Criminal records in Placer County, California, are available through several official channels. PlacerCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the Superior Court of California's judicial system, the Placer County Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk-Recorder's Office. Each of these agencies handles different categories of documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Placer
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for — a court case, arrest log, or inmate data. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- PlacerCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to view available public information about criminal proceedings in the county.
- California Judicial Branch Portal — the electronic court records viewing page explains how to obtain remote access to case materials in accordance with rule 2.540 of the California Rules of Court.
- Sheriff's Arrest Log — the 10-day arrest report is updated daily. There is also a link to the Jail In-Custody Roster with bail and booking information.
- Public Records Request — the sheriff's office accepts requests through the online request submission system in accordance with California Government Code § 7920 et seq. (formerly the California Public Records Act).
In Person
Visit the Superior Court building in Auburn. Public terminals allow you to search for cases by name or number. You can also contact the Sheriff's Office Records Unit:
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history at the state level, submit a request to the California Department of Justice. The request can be mailed with fingerprints on form BCII 8016. At the county level, written requests are accepted by the sheriff's office — in person, by phone, or by mail.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number — significantly speeds up the search
Search Placer Criminal Cases by Case Number
In California, a criminal case number typically consists of several elements. The typical format for the Superior Court looks like this:
- Location or court prefix — for example, a letter code indicating the court division
- Filing year — two digits corresponding to the year the case was opened
- Case type code — a letter or group of letters indicating the category (e.g., "CR" or "FE" for criminal cases — felonies, "CM" for misdemeanors)
- Sequential number — a unique numeric identifier within the year
For example, a case might look like 62-2024-CR-001234. If you only know part of the number, try searching by name through PlacerCourt.us, then refine the number. The exact format may vary depending on the court division and year.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Placer
When you find a criminal case, the records usually contain several key categories of data. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the California Penal Code or another code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges after the initial filing; updated data is reflected in the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are complete, the case is closed
Hearings
Typical stages of criminal proceedings in Placer County:
- Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant is read the charges
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (for felonies)
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or trial preparation
- Trial — the case is heard on its merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation terms or other obligations
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — case closed without a guilty verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted by the court
- Nolo Contendere — the defendant does not contest the charges (has the same consequences as a guilty plea but is not an admission of fact)
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Placer
Certified copies of criminal records are officially certified documents accepted by courts and government agencies. The procedure depends on the type of record.
Court Records
Contact the Clerk's Office of the Superior Court of California, County of Placer. Requests can be made:
- In Person — at the courthouse in Auburn, with a valid photo ID
- By Mail — send a written request with the case number, full name of the party, and contact information for a response
To obtain a certified copy, you usually need to provide the exact case number. The clerk may require payment before processing.
Law Enforcement Records
The Sheriff's Office Records Unit processes requests for police reports and arrest records. Requests can be submitted through the online public records system, in person, or by mail.
State-Level Criminal History
For a complete criminal background check, submit a request to the California Department of Justice. Required documents:
- Completed Request for Live Scan Service form
- Fingerprints taken at an authorized Live Scan location
- Valid identification
- Payment of the prescribed fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Placer
Fees vary depending on the type of document and the issuing agency. The amounts below are based on general rates established by California law.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | Government Code § 70627 |
| Certification of court document | $40 for the first document, $25 for each additional | Government Code § 70626 |
| Criminal history check (DOJ — via Live Scan) | $25–$32 (DOJ fee) + Live Scan operator fee | California DOJ |
| Copy of police report (Sheriff's Office) | Depends on volume; first pages may be free | California Public Records Act |
Processing Times
- Online Search — results are available immediately if records are in the electronic system
- Court Clerk Request — usually 3 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of the request
- Sheriff's Office Request — under the California Public Records Act, a response is provided within 10 days with a possible extension of 14 days
- Live Scan (DOJ) — electronic results are usually received within 3–5 business days
Exact fee amounts may change. Before submitting a request, confirm current rates directly with the relevant agency.