Criminal Court Records give you direct access to the factual details of every filing, hearing, and disposition that shapes a case in Riverside County, and they are the first stop for anyone needing to verify a defendant’s legal history. By entering a name, case number, or filing date into the Riverside County criminal case search, you can pull up the full docket, see charge specifics, and track the current status of pending or closed matters. Whether you are checking a felony court record, a misdemeanor case, or a juvenile proceeding, the public portal consolidates docket entries, indictment records, and sentencing orders in one searchable view, eliminating the guesswork of locating documents across multiple courthouses.
Criminal Court Records also serve as a reliable source for attorneys, employers, and researchers who must confirm the authenticity of a defendant’s identity or the exact nature of a criminal charge. The Riverside County court case lookup provides instant access to court motions, plea agreements, and case disposition outcomes, including dismissed charges or convictions. By leveraging the official online system, users can retrieve certified copies, verify case numbers, and review pre‑trial hearings or trial judgments, ensuring that every piece of information reflects the most current and accurate court filing available.
How to Search Criminal Court Records
Searching for criminal court records in Riverside County starts with the official online portal that gives you direct access to current docket entries, court records, and case information for felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile filings. You can use a defendant name search, including official bench warrants bureau, a case number search, or a filing date search to locate the exact case you need. The portal presents court documents, criminal case information, and current case status from a single screen, which removes the need to visit multiple courthouses.
You do not need an account or login to run a basic criminal case lookup on the portal. The system displays public court records as soon as you submit your search criteria, and it shows pending criminal cases, active criminal cases, and closed criminal cases in one searchable view.
Official Search Portal https://epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov
Steps to Search
- Open the official Riverside County public access portal using the link shown above.
- Choose your search type from the menu, such as defendant name search, criminal case number search, or court case number search.
- Enter the required details, which may include a full legal name, date of birth, case number, or filing date range.
- Select the court location or jurisdiction if you know it, or leave the field blank to search all Riverside County courts.
- Click the search button and review the list of matching criminal case records on the results page.
- Click a specific case to open the full court docket, criminal charges, and case disposition details.
Search by Defendant Name
A defendant name search lets you pull up criminal court records using a person’s full legal name. The portal matches the name against all Riverside County criminal case filings, including felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and dismissed criminal cases. You should include the last name, first name, and middle name when possible to narrow the results and avoid mixed matches. If common names bring back too many hits, you can add a date of birth or filing year to filter the list.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives you the fastest path to a specific criminal court record when you already have the courtroom number on hand. Each case receives a unique court case number at the time of filing, and the portal uses this number to pull the matching criminal docket records instantly. You must enter the full case number, including any prefix letters that identify the court division, year, and case type. Even small typos will return a “case not found” result, so double-check every character before you submit.
Search by Filing Date
A filing date search shows every criminal case filed in Riverside County on a specific day or within a date range. This option works well when you only know roughly when the case started and need to see criminal case filing date entries. You can set a range from a single day to several months, and the system sorts results by the criminal case filing date in ascending or descending order. This helps employers, researchers, and attorneys track recent court filings or run a review of past criminal proceedings.
Search by Court
Searching by court lets you focus only on cases filed at a specific Riverside County courthouse, such as the main Riverside courthouse or a regional branch location. The criminal court docket for each location holds its own set of filings, so limiting your search by court reduces the number of results and helps you find the right jurisdiction. You select the court from a dropdown menu and pair it with a name, case number, or date to refine the output.
Search by Case Type
Searching by case type limits your results to a certain category, such as felony, misdemeanor, traffic infraction, or juvenile matter. The portal lists case classification codes that map to each category, and the result page shows only cases tied to the selected type. Using this filter is useful when you want to review only felony court records or only misdemeanor court records without sifting through unrelated filings.
Information Needed for a Search
To run a successful Riverside County criminal case lookup, you should gather as much of the following data as you can before you begin:
- Full legal name of the defendant, including middle name if available
- Date of birth or approximate age range for the defendant
- Exact criminal case number, including any prefix letters or year codes
- Date the case was filed, or a filing date range
- Specific court location where the case was heard
- Case type, such as felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile proceeding
Riverside County Criminal Court Record Details
A complete Riverside County criminal court record shows every fact tied to a defendant and the legal action against them. Each entry on the docket pages ties back to a court filing, hearing, or order entered by the judge. The portal groups these facts into clear sections, which you can read one after another to see the path the case followed from filing to closure.
