Tulare County Arrest Records Lookup

Tulare County arrest records are kept by the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. The county is located in the San Joaquin Valley, with Visalia as the county seat. Multiple police departments operate here, including Visalia PD and Porterville PD. The sheriff handles the unincorporated areas and runs the county jail. You can find current inmates online through the sheriff's website. This page covers how to access Tulare County arrest records, court case information, and related criminal justice data.

Tulare County Inmate Search

The Tulare County Sheriff provides an inmate search tool on their website. This lets you find people in county jail. Enter a name to search. Results show current inmates matching that name.

The search shows basic booking information. You can see charges, booking dates, and bail amounts. The database updates as people are booked in and released. If someone was just arrested, it may take a few hours before they appear in the system. Processing takes time.

For help with the inmate search, call the jail at (559) 802-9400. Staff can answer questions about finding someone in custody. They can also explain visiting hours, bail procedures, and other jail-related matters. The phone line is available during business hours.

Tulare Sheriff Records Division

The sheriff's records division handles requests for arrest reports and other documents. Not all records are public. California law restricts access to investigative files. But booking information and some arrest data can be released under the Public Records Act.

To request records, contact the sheriff's office. You may need to submit a written request. Include as much detail as possible about what you need. Names, dates, and case numbers help staff find the right records. Fees may apply for copies. Response times depend on the complexity of your request.

Basic booking logs are often available without a formal request. These show recent arrests and bookings. For older records or detailed arrest reports, the formal request process is usually required. Ask the records staff what is available and how to get it.

Tulare Superior Court Criminal Records

Tulare Superior Court handles all criminal cases in the county. After an arrest, the district attorney reviews the case. If charges are filed, a court case is created. You can search court records to see what happened after someone was arrested.

The court has an online case lookup system. Search by defendant name or case number. Results show case details including charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. This tells you whether the arrest led to a conviction, dismissal, or some other resolution. Court records are separate from arrest records but closely related.

Some people have arrests without court cases. This happens when the DA declines to file charges. The arrest record exists, but there is no court case to look up. Other times, charges are filed but later dropped. Court records show all of this activity.

Note: Court records are public in most cases, but some information may be sealed or confidential by law.

California State Criminal History

Local arrest records show only Tulare County activity. For a complete picture, you need the state criminal history. The California DOJ maintains RAP sheets that include arrests from any county in the state.

You can get your own criminal history through the DOJ record review process. It costs $25 and requires fingerprints. Visit a Live Scan site to submit your prints. The DOJ mails results to your home address. This shows all arrests and convictions on file with the state, not just those in Tulare County.

Employers run DOJ background checks for many jobs. Under Penal Code 11105, certain agencies can access criminal history for hiring and licensing. California also has the Fair Chance Act, which limits when employers can ask about criminal records during the hiring process.

Sealing Tulare Arrest Records

California offers ways to seal or clear old arrest records. If you were arrested but not convicted, you may petition to seal the arrest record. Penal Code 851.91 covers this process. File a petition with Tulare Superior Court and wait for a hearing.

Expungement is different from sealing. Under Penal Code 1203.4, you can petition to dismiss a conviction after completing probation. This does not erase the record completely, but it changes how it appears. The case shows as dismissed rather than convicted.

Automatic record relief now applies to many old cases. The DOJ reviews records and adds relief notations without requiring a petition. This is not the same as sealing, but it provides some benefit. Eligible arrests and convictions get marked so they do not show up on most background checks.

Victim Notification in Tulare County

Crime victims can track offenders through VINE. Register at vinelink.vineapps.com to get alerts. When the offender's status changes, you receive a notification. This includes releases, transfers, and escapes. The service is free and confidential.

You can also call 1-877-411-5588 to register by phone. VINE sends alerts by call, text, or email. Choose the method that works best for you. This helps victims stay informed without having to repeatedly check with the jail or courts.

Major Cities in Tulare County

Tulare County has several cities with their own police departments. Visalia is the largest. Porterville and Tulare also have city police. For arrests in these cities, records may be with the local police rather than the sheriff. Here are cities over 50,000 population.

Nearby California Counties

Tulare County borders several other Central Valley and mountain counties. For arrest records in those areas, check these pages.