Criminal records of Tehama County, California, are available through several channels. TehamaCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases by name or case number. In addition, records can be obtained through the official system of the Tehama County Superior Court, law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff's office, and the county clerk and recorder's office.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tehama
There are several ways to find criminal records in Tehama County. Each is suitable for different situations — from a quick online check to an official request with certification.
Online Search
- TehamaCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings.
- Tehama County Superior Court Online Services — the court provides access to the calendar of hearings, electronic filing, and jury status check. Searching for specific cases may require a case number.
- California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) — the California Department of Corrections database allows you to find inmates by name, CDCR number, or county of conviction.
In-Person Request
Visit the courthouse in Red Bluff, where the criminal division holds hearings. The court clerk can provide access to case materials through a public terminal or upon request at the service counter.
Tehama County Red Bluff Courthouse
Request by Mail or Written Request
A written request for copies of criminal records can be sent to the clerk of the Superior Court. Include the full name of the defendant, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain an official criminal history at the state level, submit a request to the California Department of Justice.
To start your search, you will need:
- Full name and surname of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Tehama Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in California courts receives a unique number. In the Tehama County Superior Court, the format usually looks like this:
- Court Code Prefix — a two-letter code identifying the county (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases)
- Filing Year — a two-digit number indicating the year the case was opened
- Sequential Number — a consecutive number assigned in order of registration
For example, the number CR-23-00456 would mean a criminal case registered in 2023 under the sequential number 456. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the type of proceeding — felony, misdemeanor, or traffic violation.
If you do not know the case number, try searching by name through TehamaCourt.us or contact the court clerk directly.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tehama
A criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of each of them.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
Criminal proceedings in Tehama County go through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing for felonies where the judge determines the sufficiency of evidence
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial session to discuss agreements and procedural issues
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a review session to check compliance with probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | The jury or judge acquits the defendant after a substantive review |
| Nolo Contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges, which has the same consequences as a guilty plea |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tehama
Certified copies are officially certified documents with the court's seal. They are accepted by employers, licensing agencies, and other courts.
Where to Apply
To obtain certified copies of court documents, contact the clerk of the Tehama County Superior Court. A request for a complete criminal history at the state level is processed by the California Department of Justice through a fingerprinting procedure — fingerprints can be submitted at the Tehama County Sheriff's Office.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-Person — at the courthouse in Red Bluff, with a valid photo ID
- By Mail — send a written request with the case number, party name, and payment in the form of a money order
Required information for the request:
- Full name of the defendant
- Case number
- Type of document needed (verdict, hearing transcript, etc.)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
Tehama County Clerk and Recorder
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tehama
The amount of fees depends on the type of document and the method of obtaining it. Below are approximate rates set according to the California Government Code (Government Code § 70626 and related provisions).
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (first page) | $0.50 |
| Each additional page | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $40 per document |
| State criminal history search (DOJ, via Live Scan) | $25–$32 (depending on the type of check) |
The certification fee is set at the state level and may change. Check the current rates directly with the court clerk.
Processing Times
- In-Person Requests — usually processed the same day or within a few business days
- Mail Requests — 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume and complexity
- Criminal History via DOJ (Live Scan) — results are received within 3–7 business days for standard checks
For urgent requests, contact the court clerk to see if expedited processing is available. Payment is accepted by money order or check payable to Tehama County Superior Court.