California Free Criminal Records

By Ben Kingsley


Across the world, background screening is quickly becoming a standard practice in many workplaces and businesses. Doing a background check is an effective and easy way for organizations to alleviate their risk. In scrutinizing the background of an individual, the records heavily counted on are criminal records, although other records can be used as well. California criminal records can be obtained from the Department of Justice or from courts.

Pursuant to California's Public Records Act, any Californian has the right to access public information maintained by local and state government agencies, including the Department of Justice. California, however, restricts access to certain records such as criminal and arrest records to legitimate law enforcement agencies, authorized applicant agencies, and those persons named on the records only. Requests from people whose purpose is neither any of these will not be accommodated.

If you wish to request access to such records for genealogy research or background checks, you may have to settle for an informational copy. The Department of Justice or the California Attorney General cannot issue a certified copy for criminal records to persons outside the restrictions imposed by California's jurisdiction. An informational copy contains the same information as that of an authorized copy, but will have a legend across the face stating that it is not a valid document and therefore cannot establish identity.

In requesting for a copy of a criminal record, you have to submit your fingerprint images, and pay a processing fee of $25 to the Department of Justice. Fingerprints should be from Live Scan. Like any other record requests, an application form must be secured and must be filled out with the necessary information. For criminal record requests, a Live Scan form must be obtained and completed with your personal details. This form can be downloaded online. In the "type of application", check the "record review". In the "reason for application" line, enter 'record review". The completed form must then be submitted along with a copy of an image of your Live Scan fingerprints. The usual processing time takes weeks to months depending on the volume of requests such agencies are receiving.

California has imposed many rules in procuring copies of criminal history information. Hence, background screening can be quite a tough task. Although an informational copy may be provided, this may not be sufficient for some researches or background checks. In this circumstance, you can try to obtain criminal records online through other independent sources.

Today, with Internet as the trend, procuring records can already be done in the comfort of your own home. With a computer and an Internet connection handy, you can already get the criminal and arrest records public you need in an expedited and convenient manner. Simply search for record providers online, do a quick background check on the record provider you're eyeing on, and start your record search. Instead of the usual processing time that takes weeks to months, these independent online service providers can give you the records you need in just a matter of minutes. Truly, utilizing this method will save you money, time, and effort.




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