Defendant Information
The defendant information section lists the full legal name of the person charged, along with date of birth, address on record, and physical description when provided at booking. You use this section to confirm you have the right person before you review charges, plea records, or case closure details. Any alias names or prior names tied to the defendant also appear here, which helps you spot name variations across old filings.
Case Number and Filing Date
The case number section shows the unique court case number assigned to the matter, while the filing date section shows the day the prosecutor or grand jury filed the first charging document. Together, these two facts form the main key you need for any future criminal case lookup. The portal also lists any related or consolidated case numbers, so you can follow companion filings under one search.
Court and Judge
The court and judge section names the specific Riverside County courthouse where the case sits, along with the judge assigned to preside over hearings, motions, and trial. Each court order entered in the case shows the name of the issuing judge, which lets you trace accountability for every ruling. If a case transferred between departments, the prior and current court locations both display in this section.
Case Classification
The case classification section labels the matter as a felony, misdemeanor, infraction, or juvenile proceeding, and it shows the statutory category used for tracking. This section also lists any reclassification events, for example when a felony charge is reduced to a misdemeanor during plea negotiations. The classification code helps you sort cases by severity when reviewing large sets of criminal court documents.
Criminal Charges
The criminal charges section lists every charge filed against the defendant, along with the statute cited, the charge level, and any special allegations. Each charge carries a status flag showing whether it remains active, was dropped, or led to a conviction. This section also notes any amended or added charges that came up during pretrial proceedings or motions hearings.
Attorney Information
The attorney information section lists the defense attorney and the prosecuting attorney tied to the case, including their bar numbers and law firm names when listed. If a public defender was assigned, that assignment appears here as well. You can use this section to confirm representation status before contacting counsel or sending legal documents.
Current Case Status
The current case status section tells you whether the case is pending, active, on appeal, or closed. It also shows the next scheduled hearing date, any active warrants, and the most recent order entered in the matter. Checking this section first gives you a quick snapshot of where the case stands today without scrolling through the full criminal docket records.
Types of Criminal Court Cases
Riverside County criminal courts handle several distinct case types, each with its own filing rules, hearing timelines, and public access rules. The portal categorizes cases by severity and jurisdiction so you can filter your search to match the exact matter you are researching. Knowing the case type also tells you which documents are public and which may be restricted or sealed.
Felony Cases
Felony cases cover the most serious criminal charges, such as violent crimes, major drug offenses, and white-collar crimes carrying sentences of more than one year in state prison. Felony court records appear in the Riverside County felony records section and include grand jury indictments, felony arraignment entries, and judgment of conviction filings.
Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanor cases involve charges such as simple battery, petty theft, and minor drug possession, and they carry sentences of up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanor court records show charging documents, plea records, and sentencing orders for less serious offenses handled at the misdemeanor court level.
State Criminal Cases
State criminal cases cover charges brought under California state law, which include most felony and misdemeanor filings in Riverside County. These cases move through the superior court system and show up in the Riverside County court docket under state criminal codes. State filings include everything from assault and burglary to fraud and driving under the influence.
Local Criminal Cases
Local criminal cases refer to charges filed by city attorneys or local prosecutors for violations of municipal codes and local ordinances. These cases show up in the criminal docket under local jurisdiction codes and typically involve infractions or low-level misdemeanors. Local cases often resolve quickly with fines or short jail terms, and their records stay public just like state filings.
Juvenile Criminal Matters
Juvenile criminal matters cover criminal cases where the defendant was under 18 at the time of the offense. These cases fall under juvenile court records, which carry strict access limits to protect minors. Most juvenile records are sealed and require a court order to view, though certain serious offenses may appear on the docket under restricted status.
Other Criminal Proceedings
Other criminal proceedings include specialty courts, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts, which handle specific categories of defendants. These proceedings still appear on the criminal docket, but the case type field shows the specialty track. You may also see post-conviction relief filings, such as habeas corpus petitions, expungement motions, and sentence recalls under this category.
Criminal Court Case Proceedings
Every criminal case in Riverside County moves through a sequence of court proceedings, starting with the first charging document and ending with the final case closure. Each step leaves a paper trail on the criminal docket, so you can follow the path the judge and attorneys took from start to finish. Below are the main stages that show up on the court docket.
Charging and Indictment
The charging and indictment stage covers the moment a prosecutor files the first charging document, such as a complaint, information, or grand jury indictment. Indictment records show the formal charges and the date the grand jury returned a true bill, if applicable. Charging documents become part of the public docket as soon as they enter the court system.
