Criminal records in Tulare County, California, are available through several channels — from online tools to in-person requests at court institutions. TulareCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official county court system, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in Tulare County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tulare
Start by determining the specific information you are looking for — case number, defendant's name, or a general court history check. This will determine which search method will be the fastest.
Online Search
- TulareCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to find publicly available criminal records in Tulare County.
- Tulare County Superior Court Portal — the official court website provides access to case information and hearing schedules. For online case searches in California, the statewide portal California Courts is also available.
- Tulare County Sheriff's Office — the sheriff's website may contain information about arrests and detainees.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of the Superior Court in the Tulare County courthouse allows you to view criminal cases through public terminals. Bring your ID. The clerk will help you find the case by name or number.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the court clerk's office specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include a copy of your ID and payment of the applicable fees by check or money order payable to "Tulare County Superior Court." For a statewide criminal history check, the request is submitted to the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Search Tulare Criminal Cases by Case Number
Every criminal case in California has a unique number assigned upon registration. In Tulare County, the format typically looks like this:
- Prefix — a letter code indicating the type of case (e.g., "VCF" for felony cases in Visalia, "PCM" — misdemeanor in Porterville).
- Year — a two-digit designation of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number within the year.
Example: VCF123456. If you have this number, the search will take only minutes — both online through TulareCourt.us and through terminals in the courthouse. Without a case number, you will need the defendant's full name and preferably the date of birth.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tulare
A criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the qualification — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, and hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, and the case is archived.
Hearings
Types of court hearings in criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies).
- Pre-trial — a preparatory hearing before the trial.
- Sentencing — the announcement of the sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review — a control hearing to check compliance with conditions (e.g., probation).
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted as a result of the trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after the trial |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tulare
Certified copies are documents with the official court seal accepted by other government agencies, employers, and attorneys.
Where to Apply
The Clerk's Office of the Tulare County Superior Court issues certified copies of court documents in criminal cases. For a complete criminal history background check at the state level, you need to contact the California DOJ — the procedure involves fingerprinting through a certified Live Scan provider.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's window with a photo ID (driver's license, passport). Provide the case number or the defendant's full name.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, a copy of your ID, and payment. Check or money order payable to "Tulare County Superior Court."
A special standard form for requesting certified copies is usually not required by the court, but it is recommended to call in advance and clarify the requirements for your specific case.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tulare
Fees are set according to section 70626 and other provisions of the California Government Code. Exact amounts may change — check the current information on the court website or by calling the clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Uncertified copy |
| Document certification | $25–$40 per document | Includes court seal |
| Criminal history check (California DOJ) | $25–$32 | Via Live Scan; additional provider fee ($20–$35) |
| FBI check (federal level) | $18 | Submitted with DOJ request via Live Scan |
Processing Times
- In Person — simple copies are usually ready the same day or the next business day.
- By Mail — from 5 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
- California DOJ (criminal history) — electronic results via Live Scan are received within 3–7 business days; paper responses may take up to 4 weeks.
Payment is accepted by check, money order, and in some cases, credit or debit card when applying in person. Confirm acceptable payment methods by calling (559) 730-5000.