Fresno County Arrest Records

Fresno County arrest records come from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. The county sits in the heart of the Central Valley and has the largest population in the region. Finding arrest records here involves checking several sources. The sheriff runs the main jail and posts booking data online. You can search for current inmates or view the 72-hour booking log. Court records show what happened after an arrest. Together, these tools give you a full picture of criminal cases in Fresno County.

Fresno County Inmate Search Online

The Fresno County Sheriff provides an online inmate search through their website. This tool lets you find people currently in county custody. Enter a name to search. The system returns results for anyone matching that name who is in jail right now.

Not all bookings show up right away. It takes time to process someone into the jail system. If a recent arrest does not appear, try again later. The database updates as new bookings are completed. You can call the jail at (559) 475-9491 if you need help finding someone specific.

The sheriff also runs a records division. They handle formal requests for arrest reports and other documents. Not all arrest records are public. California law limits what can be released. Investigation files stay confidential in most cases. But basic booking information is usually available through the online search or by calling the jail directly.

72-Hour Booking Log for Fresno County

Fresno County publishes a 72-hour booking log online. This shows everyone booked into the jail over the past three days. The log includes names, booking dates, and charges. It updates regularly as new arrests come in.

The booking log is useful for finding recent arrests. It does not require you to know a specific name. You can browse all bookings from the past 72 hours. This makes it helpful for seeing who was arrested recently. The log is free to view. No account or login needed.

Keep in mind that the booking log only shows recent activity. Older arrests will not appear there. For historical records, you need to use the inmate search or request records from the sheriff. The 72-hour window moves forward each day, so entries drop off as time passes.

Note: Booking logs show initial charges only, which may change as the case moves through the court system.

Fresno Superior Court Criminal Cases

After an arrest, the case goes to Fresno Superior Court. The court handles all criminal prosecutions in the county. You can search court records to see how an arrest ended up. Was the person charged? Did they plead guilty? Was the case dismissed? Court records answer these questions.

Fresno Superior Court has an online case search system. Criminal cases are searchable by defendant name or case number. The results show filing dates, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Some case documents may be available to view online. Others require a trip to the courthouse.

Court records and arrest records are different things. An arrest record shows someone was taken into custody. A court record shows what the legal system did next. Someone can have an arrest record without having a court case if charges were never filed. Checking both sources gives you the complete story.

Requesting Fresno Arrest Records

Formal records requests go through the sheriff's office. Call (559) 600-8400 for information on how to request copies of arrest reports. The process involves filling out a request form and paying any fees. Response times vary based on how busy the office is and what you are asking for.

California's Public Records Act governs what records can be released. Under Government Code 6250, public records are generally available. But there are exceptions. Investigative records are often exempt. Witness information stays confidential. Each request gets reviewed to determine what can be released.

Victims of crimes can get more access. If you were a victim, you may be entitled to copies of reports at no cost. Contact the sheriff's records unit to ask about victim access. They can explain what is available and how to get it.

For background checks on yourself, the California DOJ runs a record review program. You submit fingerprints and pay a $25 fee. The DOJ sends you a copy of your state criminal history. This is different from local arrest records but shows arrests from across California.

Sealing Fresno County Arrest Records

Some arrest records can be sealed. If an arrest did not lead to a conviction, you may qualify. California Penal Code 851.91 allows petitions to seal arrest records. The court reviews your petition and decides whether to grant it.

Automatic record relief is now available for some old arrests. Under Penal Code 851.8, the DOJ reviews records monthly. Eligible arrests get a notation added. This is not the same as sealing or expunging, but it does provide some relief from old records appearing on background checks.

To seal an arrest record through the court, you file a petition in Fresno Superior Court. The process involves paperwork and a hearing. Legal aid organizations in Fresno can help with this. Many people hire an attorney, but you can do it yourself if you follow the court's procedures.

Victim Notification in Fresno County

Crime victims can sign up for alerts about offenders. VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) lets you track someone in custody. You get notified when they are released, transferred, or have a status change. The service is free.

Register online or call 1-877-411-5588. You need the offender's name or ID number. Once registered, VINE sends alerts by phone, email, or text. This helps victims stay informed about their safety without having to call the jail repeatedly.

Major Cities in Fresno County

Fresno County includes several large cities. The city of Fresno has its own police department. Clovis also has city police. Other areas rely on the sheriff. Here are cities over 50,000 population with arrest record resources.

Nearby California Counties

Fresno County borders several other Central Valley counties. For arrest records in neighboring areas, check these pages.