Marin County Criminal Records

What Is Marin County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Marin County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, criminal records encompass documentation of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and final dispositions of cases.

These records are categorized by several important distinctions:

• Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies constitute more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison for more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Marin County:

Marin County Sheriff's Office
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 473-7250
Marin County Sheriff's Office

Superior Court of California, County of Marin
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7020
Marin County Superior Court

California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-6276
California Department of Justice

Marin County criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, bookings, charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information. The Criminal Division of the Marin County Superior Court maintains records of all criminal proceedings within its jurisdiction, from initial filing through final disposition.

Are Criminal Records Public In Marin County

Criminal records in Marin County are generally considered public information in accordance with 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."

The California Public Records Act mandates that public records, including most criminal records, be open for inspection during regular office hours of governmental agencies. According to Government Code § 6253(a), "Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record."

However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Important exceptions include:

• 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 are not available to the public. This includes records sealed under Penal Code § 851.91, which allows for the sealing of arrest records in cases where no conviction occurred.

• Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.

• Diversion Programs: Records of successful completion of diversion programs may be restricted from public access.

• Expunged Records: Convictions that have been dismissed under Penal Code § 1203.4 (expungement) remain in the court record but are noted as dismissed.

The California Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository and regulates access to comprehensive criminal history information, which is more restricted than access to individual court records. While court proceedings and records of convictions are generally public, complete criminal history reports (often called "rap sheets") are only available to authorized entities and the subject of the record.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Marin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Marin County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:

1. Visit the Criminal Division of the Marin County Superior Court during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

   Superior Court of California, County of Marin
   3501 Civic Center Drive, Room C-10
   San Rafael, CA 94903
   (415) 444-7020

2. Complete a Records Request Form available at the clerk's office.

3. Provide the following information for the most effective search:

   • Full name of the individual (including aliases)
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Case number (if known)

4. Present valid government-issued photo identification.

5. Pay applicable fees for copies of records ($0.50 per page for standard copies).

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the Records Request Form from the Marin County Superior Court website.

2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copies (check or money order made payable to "Marin County Superior Court").

3. Mail the request to:

   Marin County Superior Court
   Records Management
   P.O. Box 4988
   San Rafael, CA 94913-4988

Sheriff's Office Records:

For arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports:

1. Submit a request to the Marin County Sheriff's Office Records Division.

   Marin County Sheriff's Office
   1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200
   San Rafael, CA 94903
   (415) 473-7284

2. Complete the Sheriff's Office Records Request Form.

3. Include proper identification and any applicable fees.

State-Level Criminal History Information:

For comprehensive criminal history records ("rap sheets"), individuals may request their own records through the California Department of Justice's record review process, which requires fingerprint submission and a $25 processing fee.

How To Find Criminal Records in Marin County Online?

Marin County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information online. These resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record searches.

Marin Superior Court eCourt Portal:

The Marin Superior Court's eCourt Online Portal serves as the primary online resource for accessing court case information. Through this system, users can:

• Search for cases by name, case number, or filing date
• View case summaries and register of actions
• Access calendar information
• View certain case documents (some may require courthouse access)

To use the portal:

1. Navigate to the Marin Superior Court Public Portal
2. Select "Case Search" or "Calendar Search"
3. Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
4. Review results and select specific cases for detailed information

The portal provides access to criminal, civil, family, and probate cases. However, certain sensitive documents and sealed cases will not be available online.

Marin County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:

The Marin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:

• Current custody status
• Booking information
• Scheduled court dates
• Bail amounts

This information can be accessed through the Marin County Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Information" section.

California Department of Justice Resources:

The California Department of Justice's OpenJustice data portal provides statistical information about criminal justice in Marin County and throughout California. While this resource does not provide individual criminal records, it offers valuable context about crime rates, arrests, and other criminal justice metrics.

Important Limitations of Online Searches:

• Complete criminal history information ("rap sheets") is not available online to the general public
• Some case documents are only viewable at courthouse terminals
• Juvenile records are generally not accessible online
• Cases under seal or with protective orders may not appear in search results
• Historical records (typically pre-2000) may have limited online availability
• Registration may be required for certain features of the court portal

For the most comprehensive access to criminal records, a combination of online searches and in-person requests may be necessary, particularly for older records or detailed case documents.

