Kern County Criminal Court Records Search: Cases & Dockets
Kern County Criminal Court Records Search: Free Case Lookup, Dockets, Felonies and Misdemeanors
To search Kern County criminal court records, start with the official Superior Court of California, County of Kern Case Information Search. The court’s eCourt portal allows registered public users to look up available criminal case information and the register of actions. For certified judgments, criminal filings or other court documents, request copies from the criminal division where the case was filed.
If you’re trying to find a recent arrest, booking or person currently in jail, use the Kern County Sheriff’s Office inmate search instead. For a complete personal California criminal-history review, use the California Department of Justice fingerprint-based record review process.
Where to Search Kern County Criminal Records Online
Kern County criminal records are maintained by different government agencies. Selecting the correct source first can save time and avoid unnecessary background-check fees.
Kern Superior Court Case Search
Search publicly accessible felony and misdemeanor case data, case numbers, court information and registers of actions through the official eCourt portal.
Search Court CasesCriminal Court Records Request
Request available criminal case documents, sentencing orders, judgments and certified copies from the court’s criminal division.
Request Court RecordsKern County Sheriff Inmate Search
Look up available inmate booking details and related custody information using the official Sheriff’s Office public search.
Search Jail InmatesSheriff’s Arrest Records Unit
Request qualifying recent-arrest details, local arrest information or your own Sheriff’s booking record.
Arrest Records ProceduresCalifornia DOJ Record Review
Use a fingerprint-based review of your own California criminal history, including information unavailable through a public county court case search.
Request Your DOJ RecordKern Public Defender Clean Slate
Get free, confidential assistance with eligible criminal-record clearing and expungement procedures.
Free Clean Slate HelpHow to Search Kern County Criminal Cases Using the Official eCourt Portal
The Kern County Superior Court’s online case system is available through the court’s Case Information Search page. Following its August 2025 eCourt update, the court instructs public users to create an account or sign in to view case information.
- Open the Superior Court website. Visit kern.courts.ca.gov and select Case Information Search under Online Services. This is the official county judiciary entry point.
- Read the court’s disclaimer. Scroll through the conditions of use. The court explains that portal information does not constitute the official court record.
- Click Accept and Enter under Registered Users. This takes you into the Kern County Superior Court eCourt portal.
- Create an account or sign in. The system requires registration to search case data. Follow the instructions for creating a public user account, using an email address you can access.
- Select the available case-search option. Search using the case number when known. Otherwise, use the party-name or other case criteria offered by the portal.
- Identify the correct criminal case. Compare the name, case number, court location, filing information and case category before opening a result.
- Review the register of actions. Select the case number to view available court events and case data. Look for hearings, pleadings, judgments or other disposition information.
- Request official records when needed. For a signed criminal judgment, sentencing order, certified disposition or complete filing, contact the division holding the case.
Kern County’s 50-case-per-hour search limitation
The court portal states that general public searches are limited to 50 cases per hour.
This makes it more practical to search with an exact court case number or accurate name details instead of opening large numbers of unrelated results. The portal may also restrict access when users do not follow its permitted search procedures.
What if the portal asks you to register?
Registration is part of the current system, not evidence that you reached an incorrect website. The court’s own eCourt FAQ directs users to the Registered Users area for account creation or sign-in.
If you are redirected from the main kern.courts.ca.gov website to portal.kern.courts.ca.gov, this is the official portal address published by the court.
Understanding Kern County Criminal Court Dockets and Case Information
A criminal docket or register of actions is the court’s chronological listing of events in a case. It may show when criminal charges were filed, when hearings occurred and how the court resolved the prosecution.
