Criminal records in Yolo County, California, are available through several channels. YoloCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official Yolo County Superior Court system, law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff's office, and the county clerk-recorder's office. Below are specific steps for searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Yolo
To start a search, prepare at least one of the following pieces of information:
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number, if known
Through YoloCourt.us
Go to YoloCourt.us and enter the name or case number. The tool will show publicly available information about criminal cases that have been handled in the county.
Online through Official Portals
- Yolo Superior Court — Online Case Search. The court's online services site offers case search. You need to enter a name or case number.
- California Courts Portal. California Courts provides general information on accessing court records statewide, including links to local courts.
- Woodland Police Arrest Log. The Woodland Police Arrest Log publishes data on recent arrests within the city. Using this information for harassment or intimidation is a criminal offense.
- Statewide Inmate Search. Through CIRIS — California Incarcerated Records & Information Search, you can find individuals in the state correctional system.
In Person
Visit the courthouse where public access terminals are available. The criminal division of the court is located at:
The clerk will provide access to the case index or help find a specific record. Free parking is available at 525 6th St.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the court office indicating the person's name, date of birth, and case number (if known). For obtaining your own statewide criminal history, contact the California Department of Justice — fingerprinting via Live Scan is required. The Yolo County Sheriff's Office provides Live Scan services at 140 Tony Diaz Drive, Woodland, CA 95776.
Search Yolo Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In California, superior court criminal case numbers typically follow this format:
- Case type prefix — for example, CRF (felony) or CRM (misdemeanor).
- Filing year — a two-digit number indicating the year the case was opened.
- Sequential number — a unique ordinal number within the year.
Example: CRF23-1234 indicates a felony case opened in 2023 under number 1234. Enter this number into the court's search system to obtain full information on the case's progress, scheduled hearings, and outcome.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Yolo
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Code section | Reference to the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — the case is in active consideration.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedures are complete, and the case is closed.
Types of Hearings
In the Yolo Criminal Division, cases go through the following stages:
- Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant is read the charges.
- Preliminary hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (only for felonies).
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties before the trial.
- Trial — the substantive court hearing.
- Sentencing — the issuance of a sentence.
- Review hearing — a review hearing regarding compliance with the terms of the sentence.
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 | Acquittal following a trial |
| Nolo contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
Note: In California, complete expungement does not exist, but there are procedures for record clearing depending on the circumstances of the case.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Yolo
Certified copies of criminal records are officially certified documents accepted by other institutions and courts.
Issuing Authorities
- Yolo County Superior Court Clerk's Office — issues certified copies of court decisions, records, and other criminal case materials.
- California Department of Justice — issues an official criminal history report (RAP sheet) upon request via Live Scan.
How to Submit a Request
In person: visit the court office. Documents are issued directly at the service counter.
By mail: send a written request specifying the case number, full name of the defendant, and the required document. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail requests are processed within 1–2 business days of receipt.
To obtain your own statewide criminal history:
- Complete the Live Scan procedure at the Yolo County Sheriff's Office or another authorized location.
- Fill out the Request for Live Scan Service form.
- Present valid photo identification.
The result is mailed from the DOJ within a few weeks.
Required Documents
- Valid photo identification (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Case number (for court copies)
- Completed request form (if required by the court)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Yolo
Fees are set according to the California Government Code and local court rules.
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copy of court document | $0.50 per page (first two pages); $0.25 for each additional | Immediately upon in-person request |
| Document certification | $40 for the first document; $25 for each additional ordered at the same time | Immediately upon in-person request |
| Name search at the court office | $15 per name (approximate) | Immediately or 1–2 business days by mail |
| Live Scan — criminal history check via DOJ | $25 (DOJ fee) + Live Scan service fee (varies by location) | 2–4 weeks by mail from DOJ |
| Mail request to the court office | Applicable fee + self-addressed stamped envelope | 1–2 business days from receipt |
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or, in some cases, credit card upon in-person request. Verify current fees directly with the court office as amounts may change due to legislative updates.