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Criminal Court

Criminal FAQ Answer to: How can I get criminal case information?

We are not equipped to send criminal records via e-mail, but you can request information by mail or in person. Depending on your request for information there are fees involved. If you know the case number, you would need to provide that.

If the case was filed in the last five years, you can search the criminal index online for the case number. You can search for a case number using either the defendant’s name and date of birth, or the defendant's name plus the month and year the case was filed. See the Viewing and Copying of Public Records page for more information on obtaining the case number.

If you don't know the case number and a name search is needed, a fee is charged, per name, per year. Click here to see the Court's list of fees, and check the fee for "searching records or files." Check the fee page as well for charges if copies are requested ("preparing a copy of any record, proceeding or paper on file") or certification ("certifying a copy of paper, record or proceeding on file") is requested.

To complete a name search we would need the following: name to be searched, date of birth, driver's license number, and year/years to be searched.

In person: come to the Records Research counter at the Hall of Justice, 190 West Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 (click for hours and directions).

By mail: you may enclose your check stating "Not to Exceed $________________" and we will fill in the correct amount and send a receipt with your copies. Overpayments of less than $10 will not be returned. Please be sure to enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope to ensure your request is answered as soon as possible. You should send your request to the criminal facility in the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred. (For facility mailing addresses, click for courthouse directory page.) You can also call the appropriate court facility (phone numbers are on each courthouse page) to find out how much the total cost would be.

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