Riverside County Criminal Court Records
Understanding Riverside County Criminal Court
The Criminal Courts of Riverside County handle a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases, as well as criminal infractions. The cases heard in these courts are considered public record which means that anyone can view the respective court proceedings, and outcomes. This means that you can search for someone's Riverside criminal court case records, convictions and sentencing records.
In this article we will explore the structure of various Riverside County Judicial System, and which courts hear criminal cases in this jurisdiction. We'll also go over the various ways to access court records, and official copies of court transcripts. Lastly we'll go over the process of expunging a criminal court record. This process can be a lifeline for those seeking a fresh start.
Riverside County Criminal Courts Overview
Riverside County's criminal courts are all part of California's Superior Court system. They handle a wide range of criminal cases, which are responsible for ensuring justice and order within the community. They uphold the rights of defendants while protecting their constitutional rights and fair trials by a jury of their piers.
Since Riverside County is so large, the criminal courts are spread out over 16 locations, each serving a specific city or region. These courts handle both misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as smaller criminal infractions such as violations of local ordinances. The severity of the crime determines the court's jurisdiction. Understanding the structure of these criminal courts can be helpful in navigate the legal process and how to access someone's criminal records.
Which Courts Hear Criminal Cases in Riverside County?
There are three distinct types of courthouses that hear criminal cases. The type of court that hears the case depends on the nature of the crime. Here is an outline of these different courts and the cases they hear.
Superior Courts: This is the main court for criminal cases that handles both misdemeanors and felonies.
Juvenile Courts: For younger offenders, there's the Juvenile division handles cases involving minors, under the age of 18.
Traffic Courts: These handle moving violations which are mostly criminal infractions and DUIs, which are mostly misdemeanors.
How to Run a Riverside County Criminal Court Records Search
A Riverside County criminal court records search can be accomplished a few different ways. First it's important to determine if you need certified official court case documents, or merely need to research a court case for personal reasons. Here are the various ways to run this type of search.
Riverside Court Website: A good starting point to run a criminal court case search is to use the Riverside County Courts website. They offer online access to both certified and non-certified copies of case records.
The first option is to contact the Clerk's Office. They maintain all court records. You can reach them by phone or email.
County Clerk Website: The Clerk of the County website also allows people to make a public records request through the county, for court case records, or any publicly available record. You can visit their website and make requests for both official and unofficial copies of records.
Public Record Websites: These online resources, which are privately run, allow access to a multitude of public records. Most of these sites offer court records searches by name or case number and are intended for personal research and reference only. These site offer quick record retrieval and more information than most court websites will offer. The only caveat to these resources is they typically only offer unofficial public record searches, meaning you cannot use the information you find for applications or security clearances.
How to Expunge a Riverside County Criminal Court Record
Expunging a criminal court record can be a life-changing step. It offers people the opportunity to remove a criminal record from their background which can open doors to new opportunities. However, not everyone is eligible for expungement. Certain criteria must be met. Here is the basic process for expunging a criminal court record.
1). Eligibility for Expungement: In California, eligibility for expungement is governed by the state. Most misdemeanors and some felonies can be expunged. The defendant must have completed their sentence, restitution, and any probation. They must also have no new criminal charges pending.
2). The Expungement Process:
The expungement process starts with filing a petition with the court. There are self-help resources offered through the Superior Court website. Once the petition is filed, the court then reviews the petition. If approved, the criminal record is expunged and wiped from public view.
3). Legal Resources for Assistance:
Navigating the expungement process can be challenging in certain cases, where you may need legal assistance. There are legal aid organizations in Riverside County offer help. They can guide you through the process and increase your chances of success. If you can figure everything out yourself then it will be less costly than hiring an attorney, but sometimes it is a necessary expense to have a record expunged.
How Do I Run a Riverside County Criminal Court Case Search?
You can run a court case search directly through the Riverside Superior Court website, using a case number or first and last name. You can also use a public records website to instantly access criminal court case information. If you have difficulty finding the case records you are looking for, you can contact the Clerk of the Courts for assistance.
