participation
- Risk assessment scores (limited availability)
- Victim information (typically redacted in public records)
The level of detail available to the public may be limited by various confidentiality provisions under California law, particularly regarding juvenile proceedings, certain domestic violence cases, and cases involving protected victims. Additionally, records that have been sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted pursuant to court order will not appear in standard criminal record searches.
For the most comprehensive criminal history information, authorized agencies utilize the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and the California Department of Justice's Criminal History Information System, which are not accessible to the general public.
How Long Does Kern County Keep Criminal Records?
Kern County's retention of criminal records is governed by a combination of state law, court rules, and agency-specific retention schedules. The California Government Code § 68152 establishes minimum retention periods for court records, while individual agencies may maintain their own schedules that meet or exceed these requirements.
Superior Court Records Retention
The Kern County Superior Court retains criminal case records according to the following schedule:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention for cases involving violent felonies, sex offenses, and other serious crimes as defined in Penal Code § 667.5 and § 1192.7.
- Other felony convictions: Minimum of 75 years from the date of disposition.
- Felony cases not resulting in conviction: 5 years from the date of arrest.
- Misdemeanor convictions: 5 to 10 years depending on offense type, with DUI cases kept for 10 years.
- Misdemeanor cases not resulting in conviction: 1 year from the date of arrest.
- Infractions: 3 years from the date of disposition.
- Probation records: Duration of probation term plus 5 years.
Law Enforcement Records Retention
The Kern County Sheriff's Office maintains criminal records according to the following general guidelines:
- Arrest reports: Minimum of 5 years for adults; until age 18 plus 5 years for juveniles.
- Investigation reports:
- Homicide/death cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual assault cases: Minimum of 25 years
- Felony cases: Minimum of 10 years
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 5 years
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention for adults; subject to sealing laws for juveniles.
- Jail records: 5 years after release from custody.
- 911 recordings: Minimum of 100 days, longer if related to ongoing investigations.
District Attorney Records Retention
The Kern County District Attorney's Office typically maintains case files according to these general timeframes:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Serious felony prosecutions: 25 years after case closure
- Other felony prosecutions: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor prosecutions: 5 years after case closure
- Declined prosecutions: 3 years from decision not to file charges
California Department of Justice Records
At the state level, the California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information in its repository according to the following guidelines:
- Conviction information: Permanent retention for most offenses
- Arrest information not resulting in conviction: Generally purged after 5 years if no subsequent arrest
- Juvenile records: Subject to sealing under Welfare and Institutions Code § 781
It is important to note that while records may be officially retained for these periods, practical accessibility may vary. Older records may be archived in formats that are not readily searchable or may require special retrieval procedures. Additionally, certain records may become eligible for sealing, expungement, or other forms of relief that restrict public access while the underlying data remains in secure government databases for limited official use.