The exact details visible online depend on case status, age and applicable confidentiality rules.
| Docket Entry | What It Means | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint or Information | A document formally setting out criminal charges | Whether the charge was later amended, dismissed or adjudicated |
| Arraignment | Proceeding where charges and procedural rights are addressed | Plea, future hearings and custody conditions |
| Preliminary Hearing | Proceeding concerning whether qualifying felony charges should move forward | Whether charges were held to answer or otherwise resolved |
| Motion | A request asking the court for a legal ruling | Whether the court granted or denied the request |
| Plea | Defendant’s response to the charges | Final judgment and exact offenses resolved |
| Dismissal | A charge or case was dismissed | Which counts were dismissed and whether proceedings remain |
| Judgment or Sentence | The court’s formal determination or punishment when applicable | Signed document and any later modifications |
| Probation | Court-ordered supervision or conditions | Exact terms, modifications and completion status |
Felony and misdemeanor records in Kern County
More Serious Criminal Offenses
Kern Superior Court handles felony prosecutions, including offenses punishable by state imprisonment and other qualifying penalties under California law.
Felony records may include preliminary proceedings, charging documents, plea agreements, trials and sentencing orders.
Lower-Level Criminal Offenses
Misdemeanor proceedings may involve county jail penalties, fines, probation or other authorized sanctions.
Some misdemeanor matters are resolved at arraignment, while others proceed through additional hearings or trial.
Why a pending charge is not a conviction
The initial accusation describes what the government alleges. The final judgment explains whether a conviction occurred or how a charge was resolved.
A case can contain several criminal counts with different results. One count may be dismissed while another ends in a plea or verdict.
When researching a particular case, verify each charge against the final disposition rather than describing the original complaint as the outcome.
How to Obtain Kern County Criminal Court Documents and Certified Copies
The Kern County Superior Court explains that complete case files are not available for unrestricted online viewing. However, people can inspect qualifying court records at the courthouse and request copies from the relevant division.
For criminal cases, the court’s August 2025 eCourt FAQ directs document requests to the division where the criminal case was filed.
Step-by-step criminal court records request
- Find the criminal case number. Use the official eCourt portal or the courthouse’s public record search facilities.
- Confirm where the case was filed. Identify Bakersfield, Delano, Lamont, Mojave, Ridgecrest, Shafter or another relevant court location.
- Choose the required document. Typical requests include a criminal judgment, sentencing order, dismissal order, register of actions or another publicly accessible filed document.
- Contact the criminal division or use its authorized request procedure. Check the court’s Judicial Records Request page and the filing division’s current instructions. Criminal document requests are handled differently from noncriminal electronic document requests.
- Provide identifying case details. Include the case number, party name, case type, document requested and your contact information.
- Ask whether certification is needed. A plain copy of a filing is not the same as a certified document issued by the court.
- Confirm fees and payment method. The cost depends on the number of pages, whether a search is needed, certification and possible archival retrieval.
- Check the delivered copy. Verify that it includes the correct defendant, case number, document date and certification when required.
What if you don’t know the case number?
The Kern Superior Court’s Court Records instructions provide two alternatives:
- Visit the courthouse and search the available public records yourself without a clerk research charge.
- Request a clerk search or submit a written mail request with applicable research and copy fees.
The court says it does not perform case-number lookup requests by telephone and does not provide specific case details over the phone through that process.
Need a hearing transcript instead?
A transcript is a verbatim record of courtroom proceedings, not a general case docket.
Kern Superior Court has a separate online Transcript Request form. The court or reporter calculates the fee after receiving the request. If the requester has not heard from the court reporter or transcriber within ten working days, the court advises contacting its receptionist at 661-610-6000.
Kern County Criminal Court Records Fees
The Superior Court publishes copying, document-certification and search fees. These differ from the cost of checking available case data in the public portal.
| Service | Published Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online case data lookup | No separate case-viewing fee listed | Registration required; general public searches limited to 50 cases per hour |
| Photocopies | $0.50 per page | Applies to standard court-file copies |
| Document certification | $40 per document | Generally in addition to applicable copying charges |
| Clerk record search | $15 when applicable | Statewide fee schedule applies to searches lasting longer than ten minutes |
| Offsite record retrieval | $20 per file when applicable | May apply to records requiring retrieval from external storage |
| Court hearing transcript | Depends on request | Quote determined after the court receives transcript details |
Example: Requesting a certified judgment
At the general published rates, certification of a three-page eligible court document would involve $1.50 in copying charges plus $40 certification, totaling $41.50 before any other applicable costs.
