Criminal records in Kings County, California, are available through several channels. KingsCACourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, official court systems — including the online portal of the Kings County Superior Court — law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office provide access to records. Depending on the type of request, you can use online tools, visit the court in person, or send a written request by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kings
There are several practical ways to search for criminal records in Kings County. Start by determining what specific information you need — a case number, the full name of the accused, or a date of birth can significantly narrow the search.
Online Search
- KingsCACourt.us — enter a name or case number to search for publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- Kings County Superior Court Portal — the official court portal allows you to search case data by party name or case number. Registration is not required for a basic search.
- CIRIS (California Incarcerated Records & Information Search) — if a person is under the supervision of the California Department of Corrections, this tool will show the name, CDCR number, age, current location, and counties of conviction.
In-Person Visit
The Records Division office at the Kings County Superior Court serves visitors who wish to view or obtain copies of public court records. Public access terminals in the courthouse allow you to view the case register on-site.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the court clerk's office at the address listed below, or use the online records inquiry form. Include the full name of the person, case number (if known), date of birth, and nature of the information requested. For statewide arrest history information, contact the California Department of Justice.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Case number (if available)
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Type of case — criminal, traffic violation, etc.
Search Kings Criminal Cases by Case Number
Case numbers in California have a standard format that helps quickly identify the type and year of the case. A typical criminal case number structure in the Kings County Superior Court looks like this:
Example: 24CM-0001234
- 24 — the last two digits of the year the case was filed (2024).
- CM — case type code. For criminal cases, the following are commonly used: CM (criminal misdemeanor), CF (criminal felony), TR (traffic violations).
- 0001234 — sequential number assigned to the case within the year.
Knowing the exact number allows you to find the case on the court portal in seconds. If the number is unknown, a name search also works but may return multiple results — especially for common last names.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kings
Each criminal case contains several key data elements. Below is an explanation of what each means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the California Penal Code section (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charges — reduce or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, but no final decision has been made yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is closed.
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the accused is informed of the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing where the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (for felonies).
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial session to resolve procedural issues and possible agreements.
- Sentencing — a session for sentencing after a guilty plea.
- Review — a review session to check compliance with probation terms or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or plea of the accused |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted — the court or jury did not find guilt |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a guilty verdict |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kings
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Records Division of the Kings County Superior Court. Such copies bear the court's official seal and are accepted by other institutions as proof of court decisions.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Records Division office. Bring a valid photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, full name of the party, and type of document. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online Request — fill out the records inquiry form on the court's website to clarify document availability and retrieval procedures.
Necessary forms and templates are available on the Forms & Filings page of the court's website.
What to Bring
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Case number (greatly speeds up processing)
- Payment for copying and certification fees
Kings County Superior Court — Records Division
For a complete history of arrests and convictions at the state level in California, contact the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The court only issues records related to cases heard in the Kings County Superior Court.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kings
Fees for copies of court records are set according to the California Government Code. The Records Division page contains the current list of rates.
| Service | Cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of public court record (first page) | $0.50 | Government Code §68150 et seq. |
| Each additional page | $0.50 | Government Code §68150 et seq. |
| Document certification | $40.00 per document | Government Code §70626 |
| Archive search (if the case is archived) | Additional fee may apply | Check with the office |
Processing Times
- In Person — simple requests for active cases are usually processed the same day.
- By Mail — processing may take 5 to 10 business days, excluding delivery time.
- Archived Records — older cases stored outside the main repository require additional time for retrieval — sometimes up to several weeks.
Payment is accepted by check or money order made payable to Kings County Superior Court. Check with the office to see if credit cards are accepted for in-person visits.