Criminal records in San Mateo County, California, are available through several channels. SanMateoCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, the official system of the Superior Court of San Mateo County provides online access to court records, while the court clerk's office and county law enforcement agencies process requests in person and by mail. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in San Mateo
Start with SanMateoCourt.us — it is a convenient way to find publicly available information about the county's criminal cases. For a more detailed search, use the official court and state resources.
Online Search
- Odyssey Public Portal — The Superior Court of San Mateo County uses the Odyssey system. Through Odyssey portals, you can search for criminal cases by defendant name or case number. Registration may be required for full access. The court has converted all data from the previous system to Odyssey.
- MIDX — an index that allows searching for records of the Superior Court of San Mateo County. Available through the same Odyssey portals page.
- Online Case Access Page — The court's Online Case Access provides an overview of available search tools. Note: the website content is not an official court record.
- Criminal Division — On the Criminal Division page, you can find hearing schedules, information about active warrants, bail, and probation conditions.
- CIRIS (State of California) — If a person is in state prison, use the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search by CDCR.
- DOJ California — To obtain your own criminal record, submit fingerprints and pay $25 through the State Department of Justice.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Records Management department in the Hall of Justice building. Through public access terminals, you can view filed documents and hearing dates for cases filed after 2000.
Mail Request
The Records Management department accepts written requests for copies of criminal cases. Detailed information is available on the Request Copies By Mail page.
What You Need for a Search
- Full name of the person (defendant name)
- Case number, if known
- Date of birth (helps narrow down results)
- Type of case (criminal, traffic, etc.)
Search San Mateo Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In California, Superior Court criminal cases typically have a format consisting of several parts:
- Year prefix — two or four digits indicating the year the case was filed
- Case type letter code — for example, "CR" or "SF" for criminal cases, "TR" for traffic violations. Specific codes may vary depending on the filing period
- Sequential number — a unique numerical identifier within the year and category
An example might look like 23-CR-012345. The exact format depends on when the case was filed and in which system it is stored. If you are unsure of the format, the court clerk can help clarify the correct number. Searching by case number through the Odyssey portal returns results instantly, without the need to filter out namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in San Mateo
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the California Penal Code (e.g., Penal Code § 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charges — add new ones, drop some, or reduce the severity |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting review
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has issued a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges are announced
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial (for felony)
- Pre-trial — procedural hearing before the main trial begins
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review — a review hearing, often related to probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Plea or finding of guilt |
| Not Guilty | Acquittal after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict — at the prosecutor's initiative or by the judge's decision |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after trial |
| Nolo Contendere | The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges; treated as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in San Mateo
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Records Management department of the Superior Court of San Mateo County.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the Records Management department in the Hall of Justice. You need to provide the party's name in the case, the case number (if known), and a valid photo ID.
- By Mail — Send a written request specifying the type of case, party's name, case number, and payment of applicable fees. Detailed instructions are on the Request Copies By Mail page. Types of cases for which copies are provided by this department: Criminal, Civil, Family Law, Probate.
State-Level Criminal History Request
To obtain a complete criminal history (rap sheet), contact the California Department of Justice. You need to submit fingerprints and pay a $25 fee. This process is exclusively for the applicant's own record.
Contact Information
Records Management Division, Superior Court of San Mateo County
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in San Mateo
Fees for copies of court documents in California are regulated by Government Code § 70626 and other provisions. Below are approximate rates — it is recommended to verify exact amounts directly with the court clerk or on the court's website.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Document copy (first page) | $0.50 | Each additional page — $0.50 (standard rate for non-certified copies) |
| Document certification | $25 per document | According to Government Code § 70626 |
| Criminal history (DOJ California) | $25 | Only for own record; fingerprints required |
| Search in CIRIS (CDCR) | Free | Online search for inmates in the state system |
Processing Times
- Online Search — results appear instantly or within a few minutes
- In-Person Request — simple copies are usually ready the same day; certified copies may require additional time
- Mail Request — from a few business days to several weeks depending on department workload
- DOJ rap sheet — processing takes several weeks after receiving fingerprints
For older cases (before 2000), processing time may be longer as records may be stored in archival format. Check with the clerk if the required case is available electronically.