This is an illustrative calculation, not a quote for a specific Kern County case. Confirm whether a particular criminal record qualifies for the general certification fee and whether any other costs apply.
How long does a mailed records request take?
The court states that mail requests may take at least ten working days, depending on workload. Requests involving old files, extensive research or additional certification requirements may take longer.
Do not schedule travel or submit a deadline-sensitive document application based solely on the typical processing period without confirming the current availability with the responsible court.
Kern County Criminal Courthouse Locations and Phone Numbers
Kern County is geographically large. Criminal cases may be handled at the metropolitan court in Bakersfield or at a regional courthouse serving another part of the county.
The Kern Superior Court publishes the following criminal court locations.
| Court Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Division – Bakersfield | 1415 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
661-610-6000 |
| Delano | 1122 Jefferson Street Delano, CA 93215 |
661-610-7300 |
| Lamont | 12022 Main Street Lamont, CA 93241 |
661-610-7100 |
| Mojave | 1773 State Highway 58 Business Mojave, CA 93501 |
661-610-7400 |
| Ridgecrest | 132 East Coso Avenue Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
661-610-7450 |
| Shafter | 325 Central Valley Highway Shafter, CA 93263 |
661-610-7200 |
Why courthouse location matters
A criminal charge arising in Ridgecrest, Delano or Mojave may be associated with a regional court, depending on case assignment and current court operations.
If you know the case number but not the location, look at the eCourt case details or the most recent hearing notice. Do not assume every Kern County criminal document is maintained at the Bakersfield metropolitan counter.
Kern courthouse service hours
Several regional court locations publish regular public hours of Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Hours may differ by location, department, holiday or service counter.
Always check the official court’s Locations and Contact Information page before visiting, especially on Fridays.
Kern County Sheriff Inmate Search and Jail Booking Information
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online Inmate Search for available county custody information.
This service can be helpful when someone has recently been arrested or is believed to be held in a Kern County detention facility.
How to search a Kern County inmate
- Open the Sheriff’s Office inmate search. Use kernsheriff.org rather than a commercial booking or mugshot website.
- Enter a name or other available search information. The current search requires at least three characters.
- Review the possible results. The public table includes fields such as booking number, first name, middle name, last name and date of birth.
- Use sorting or filtering if needed. Narrow the results to avoid confusing people with similar names.
- Open available booking information. Review the available details for the person and booking you intend to check.
- Verify court proceedings separately. If a criminal court case is associated with the booking, use the Superior Court’s portal to determine the case status and disposition.
Important jail data accuracy warning
The Sheriff’s inmate information system has published a notice that, because of changes and updates between partner agencies, results may not always reflect the most current or accurate information.
For a court hearing, charge outcome or docket status, the Sheriff’s notice directs users to the Kern Superior Court portal.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Headquarters: 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Main phone: 661-391-7500
Email: sheriff@kernsheriff.org
Kern County Arrest Records, Booking Photos and Police Reports
An arrest record is maintained by the arresting law-enforcement agency. It is different from a court docket, and public release rules may differ depending on the record.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has separate Arrest Records and Crime Reports units with different responsibilities.
Public information about recent arrests
The Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit cites California Government Code section 7923.610 for access to qualifying contemporaneous arrest information.
Under the Sheriff’s published policy, arrest information is considered public when the subject is still in custody or their release occurred within the preceding 60 days.
This is a public recent-arrest disclosure rule, not a guarantee that an older arrest record has been destroyed or that no later criminal prosecution occurred.
Can you obtain Kern County booking photographs?