Arraignment
The arraignment is the first court appearance after charges are filed, where the defendant hears the charges and the court enters a plea. Arraignment records show whether the defendant pled not guilty, guilty, or no contest, and they note any bail or release conditions set at that time. The arraignment date also marks the official start of pretrial proceedings.
Pretrial Proceedings
Pretrial proceedings include all hearings, motions, and discovery actions that happen between the arraignment and the trial. Pretrial hearings cover motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and bail review hearings. The docket shows each pretrial hearing date, the outcome, and any court orders tied to the matter.
Motions and Hearings
Motions and hearings cover any request filed by either side asking the judge to rule on a specific legal question. Court motions can address evidence, continuances, plea offers, or sentencing issues. Each motion entry lists the moving party, the type of motion, and the ruling, which adds transparency to the criminal court hearings process.
Trial Proceedings
Trial proceedings begin once the court sets a trial and the parties pick a jury. Trial records show jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony, exhibit entries, closing arguments, and the verdict. If the case ended in a guilty plea before reaching a courtroom, the docket notes the change of plea hearing instead of a full trial.
Court Orders
Court orders cover every signed ruling issued by the judge during the case, including protective orders, search warrants, and evidentiary orders. These orders attach to the docket and stay visible as part of the public record. Court orders also include signed sentencing orders and bench warrants when issued.
Post-Trial Proceedings
Post-trial proceedings cover actions that occur after the verdict or plea, such as sentencing hearings, restitution hearings, and appeals. The docket shows the notice of appeal, any appellate briefs filed, and the outcome of the appeal. Post-trial records also include motions for new trial and motions to modify sentence.
Criminal Case Dispositions
The criminal case disposition is the final outcome of a case, and it tells you whether the defendant was found guilty, the matter was dismissed, or the case ended in some other resolution. Case disposition records show the date of the disposition, the type of disposition, and any conditions tied to it. Reviewing this section gives you the clearest view of how a case ended.
Dismissed Cases and Charges
Dismissed cases and dismissed charges refer to matters where the court or prosecutor dropped the action before a conviction. Dismissed criminal cases show up in the docket with a dismissal entry that lists the date and the party that asked for the dismissal. The entry also shows whether the dismissal came with or without prejudice, which affects future refiling.
Plea Agreements
Plea agreements are negotiated outcomes where the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to one or more charges in exchange for a concession from the prosecutor. Plea records show the original charges, the charges the defendant pled to, and any charges dropped as part of the deal. The court must approve the plea during a change-of-plea hearing, and that approval shows up in the docket as well.
Convictions
Convictions cover cases where the defendant was found guilty after a trial or pled guilty as part of a plea deal. Criminal convictions include findings of guilt on any count, and they form the basis for the judgment of conviction. The conviction section lists the count number, the charge, and the verdict or plea entered for each.
Acquittals
Acquittals cover cases where the court or jury found the defendant not guilty on every charge. Acquittal records show the verdict date, the count number, and the type of acquittal, whether by judge or by jury. Once a case ends in an acquittal, the matter is closed and cannot re-fine on the same facts.
Final Disposition
The final disposition entry marks the last court ruling that resolves the case, whether by dismissal, plea, conviction, or acquittal. This entry sits at the bottom of the criminal through the criminal documents portal case disposition list and shows the official closing date. Final disposition records serve as the definitive end marker for any future background review.
Case Closure
Case closure shows the administrative step that locks the case from active status and moves it to the closed criminal cases list. The closure date reflects the day the court officially closed the file, which may differ from the final disposition date. Closure status tells researchers that no further hearings are scheduled and that the file is now archived.
Criminal Sentencing and Court Judgments
Once a conviction enters, the court moves to sentencing, where the judge signs a judgment of conviction and any related orders. These sentencing records become part of the permanent criminal court filings and stay public unless sealed by court order. The docket groups every sentencing entry under one section so you can review the full penalty in order.
Judgment of Conviction
The judgment of conviction is the formal document that records the guilty verdict or plea and authorizes the sentence. The document identifies the defendant, the counts of conviction, and the statutory basis for each count. Criminal judgments become public record as soon as the judge signs them, and they form the core of any background check.
Sentencing Orders
Sentencing orders are signed documents that list the exact sentence imposed by the judge, such as prison time, probation, fines, or a combination. The order shows the credit for time served, any enhancements, and the dates the sentence begins and ends. Sentencing records also note whether the judge granted or denied probation at the request of either party.
