Criminal Court Records in Modoc County

Modoc County criminal court records are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc. This is one of the least populated counties in the state, sitting in the far northeast corner of California. The county seat is Alturas, and the single courthouse there handles all criminal cases. Modoc County has a public portal for case searches, making it possible to look up criminal filings online. The court is small, which can mean faster service but also limited hours. Here is how to find and request criminal court records in Modoc County.

Modoc County Criminal Records Online Search

Modoc County offers an online public portal for searching court cases. The portal is at portal.modoc.courts.ca.gov. You can search by name or case number to find criminal case information. The results show the case type, filing date, parties involved, and the register of actions. This is a free tool that anyone can use without creating an account.

The online portal covers cases that have been entered into the electronic system. Modoc County is small, so the volume of criminal cases is low compared to larger counties. That said, the same California Rules of Court apply here as everywhere else in the state. Under Rule 2.503, some criminal case documents are only viewable at the courthouse. The portal shows index data and calendars, but detailed filings may require a trip to Alturas.

Modoc County Superior Court Location

The Modoc County Superior Court is at 205 South East Street, Alturas, CA 96101. There is only one courthouse in the county. All criminal matters, from misdemeanors to felonies, are heard here. The clerk's office handles record requests during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Because Modoc County is remote, getting there takes some planning. Alturas is about 300 miles north of Sacramento. If you cannot visit in person, mail and phone are your other options. The clerk can process record requests by mail if you send in the right paperwork and fees. Call the Modoc County Superior Court at (530) 233-6218 to ask about specific cases or to check if a record is available before you make the drive.

The small size of this court can be an advantage. Staff tend to know the case files well and can often help you find what you need without long wait times. That is something you will not get at a large urban court. Still, keep in mind the limited hours and plan your visit or call during the work week.

Copy Fees for Modoc County Criminal Records

Modoc County charges the same fees as every other California superior court for criminal record copies. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40 per document, plus the per-page fee. If the clerk has to search for more than 10 minutes, a $15 search fee kicks in. Records stored off-site cost an extra $10 to retrieve.

For mail requests to the Modoc County Superior Court, include a check or money order payable to the court. Describe the records you need, including the case number if you have it, and the defendant's name. The court will process the request and mail copies back to you. Because the court is small and the case load is light, mail requests from Modoc County may be processed faster than those from busier courts in the state.

Statewide Criminal Court Record Tools

California provides a self-help guide for anyone trying to get copies of court records, including criminal cases in Modoc County. The California Courts Self-Help Center covers fees, methods, and what to expect when you make a request.

This guide applies to all 58 counties. It explains the difference between plain and certified copies, how to request a fee waiver, and what happens with older records. Use it alongside the Modoc County-specific info on this page to get a full picture of your options.

Criminal Record Laws Affecting Modoc County

Criminal court records in Modoc County are public. That is the default under California law. Anyone can ask the clerk for copies. You do not need to give a reason. The main things that stay private are juvenile records, sealed cases, and certain mental health documents within a criminal file.

The California Department of Justice keeps a separate criminal history database under Penal Code Section 11105. That is the RAP sheet system. It is based on fingerprints and tracks arrests and dispositions from every county in the state. You can only get your own RAP sheet, not someone else's. The cost is $25 through Live Scan. This is different from the court case files at the Modoc County Superior Court, which are open to the public.

A person who has finished probation can ask for a dismissal of their conviction under Penal Code Section 1203.4. If granted, the Modoc County court file will show that the plea was withdrawn and the case dismissed. The record still exists in the system. It just shows the outcome changed. For arrest records that did not lead to a conviction, Penal Code Section 851.8 allows a petition to seal and destroy the record if the person was found factually innocent.

Background Checks in Modoc County

For a personal criminal history check, the DOJ is the place to go. Visit the DOJ record review page for instructions on how to request your own record. You need to fill out the BCIA 8016RR form and go to a Live Scan location for fingerprinting. There are Live Scan sites in the Modoc County area, though options may be limited due to the rural location. Call the sheriff's office to find the nearest one.

For court-specific records, the Modoc County Superior Court online portal and clerk's office are your sources. These show case filings, charges, hearings, and outcomes for cases in Modoc County. The CDCR inmate search can also show if someone from Modoc County is in state prison. That tool is free and open to the public.

Cities in Modoc County

Modoc County has one incorporated city: Alturas. With a population under 3,000, it is far below the threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal cases in Modoc County go through the single Superior Court courthouse in Alturas.

Nearby Counties

Modoc County borders these counties. Each has its own Superior Court for handling criminal cases.