The Sheriff’s Office says an individual arrested by that agency may purchase their own booking photograph for $5 by appearing in person with photo identification.
Its Arrest Records staff does not release booking photographs to the general public or media through that service.
How to request a Kern County Sheriff’s arrest record
- Identify the person or event and approximate arrest date.
- Check the Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit instructions.
- Determine whether you are requesting your own record or qualifying public information.
- Provide identification when required.
- Contact the unit for permitted records and any applicable charge.
Kern County Sheriff – Arrest Records Unit
Address: 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Telephone: 661-391-7624
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays
Official procedures: Arrest Records Unit
How to obtain a Sheriff’s crime or incident report
The Sheriff’s Crime Reports Unit maintains qualifying incident reports prepared by the Sheriff’s Office and its substations.
Access depends on California public-records law and the requester’s authorization. The department explains that victims and authorized representatives may receive certain reports with protected information redacted.
For people who are not entitled to a full report, the Sheriff’s Office may provide permitted call-for-service information or a daily event summary.
Kern County Sheriff’s Crime Reports Unit
Address: 1350 Norris Road, Building B, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: 661-391-7431
Official page: Crime Report Request Instructions
If an arrest was investigated by the Bakersfield Police Department or another municipal police department, request the police report from that agency instead of assuming the Sheriff’s Office has it.
California DOJ Criminal History Checks for Kern County Residents
The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal-history records. An individual can request a copy of their own California Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP sheet) to review for completeness and accuracy.
This service is not an unrestricted public name-based search of other people’s criminal histories.
Request your California criminal-history record
- Open the California DOJ Record Review page. Use the state Attorney General’s official website, oag.ca.gov.
- Download the appropriate fingerprint form. California residents use the Record Review Live Scan form BCIA 8016RR.
- Enter Record Review as the purpose. The state provides specific instructions for completing the form.
- Schedule fingerprints with an authorized provider. Bring valid identification and the completed form.
- Pay the required processing charge. The DOJ fee is $25. The fingerprinting provider may charge an additional rolling fee.
- Receive and review your personal history. Compare each arrest, charge and reported disposition against the official court record.
- Challenge inaccuracies through DOJ. If a record is incorrect, follow the state’s Record Review and Challenge procedure and provide supporting documents.
Can the $25 DOJ processing fee be waived?
California offers a DOJ fee-waiver procedure for eligible California residents with low income or qualifying public assistance.
The waiver covers the DOJ record-review fee, but an independent Live Scan provider’s fingerprint rolling charge may still apply.
What if you now live outside California?
The California DOJ provides a separate manual fingerprint-card procedure for applicants living outside California or the United States.
The state uses Form FD-258 and the applicable BCIA record-review application. Follow the official DOJ instructions for mailing fingerprints and payment.
Kern County Criminal Record Expungement and Free Clean Slate Help
California permits certain criminal records to be dismissed, sealed or otherwise cleared through different legal procedures. The exact relief depends on the original offense, conviction, sentence and applicable statute.
In everyday language, these remedies are often called expungement. However, a California conviction dismissal generally does not mean the entire historical record has been physically erased.
Common California record-clearing options
| Situation | Possible Relief | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible misdemeanor conviction | Dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4 or another applicable provision | California Judicial Council Form CR-180 |
| Eligible felony conviction | Dismissal or reduction where authorized | California Courts felony record-cleaning instructions |
| Arrest not resulting in conviction | Arrest sealing under Penal Code 851.91, when eligible | Judicial Council Form CR-409 |
| Qualifying automatically eligible record | Automatic dismissal or sealing under California Clean Slate provisions | DOJ RAP sheet or court record-status review |
| Certain qualifying marijuana offenses | Special reduction or dismissal procedure | Applicable Health and Safety Code provisions and Kern local forms |
Kern County Public Defender’s free Clean Slate Program
Kern County operates a particularly useful local service through its Public Defender’s Office.