Can You Search Marin County Criminal Records for Free?

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, specifically Government Code § 6253, members of the public have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. This statutory provision applies to criminal records maintained by Marin County agencies, with certain limitations.

Free In-Person Inspection:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:

Marin County Superior Court
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room C-10
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7020
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Marin County Sheriff's Office
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 473-7250
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records. The standard fee at the Marin County Superior Court is $0.50 per page for copies, and certification of documents incurs additional fees.

Free Online Resources:

Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:

• The Marin Superior Court Public Portal offers free basic case information searches, including defendant name, charges, case status, and upcoming court dates.

• The Marin County Sheriff's Office provides a free inmate lookup service through their website, allowing searches for current inmates and their booking information.

• The California Department of Justice's OpenJustice portal offers free access to criminal justice statistics and data for Marin County and other California jurisdictions.

Limitations of Free Searches:

Free access to criminal records has several important limitations:

• Comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is not available for free public access
• Some court documents may only be viewable at courthouse public terminals
• Older records may not be available through online systems
• Sealed or confidential records are not accessible through public searches
• Specialized searches or certified copies typically incur fees

While basic criminal record information is available at no cost, more comprehensive or specialized searches may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, commercial background check services that compile criminal record information typically charge for their services.

What's Included in a Marin County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Marin County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with California Penal Code § 13125-13128, which establishes requirements for criminal record reporting.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Booking photograph ("mugshot")
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Booking number
• Charges filed at arrest (including California Penal Code sections)
• Bail amount and status
• Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

• Case number
• Court of jurisdiction
• Filing date
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statutory citations (California Penal Code sections)
• Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
• Plea entered
• Attorney information (public defender, private counsel)
• Court appearance dates

Disposition Information:

• Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration (length of sentence, facility)
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines and fees imposed
  • Restitution orders
  • Alternative sentencing (community service, treatment programs)
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation or parole status

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI offenses
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges
• Probation violations

The Criminal Division of the Marin County Superior Court maintains these records for cases within its jurisdiction. For comprehensive criminal history information that includes records from multiple jurisdictions, the California Department of Justice maintains the state's central repository of criminal history records.

It is important to note that certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible records, including social security numbers, financial account information, and information about victims of certain crimes, in accordance with privacy protections under California law.

How Long Does Marin County Keep Criminal Records?

Marin County retains criminal records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes mandatory minimum retention periods for court records. The retention schedule varies based on the type of record and the nature of the offense.

Felony Cases:

• Capital felony cases (those involving the death penalty): Permanent retention
• Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years from date of disposition
• Other felony cases: 50 years from date of disposition

Misdemeanor Cases:

• Misdemeanors with a driving under the influence conviction: 10 years
• Other misdemeanors: 5 years from date of final disposition

Infractions:

• Traffic infractions: 3 years
• Non-traffic infractions: 3 years

Arrest Records (Sheriff's Office):

• Arrest records without charges filed: 5 years
• Arrest records with charges filed: Follows the retention period of the corresponding court case

Juvenile Records:

• Most juvenile records: Until the subject reaches age 38
• Serious violent offenses: Permanent retention

These retention periods represent the minimum time that records must be kept. In practice, many records are retained for longer periods, and some records (particularly those of historical significance) may be retained permanently. The California Judicial Council provides detailed guidance on record retention requirements.

It is important to note that even after physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices or summaries of cases may be maintained indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order remain in existence but are not accessible to the public.

The California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information in its statewide repository indefinitely, unless specifically ordered by a court to seal or remove information under programs such as the Automatic Record Relief initiative established under Penal Code sections 851.93 and 1203.425.

Lookup Criminal Records in Marin County

Marin County Sheriff's Office

eCourt Online Portal

Criminal Division of the Marin County Superior Court

Marin Superior Court Public Portal

California Department of Justice Criminal Records

California Department of Justice's Data Portal

California Public Records Information

OpenJustice Portal

California Fingerprint Background Checks

Clean Your Record Guide

Sealing Criminal Records Information

Record Cleaning for Arrests Without Conviction

Automatic Record Relief Information