Criminal records of Marin County, California, are available through several channels. MarinCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be viewed through the official Marin Superior Court portal, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office — in person, by mail, or online.
How to Search Criminal Records in Marin
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county. Start with the one most convenient for you.
Online Search
- MarinCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to obtain publicly available information on a criminal case.
- ePortal Marin Superior Court — the official court portal allows searches by case number, party name, or hearing date. It displays information about case participants, scheduled hearings, and case status.
- Public Portal Marin Superior Court — another tool for viewing cases and court documents.
- CIRIS (California Incarcerated Records & Information Search) — a database of the California Department of Corrections for searching incarcerated individuals at the state level.
- California DOJ — Criminal History Review — to obtain a copy of your own criminal record, you need to submit fingerprints and pay $25.
What You Need for the Search
- Full name of the person (preferably exact spelling)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number — the most accurate way to search
In-Person Visit
The court clerk's office accepts requests to view and copy public court records. Contact the Court Records & Exhibits department at the Civic Center, Room 113.
By Mail
Download the court records request form, fill it out, and send it along with a payment check and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Checks should be made payable to Marin County Superior Court.
Search Marin Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to find a specific criminal case. In California, Superior Court case numbers typically follow this format:
- Case type prefix — for example, "CR" for criminal cases or "CM" for certain categories.
- Filing year — a two-digit number indicating the year the case was filed (e.g., "23" for 2023).
- Sequential number — a unique numeric identifier within the year.
A full number might look like CR2301234. Enter it in the ePortal or Public Portal, and the system will show all public data on this case: parties, charges, scheduled hearings, and outcomes. If you don't know the number, try searching by name — the portal will suggest a list of matching cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Marin
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Penal Code or another California code under which charges are filed |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (offense), or Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges during the proceedings — this is reflected in the case record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, proceedings are not yet completed
- Active — the case is under court consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is closed, all procedures are completed
Types of Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is read the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies).
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements.
- Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Review — a control hearing, for example, to check probation conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by jury verdict or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Marin
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — for example, for submission to another court or government agency. Regular copies are suitable for personal review.
Where to Apply
- Marin Superior Court Clerk's Office — issues certified and regular copies of court documents for criminal cases. Use the criminal division page to download the request form.
- California Department of Justice — maintains a statewide criminal history registry. Individuals can request a copy of their own record by submitting fingerprints.
How to Submit a Request
- Online / Email: send the completed request form to courtrecords@marin.courts.ca.gov.
- In Person: visit Civic Center, Room 113, during business hours.
- By Mail: send the completed form, payment by check, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
What to Include in the Form
- Case number (if known)
- Full name of the party
- Type of document you are requesting
- Valid ID (for in-person requests)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Marin
Fees are determined according to the California Government Code and the local court fee schedule. Below are approximate amounts.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 (first page), $0.50 for each additional page |
| Document certification | $40 per document (according to Gov. Code § 70626) |
| Case search by clerk request | An additional fee may be charged depending on the volume |
| Review of own criminal history (California DOJ) | $25 for fingerprint processing |
Processing Times
- In-Person Request: simple copies are usually prepared during the visit or within a few business days.
- Mail Request: processing may take 5 to 10 business days after receiving the form and payment.
- California DOJ (criminal history): fingerprint processing and result delivery — approximately two to four weeks.
If you need information on clearing a criminal record, refer to the California Courts guide or explore the automatic record relief program from the California DOJ.