Fines and Court Costs
Fines and court costs are monetary penalties tied to the conviction. The docket lists the amount of the fine, any restitution owed to victims, and the court costs assessed by the clerk. If the defendant received a payment plan, that schedule shows up as part of the sentencing order as well.
Probation
Probation records show whether the court granted probation, the length of the probationary term, and any conditions attached. Probation conditions may include mandatory reporting, community service hours, or treatment programs. The docket tracks probation review hearings and any violations filed during the probation term.
Incarceration
Incarceration orders cover any jail or prison time tied to the conviction, along with the credit for time served in custody before sentencing. Incarceration records show the facility of assignment and the projected release date when available. These orders also note whether the sentence is to run concurrently or consecutively with any other active sentence.
Other Court-Imposed Conditions
Other court-imposed conditions can include protective orders, no-contact orders, weapon restrictions, and travel limitations. The docket lists each condition, the duration, and the party responsible for enforcement. Any violation of these conditions shows up as a separate docket entry that may lead to new criminal charges or a revocation hearing.
Access to Riverside County Criminal Court Records
Access rules for Riverside County criminal court records depend on the case type, the outcome, and any protective orders in place. Most adult criminal court records are public, while juvenile and certain sealed records are restricted. Knowing which records are open and which are closed helps you avoid delays when you run a criminal record verification.
Public Case Information
Public case information covers basic facts that anyone can view, such as the defendant name, case number, charge level, hearing dates, and disposition. These facts appear in the public court records section of the portal and stay visible for the life of the case and beyond. Public case information forms the foundation of any court case search.
Online Records
Online records include the full set of filings, orders, and minutes available through the public access portal. Online criminal court records let you pull, save, or print docket pages without visiting the courthouse. Most online records are free to view, but certified copies may carry a fee.
Publicly Available Documents
Publicly available documents include charging documents, motions, minute orders, sentencing orders, and judgments of conviction. You can download these documents directly from the portal in PDF format. The portal labels each document by type and filing date so you can find the exact paper you need.
Restricted Records
Restricted records cover any case file or document the court has limited by protective order or statute. Examples include mental health evaluations, juvenile records, and certain family-related filings. You cannot view restricted records through the public portal, and you must request a court order to gain access.
Sealed Records
Sealed records refer to criminal files that the court has ordered sealed from public view. Sealed criminal records typically come from successful expungement motions, certain juvenile adjudications, or cases dismissed under specific diversion programs. Once a record is sealed, the portal hides the case from public search results.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Juvenile record restrictions apply to most cases involving defendants under 18 at the time of the offense. Juvenile court records are not open to the general public, and only the parties, attorneys, and authorized agencies can review them. Access to juvenile records requires a court order or written authorization under California Welfare and Institutions Code.
Records Available by Request
Records available by request include documents not posted online, such as original exhibits, audio recordings, and certain sealed filings. You can request these records through the court clerk by filing a criminal court record request form and paying the copy fee. The clerk reviews the request and releases the record if the request falls within public access rules.
Obtaining Criminal Court Records
You have three main options for obtaining criminal court records in Riverside County: the online portal, the court clerk’s office, or an in-person visit. Each option has its own processing time, fee schedule, and document delivery method. The table below outlines the key differences between the three channels.
| Method | Best For | Typical Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Quick docket checks and basic document review | Free for standard view; certified copy fee applies | Instant |
| Court clerk request | Certified copies and records not posted online | Standard copy fee plus certification fee | 3 to 10 business days |
| In-person visit | Same-day record review at the courthouse | Same fees as clerk request | Same day for most standard documents |
Online Requests
Online requests work through the public access portal, where you search the case and download the documents you need. Standard docket pages and minute orders are free to view, while certified copies require payment of a copy and certification fee. You can submit a criminal court records request online request directly through the portal or the court’s records request form.
Court Clerk Requests
Court clerk requests go through the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the case was filed. You submit a written request that lists the case number, the documents you need, and your contact information. The clerk pulls the records, calculates the fees, and contacts you when the records are ready for pickup or mailing.
In-Person Requests
In-person requests let you visit the clerk’s window during office hours and request records on the spot. The clerk can pull the file, copy the documents, and certify them while you wait for common filings. In-person visits work best for active matters or for documents you need within the same business day.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the court seal and the clerk’s signature, which verifies the record as a true copy of the original filing. Certified court records carry legal weight in other court proceedings, background checks, and licensing applications. You can order certified copies through the online portal, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s window.