The Clean Slate Program provides free and confidential assistance to people seeking eligible criminal-record clearing and expungement relief.
Kern County Public Defender – Clean Slate Program
Office: 1315 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Telephone: 661-868-4799
Email: cleanslate@kerncounty.com
Service: Free and confidential criminal-record clearing assistance
Official website: Kern County Clean Slate Program
How to begin cleaning a Kern criminal record
- Identify the case. Use the Kern Superior Court case portal and obtain the relevant docket number and disposition.
- Check whether the record is already automatically cleared. California has automatic relief for some eligible records. A DOJ record review can help determine the status.
- Contact the Clean Slate Program. Ask whether you qualify for its free services and what documents to bring.
- Use the correct statewide and local forms. California offers Form CR-180 for eligible conviction dismissal requests and Form CR-409 for qualifying nonconviction arrest sealing petitions.
- Follow the filing and notice requirements. Kern’s local court rules may impose additional proof-of-service requirements before the court accepts a petition.
- Retain the final signed order. If relief is granted, keep the order and verify that relevant agencies process it.
Kern County Criminal Court Records Search Problems and Solutions
When a criminal case does not appear online, there may be several explanations. Start by checking the current court portal and the filing location.
| Problem | Possible Explanation | Recommended Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Portal requires registration | Current Kern eCourt case searches require an account | Use Registered Users, then create or sign in to your account |
| Case search limit reached | Public searches are limited to 50 cases per hour | Use accurate case information and follow the portal’s access limits |
| Case data is visible but court documents are missing | Criminal case documents must be requested separately | Contact the criminal division where the case was filed |
| Old criminal case does not appear online | Historical records may not be fully included in current electronic case data | Request an in-person or mail record search |
| Name search gives several possible matches | Multiple people may have similar names | Compare court, case number, filing details and other lawful identifiers |
| Jail booking appears without court disposition | Sheriff custody and court case systems record different events | Search the Superior Court case separately |
| Police report cannot be released | Requester’s authorization or legal confidentiality restrictions may limit release | Ask whether permitted arrest details or a call-for-service record is available |
| A sealed or cleared case is not available | California confidentiality and record-clearing rules can restrict public access | Follow the court’s authorized confidential-record procedure |
| California DOJ history differs from court record | Repository reporting or disposition information may require correction | Obtain certified court evidence and follow the DOJ Record Review Challenge process |
| Wrong courthouse or branch | Case may have been filed at a Kern regional courthouse | Check the case’s division and courthouse location |
How to correct a criminal court record
If a judgment, charge or docket entry appears incorrect, begin with the Kern Superior Court criminal division responsible for the case.
If the court file is correct but California DOJ criminal-history information is inaccurate, request your personal DOJ record and use its formal challenge procedure.
Keep certified copies of the relevant disposition or other official evidence. A private criminal-record website cannot directly change government-held court or criminal-history information.
Be aware of fake court payment messages
Kern Superior Court has posted warnings about fraudulent text messages pretending to come from the court and directing people to fake payment websites.
The court says it does not send text messages demanding payment through those links.
When someone claims you owe a criminal fine or court payment, open the official court website yourself and use the published contact details rather than following an unsolicited payment link.
Federal Criminal Court Records and California State Prison Records
Federal criminal cases involving Kern County
Federal prosecutions are handled separately from California Superior Court criminal cases.
Kern County is within the federal Eastern District of California. To search publicly available federal criminal dockets, use the federal judiciary’s PACER service.
The national PACER Case Locator can help identify federal proceedings when the exact case number or federal court is unknown.
California state prison records
A person convicted in Kern County may eventually be placed in a California state prison rather than remain in county jail.
California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides an official incarcerated-person locator for qualifying records.
This is different from Kern County Sheriff’s current inmate search and does not replace the court’s official judgment of conviction.
Kern County Criminal Court Records FAQs
How do I search Kern County criminal court records online?
