Criminal records in Butte County, California, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ButteCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Butte County. The Butte County Superior Court, the Butte County Sheriff's Office, and the California Department of Justice also maintain records that may be available to the public upon request.
How to Search Criminal Records in Butte
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Butte County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official documentation or just basic case details.
Through ButteCourt.us
ButteCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Butte County. Start with the defendant's full name or a case number.
Online — Official Court and State Tools
- Butte County Superior Court Case Information — The court's online case information portal lets you look up non-confidential, non-sealed case types including criminal cases. You can search by party name or case number.
- California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) — To check whether someone is currently in state prison custody, use the CDCR's CIRIS tool.
- City of Chico Arrests and Crime Map — For arrest information specific to Chico (the largest city in Butte County), the Chico Police Department's portal provides arrest data and crime mapping.
In Person
- Visit the Butte County Courthouse clerk's office in Oroville to search records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
- The North Butte County Courthouse in Chico may also have public access options.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Butte County Superior Court Clerk using the court's Copy Request form.
- For a statewide criminal history summary ("RAP sheet"), submit a request to the California Department of Justice. Personal record requests require fingerprinting through a Live Scan provider such as the Butte County Sheriff's Department.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court searches)
- Case number (if known)
- CDCR number (for state prison inmate searches)
Search Butte Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Enter it directly into the Butte County Superior Court's online case information system for immediate results.
California Case Number Format
Criminal case numbers in Butte County Superior Court typically follow this pattern:
- Two-letter prefix — indicates the case type. Common criminal prefixes include CM (misdemeanor) and CRF or CF (felony).
- Two-digit year — the year the case was filed (e.g., "24" for 2024).
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned in the order the case was filed.
For example, a case number like CM24-01234 would indicate a misdemeanor case filed in 2024. Knowing the correct format helps avoid mismatches when searching.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Butte
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | References the California Penal Code, Health & Safety Code, Vehicle Code, or other applicable statute (e.g., PC 459 for burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Some California offenses are "wobblers" — chargeable as either a felony or misdemeanor |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced, added, or dismissed through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case has been filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing — hearings, motions, or trial in progress |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal) |
| Closed | All post-disposition obligations are complete; case is administratively closed |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — In felony cases, a judge determines whether enough evidence exists to proceed to trial
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case status, possible plea agreements, and trial readiness
- Trial — Evidence is presented before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Court monitors compliance with probation, diversion programs, or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution (may be with or without prejudice) |
| Acquitted | Formal finding of not guilty after trial |
| No contest (nolo contendere) | Defendant does not contest charges; treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Butte
From the Butte County Superior Court Clerk
The clerk's office at the Butte County Courthouse handles requests for certified copies of criminal court records. You can request copies:
- In person — Visit the clerk's office and fill out a Copy Request form. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Download the Copy Request form from the court's court forms page, complete it, and mail it with the required fees to the courthouse.
You will need to provide the case number, party name, and a description of the specific documents requested.
Butte County Courthouse — Clerk's Office
North Butte County Courthouse
From the California Department of Justice
For a comprehensive criminal history record (RAP sheet), individuals can request their own record from the California DOJ. This requires:
- A completed Request for Live Scan Service form
- Fingerprinting at an authorized Live Scan location (the Butte County Sheriff's Department at 5 Gillick Way, Oroville, is one such location)
- Payment of applicable DOJ and FBI processing fees
Third-party requests for criminal history are restricted under California Penal Code Section 11105 and are generally limited to authorized agencies and employers.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Butte
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard uncertified copies per California Government Code § 70627 |
| Certification fee | $40 per document | Per California Government Code § 70626 |
| DOJ personal criminal history (Live Scan) | $25 (DOJ fee) | Additional rolling fee may apply at the Live Scan site |
| FBI fingerprint check (if requested) | $17 (FBI fee) | Typically submitted alongside DOJ request |
| Live Scan rolling fee | Varies by location | Set by the Live Scan provider; contact the Sheriff's Office for current amount |
Processing Times
- In-person court copy requests — Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on volume and document availability.
- Mail requests to the court — Allow 2–4 weeks for processing and return by mail.
- DOJ criminal history (Live Scan) — Personal record requests are typically processed within 2–3 weeks. Results are mailed to the requester.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Butte County Superior Court's online services page or by calling the clerk's office before submitting a request.