Copy Fees
Copy fees depend on the type of record and the delivery format. Standard paper copies carry a per-page fee, while certified copies add a separate certification fee. The clerk posts the current fee schedule on the court’s website and at the public service windows.
Processing Times
Processing times vary based on the request method, the volume of records, and the workload of the clerk’s office. Online requests process instantly for view-only access, while certified copies and mail requests may take several business days to complete. In-person visits process the same day for most standard filings.
Criminal Court Record Accuracy and Availability
Record accuracy depends on several factors, including the timeliness of docket entries, the correct matching of defendant names, and the verification of charge details. The portal pulls data directly from the court’s case management system, so the information you see reflects the official file. You should still verify each fact against the original document when accuracy matters for legal or employment purposes.
Verifying the Correct Defendant
Verifying the correct defendant starts with checking the full legal name, date of birth, and any aliases listed on the docket. Two people can share a common name, so a date of birth or address helps you avoid mixing one defendant with another. Defendant identity verification matters when you run a background check or file a legal document tied to the case.
Matching Case Numbers
Matching case numbers requires the full court case number, including any prefix letters, sequence numbers, and year codes. A single typo will return zero results, so you should copy the number directly from a prior document or the court’s notice. The portal uses the exact case number to confirm the case number search matches the right file.
Confirming Charges
Confirming charges means reviewing the criminal charges section against the original charging document or complaint. Charges can change during pretrial proceedings, so the docket reflects each amendment as it enters the record. Criminal case verification depends on comparing the current charge list with the version cited in any background report.
Recently Filed Cases
Recently filed cases appear on the portal within hours of the filing, though some entries may take up to one business day to update. You can use a recent filing date range to spot new cases as they enter the system. Pending criminal cases and active criminal cases both show current hearing dates as soon as the clerk sets them.
Delayed Record Updates
Delayed record updates can occur when the court processes a high volume of filings or when the clerk must manually scan a document. Delayed court record updates may push the appearance of orders or minute entries by a few business days. If you cannot find a recent filing, wait 24 to 48 hours and recheck the portal before assuming the record is missing.
Archived Cases
Archived cases are older cases stored in long-term archives rather than the active system. Archived criminal court records still appear in search results, but the documents may not be available for instant download. You may need to submit a request to the clerk to retrieve an archived file from off-site storage.
Unavailable Records
Unavailable records include any file that is sealed, restricted, expunged, or pending destruction under the court’s retention schedule. You cannot view unavailable records through the public portal, and the system will return a “criminal case not found” message for any sealed matter. You may need a court order to access unavailable records.
Search Problems
Even with a well-designed portal, you may run into roadblocks when searching criminal court records. Most issues come down to name variations, data entry errors, or sealed files. The table below lists the most common problems and a quick fix you can use right away.
| Problem | Likely Reason | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Case not found | Wrong digits, sealed record, or filed in another county | Recheck the case number, contact the clerk, or search by name |
| Incorrect defendant name | Name variation or alias mismatch | Search by date of birth or expand the search by full name |
| Missing documents | Delayed scan or restricted filing | Wait 48 hours or request the document from the clerk |
| Wrong court or jurisdiction | Case filed in another courthouse | Search all Riverside County courts or contact the clerk |
| Delayed updates | High docket volume or manual entry | Wait 24 to 48 hours and refresh the docket |
| Restricted or sealed records | Court order or statute limits access | File a motion to unseal or contact an attorney |
Case Not Found
A “criminal case not found” message usually means the case number contains a typo, the case was filed in another county, or the record is sealed. You can search by defendant name to locate the correct case number. If the case truly does not exist in Riverside County, check whether the matter was filed in a neighboring county like San Bernardino or Orange.
Incorrect Defendant Name
An incorrect defendant name search can happen when the name on file differs from the spelling you used. Try variations such as middle initials, hyphenated names, or common misspellings. If you still cannot find the right defendant, add a date of birth or known address to narrow the list.
Incorrect Case Number
An incorrect case number entry returns zero results even when the case exists in the system. Double-check the prefix letters, sequence digits, and year code against any prior court notice. A single reversed digit can throw off the entire case number search.
Wrong Court or Jurisdiction
A wrong court or jurisdiction error happens when you search one courthouse for a case filed at another. Riverside County operates several courthouse locations, so a case filed at the Indio branch will not show up in a search limited to the Riverside main courthouse. Switch the court filter to “All Courts” and run the search again.
