Criminal records in Shasta County, California, are available through several channels. ShastaCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official Superior Court system, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests are all methods that work for finding information about criminal proceedings in the county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Shasta
There are several ways to search for criminal records. Here are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Through ShastaCourt.us
- Go to ShastaCourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person or the case number.
- Review the results — publicly available information about county criminal cases.
Online through Official Portals
- Shasta County Superior Court — the Court Case Records page provides access to electronic court records. You will need the defendant's full name or case number to search.
- California Court System Portal — California Courts contains general information and links to resources for each of the state's 58 superior courts.
- Sheriff's Office — the Sheriff's Office website offers tools for inmate locator and offender's watch.
- CDCR — if the person is under the supervision of the state correctional department, use the California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS).
- California Department of Justice — through the DOJ public records page, you can obtain criminal history information, request fingerprint checks, or use Megan's Law registry.
In Person
Visit the court records department in the courthouse at 1515 Court St., Redding. Public terminals are available for case viewing. Bring identification with you.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the Shasta County Superior Court Clerk's Office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the California Department of Justice with a completed Live Scan form or a criminal record request form.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Shasta Criminal Cases by Case Number
Searching by case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal proceeding. In California, superior court case numbers usually have a standard format.
Typical case number structure:
- Two-digit year — for example, "24" for the year 2024.
- Case type letter code — for criminal cases, "CR" (criminal) or "F" (felony) and "M" (misdemeanor) are often used. Specific codes may vary depending on the court's internal system.
- Sequential number — a sequential number assigned when the case is filed.
For example, a number like 23CR001234 would indicate a 2023 criminal case with a sequential number of 001234. If you have the exact number, enter it in the search field on the electronic court records page — this provides direct access to the case card without the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Shasta
Each criminal case in the criminal division of the Shasta County Superior Court contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a section of the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the proceedings |
Misdemeanors include DUI, petty theft, some drug offenses. Felonies are more serious crimes that may result in state prison sentences.
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, not yet concluded.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has issued a decision, the case is procedurally closed.
- Closed — all procedures are complete, including sentence execution.
Hearings
- Arraignment — the initial hearing where charges are read to the defendant, and they enter a plea.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (applies to felonies).
- Pre-trial — pre-trial conferences, plea bargain discussions.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review — checking compliance with probation or other court requirements.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not guilty | Acquitted following trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
| Nolo contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges, which has the effect of a guilty plea for sentencing purposes |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Shasta
Certified copies of criminal records have official status and are accepted by other institutions as proof. Here’s how to obtain them.
Shasta County Superior Court Clerk's Office
The court clerk issues certified copies of court documents in criminal cases. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
To submit a request, you need:
- Full name of the defendant and case number
- Photo ID (for in-person visits)
- Payment of the prescribed fee
State-Level Criminal History
To obtain a comprehensive criminal history report, contact the California Department of Justice. The procedure involves submitting fingerprints through the Live Scan system. Individuals may request their own criminal history; employers may do so only with legal grounds and authorization.
Sheriff's Office
The Shasta County Sheriff can provide information on arrests and custody records. To request, contact the sheriff's office directly.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Shasta
Fees for copies and certification of documents are set according to the California Government Code. Specific amounts may vary — check current rates directly with the court clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Usually same day (for in-person visits) |
| Certification of copy | $25–$40 per document | 1–5 business days |
| Criminal history check (DOJ, via Live Scan) | $25–$32 (DOJ fee) + Live Scan operator fee | Up to 2 weeks, sometimes longer |
| Mail request for copy | Copy fee + postage | 5–10 business days after receiving the request |
Payment at the court clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, money order, or check. Some courts accept credit cards — confirm this in advance. For mail requests, include a money order payable to Shasta County Superior Court.
Note: Records that have been sealed or destroyed by court order under Penal Code § 851.8 or § 1203.4 are not available for release. If you are unsure whether a specific record is available, call the clerk's office before visiting.