Use the Superior Court of California, County of Kern Case Information Search at kern.courts.ca.gov. Accept the disclaimer, open the Registered Users area and create an account or sign in. Search by the available case number or party criteria to view publicly accessible case data.
Is Kern County criminal court case search free?
The official portal does not list a separate charge for ordinary public case-data searches, but registration is required. The system also limits public searches to 50 cases per hour. Copies, certification and clerk-assisted record searches may have fees.
Why does the Kern County court portal ask me to create an account?
Kern Superior Court’s current eCourt system requires registration for searching case data. Its August 2025 FAQ directs public users to the Case Information page and the Registered Users option.
Can I download complete Kern County criminal case files online?
No unrestricted online access to complete criminal case files is provided. The court instructs people to request criminal documents from the division where the case was filed. Public case data and a register of actions may still be available through the portal.
How much do Kern County certified criminal court records cost?
The Superior Court publishes a standard copying charge of 50 cents per page and a general $40 document certification fee. A clerk search or offsite retrieval can involve additional charges. Confirm the correct fee for the particular criminal document before paying.
Where is the Kern County criminal courthouse in Bakersfield?
The Metropolitan Division is at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Its main telephone number is 661-610-6000. Kern County also has criminal court locations in Delano, Lamont, Mojave, Ridgecrest and Shafter.
How can I search Kern County jail inmates?
Use the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search at kernsheriff.org/inmate-search. Enter at least three characters and review available booking information. For the outcome of criminal charges, use the Superior Court’s official case portal.
Are Kern County arrest records public?
The Sheriff’s Arrest Records Unit provides qualifying recent-arrest information under California Government Code section 7923.610. Its published procedure generally treats arrest information as publicly available when the person is still in custody or was released within the previous 60 days. Other arrest materials may be restricted.
Can I get a Kern County booking photograph?
The Sheriff’s Office says a person arrested by that agency may purchase their own booking photograph for $5 by appearing in person with photo identification. Arrest Records staff does not release booking photographs to the general public or media through that service.
How do I obtain my complete California criminal history?
Request a personal Record Review through the California Department of Justice. California residents must use Live Scan fingerprints, and the published DOJ processing fee is $25, with possible fee waivers for eligible applicants and separate provider charges.
Can Kern County criminal convictions be expunged?
Some eligible convictions qualify for dismissal or other California record-clearing relief. The Kern County Public Defender operates a free, confidential Clean Slate Program at 661-868-4799. The correct procedure depends on the offense, sentence, case disposition and applicable law.
What should I do if an old Kern criminal court case is missing online?
Verify the court location and search criteria. Older, confidential, sealed or otherwise restricted cases may not be publicly searchable. You can inspect available public records at the courthouse or request a case search by mail with applicable fees.
Official Kern County Criminal Court Records Resources
The following government sources support the Kern-specific search instructions, records fees, courthouse contact information and criminal-history procedures discussed in this guide.
- Kern Superior Court – Official Case Information Search
- Kern County Superior Court eCourt Portal
- Kern Court Portal – Registration and Search Limitations
- Kern Superior Court – August 2025 eCourt FAQ
- Kern Superior Court – Criminal Division and Court Locations
- Kern Superior Court – Judicial Records Request
- Kern Superior Court – Court Record Copying Instructions
- Kern Superior Court – Transcript Request
- Kern Superior Court – Locations, Hours and Contacts
- Kern Superior Court – Local Criminal and Other Court Forms
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office – Inmate Search
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office – Arrest Records Unit
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office – Records Section
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Report Unit
- California DOJ – Request Your Own Criminal History Record
- California DOJ – Record Review Fee Waiver
- Kern County Public Defender – Free Clean Slate Program
- California Courts – Clean Your Criminal Record
- California Courts – Seal an Arrest Without Conviction
- California Courts – Petition for Dismissal CR-180
- California Department of Corrections – Incarcerated Person Locator
- PACER – Federal Criminal Case Search