San Joaquin County Arrest Records

San Joaquin County arrest records are maintained by multiple agencies. The San Joaquin County Sheriff runs the main jail and handles most of the county. Stockton has its own police department, as do several other cities. Finding arrest records means knowing which agency made the arrest. The sheriff's website has a tool to see who is currently in custody. Court records show what happened after an arrest led to charges. This page covers how to search San Joaquin County arrest records and related criminal justice information.

Who is in Custody - San Joaquin County

The San Joaquin County Sheriff provides a "Who is in Custody" search on their website. This tool shows current inmates in the county jail. Enter a name and the system returns matching results. You can see who is being held and what charges they face.

The search shows basic booking information. Names, booking dates, charges, and bail amounts are included. The database updates regularly. New bookings appear after processing is complete. Released inmates no longer show up.

If you need help finding someone, call the jail at (209) 468-4562. Staff can verify if a person is in custody. They can also answer questions about bail, visiting, and other jail procedures. The county jail is located in French Camp.

Law Enforcement Agencies in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County has multiple police departments. Each keeps its own arrest records. The sheriff handles the unincorporated areas and runs the county jail. But city police make arrests too. Knowing which agency was involved helps you find the right records.

Stockton Police Department is the largest local agency. They handle arrests within Stockton city limits. Tracy, Lodi, and Manteca also have their own police departments. If someone was arrested in one of these cities, records may be with that police department rather than the sheriff.

All agencies book arrestees into the county jail. So the "Who is in Custody" search shows everyone in jail regardless of which agency made the arrest. But for arrest reports and detailed records, you may need to contact the specific agency.

Note: City police records require a separate request from those held by the sheriff's office.

Requesting San Joaquin Arrest Records

The sheriff's records division handles document requests for sheriff cases. California's Public Records Act governs what can be released. Basic booking information is usually available. Investigative details are often exempt from disclosure.

Submit a written request to the records unit. Include names, dates, and any case numbers you know. The more specific you are, the faster staff can find what you need. Response times vary. Simple requests are quicker than complex ones. Fees may apply for copies.

For Stockton Police records, contact their records division separately. Each city police department has its own process. Check their websites or call to find out how to request records. The process is similar to the sheriff, but you need to contact the right agency.

San Joaquin Superior Court Records

San Joaquin Superior Court handles criminal cases for the entire county. After an arrest, the district attorney reviews the case. If charges are filed, a court case begins. Court records show what happened from filing through resolution.

The court has an online case search system. Look up cases by defendant name or case number. Results show case type, charges, court dates, and outcomes. You can see if someone was convicted, acquitted, or had charges dropped. This connects arrest records to final outcomes.

Not every arrest leads to a court case. The DA may decline to prosecute. In those cases, there is an arrest record but no court case. Check both sources if you want the full picture. The arrest might exist at the sheriff's office even if there is no court record.

California DOJ Criminal History

Local records show only San Joaquin County activity. For a statewide view, check the California DOJ. They maintain RAP sheets that include arrests from any county in California. This is useful when someone may have records in multiple places.

You can request your own criminal history through the DOJ record review program. The fee is $25. You submit fingerprints at a Live Scan site. The DOJ mails results to your address. This shows everything on your state record.

Background checks for employment often go through the DOJ. Under Penal Code 11105, authorized agencies can access criminal history. The Fair Chance Act restricts when employers can ask about criminal records during hiring.

Clearing San Joaquin Arrest Records

Some arrests can be sealed from public view. If you were arrested but not convicted, California law provides a path. Penal Code 851.91 allows petitions to seal arrest records. You file with San Joaquin Superior Court.

The process involves a petition and usually a hearing. You explain why the arrest should be sealed. The court considers your request and issues a ruling. If granted, the record is sealed. Standard background checks will not show it.

For convictions, expungement may be available. Penal Code 1203.4 lets you petition to dismiss after completing probation. This changes how the conviction appears but does not erase it completely.

California's automatic record relief program also helps. The DOJ reviews old records monthly. Eligible arrests and convictions get a relief notation added. This is not sealing, but it affects how records appear on background checks.

Victim Notification in San Joaquin County

Victims can track offenders through VINE. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com to receive alerts. When the offender's custody status changes, you get notified. The service is free and available 24/7.

Call 1-877-411-5588 to register by phone. You can choose alerts by call, text, or email. This saves you from having to repeatedly contact the jail. The system tracks status automatically and sends updates when things change.

Major Cities in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County includes Stockton and several other cities with their own police. For city arrests, records may be with the local police department. Here are cities over 50,000 population.

Nearby California Counties

San Joaquin County borders several other counties in the Central Valley and Bay Area. For arrest records in those areas, check these pages.