Missing Documents
Missing criminal court documents often point to a recent filing that has not been scanned yet. The clerk scans paper filings in batches, which can delay the appearance of new documents by a day or two. If the document still does not appear, contact the clerk’s office to request a manual lookup.
Restricted Records
Restricted records include any document a judge has ordered sealed or withheld from public view. Examples include certain search warrants, mental health evaluations, and juvenile filings. You cannot view these documents through the public portal, and you must file a motion to access the record through an attorney.
Delayed Updates
Delayed updates occur when the court processes a high volume of filings or when a manual data entry is pending. Most delayed court record updates resolve within 48 hours, though complex filings can take longer. Refreshing the docket page or running the search again can help you spot the new information once it posts.
Criminal Court Records and Related Searches
Criminal court records are one piece of a broader public records system that includes arrest logs, criminal histories, jail rosters, and civil filings. Knowing the difference between these record types helps you pick the right source for any background review. The portal focuses on court records only, so other record types live on different sites.
Criminal Court Records vs. Criminal Records
Criminal court records cover the court filings, hearings, and dispositions tied to a specific case, while criminal records cover the broader history of a person’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. Court records show what happened inside the courtroom, while criminal records add outside data points.
Criminal Court Records vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records come from law enforcement agencies and show the date, location, and circumstances of an arrest. Criminal court records pick up where the arrest leaves off, including official felony public information, showing the charges filed, hearings held, and outcome. An arrest without charges will not show up in criminal court records.
Criminal Court Records vs. Criminal History
Criminal history reports, often called “rap sheets,” pull data from multiple sources, including the California Department of Justice and the FBI. These reports combine court records with arrest records, supervision history, and correctional data. Criminal court records alone show only the court-level filings for a specific case.
Criminal Court Records vs. Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are court orders for the arrest of a person who failed to appear or violated a court condition. Bench warrants appear as entries in the criminal court docket under the case they relate to. The warrant itself is a court record, so you can spot it by reviewing the court orders section of the docket.
Criminal Court Records vs. Jail Records
Jail records show inmate custody data, including booking date, charges, projected release, and facility location. Jail records come from the county sheriff or local jail operator, not the court. Criminal court records show only the court filings, while jail records show the actual custody status of the defendant.
Criminal Court Records vs. Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between private parties, such as contract cases, personal injury claims, and family law filings. Criminal court records cover cases filed by the government against a defendant for violating criminal law. The two record sets live in separate sections of the portal and use different case number prefixes.
Contact Details
The Riverside County Clerk’s Office provides assistance with court records and case information. You can contact the office during regular business hours or use the official online portal to search for case information at any time.
- Office: Riverside County Clerk’s Office
- Phone: (951) 777-3147
- Address: 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Online Access: Available 24 hours a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers about locating and using Riverside County criminal court records online.
How to search Riverside County criminal records?
Start at the official portal https://epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov. Choose the criminal case option and enter the name, case number, or filing date. The system returns current docket entries, charges, and case status. Results include PDFs of filings, motions, and orders. If you need certified copies, call the clerk at 951‑777‑3147 during business hours. The portal updates daily, so recent filings appear quickly.
Can I find a case by defendant name in Riverside?
Yes. On the public access site, select the defendant name search field. Type the full or partial name and click submit. The list shows matching cases with docket numbers, filing dates, and charge types. Click a case to view detailed documents such as indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. For unclear results, verify spelling or try alternative name formats. The clerk’s office can assist if the online search returns no matches.
Where do I view criminal docket entries online?
The Riverside County online portal displays docket entries for each criminal case. After locating a case, select the docket tab to see a chronological list of filings, hearings, and motions. Each entry links to the original PDF, showing details like arraignment dates, pre‑trial hearings, and trial outcomes. The site refreshes multiple times a day, so recent updates are visible shortly after filing. For older records, the archive section may hold PDFs dating back several years.
What details appear for a case filing date?
The filing date entry shows when the complaint or charge was officially recorded. Alongside the date, the portal lists the case number, defendant name, and the type of charge—felony or misdemeanor. Clicking the date opens the initial filing document, which includes the charging instrument, jurisdiction, and any attached evidence. This information helps confirm you have the correct case before requesting copies or contacting the clerk for further assistance.
How are sealed criminal records accessed in Riverside?
Sealed records are not visible through the public portal. To request access, you must file a petition with the court and receive a judge’s order. The clerk’s office provides the required forms and explains the filing fee. After approval, the court releases the sealed documents to the petitioner. Contact the clerk at 951‑777‑3147 for guidance on the petition process and any required supporting documentation.
