Berkeley, California Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Berkeley, California?
Warrant records are generally considered public records in Berkeley, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including most warrant information maintained by local law enforcement agencies and courts.
The Berkeley Police Department and Alameda County Superior Court maintain warrant records as part of their official documentation. These records typically become public after they have been executed or after a specified period has elapsed, depending on the nature of the investigation and applicable state laws.
Members of the public should note that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or restricted if:
• The warrant relates to an ongoing investigation • Public disclosure would compromise public safety • The warrant involves juvenile offenders • The court has specifically ordered the warrant sealed
The California Judicial Council, which oversees court operations throughout the state, has established standardized procedures for the maintenance and disclosure of warrant records in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, which governs public access to electronic trial court records.
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Berkeley?
Berkeley residents seeking warrant information online may access several official resources maintained by local governmental agencies. The Alameda County Superior Court provides electronic access to certain court records, including some warrant information, through its official portal.
The following resources are available for online warrant searches in Berkeley:
• Alameda County Superior Court Records: The court maintains an online case information system that provides limited access to warrant information for cases filed within the county jurisdiction.
• Berkeley Police Department Records: The department maintains certain public records that may be accessed through formal request procedures established under the California Public Records Act.
• Alameda County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of individuals currently in custody or with outstanding warrants.
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full legal name, date of birth, and case numbers if available. Government agencies may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval and reproduction in accordance with Government Code § 6253(b).
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Berkeley in 2025
Individuals concerned about possible outstanding warrants in Berkeley have several official channels through which they may verify their status. The Berkeley Police Department maintains current warrant information and can provide verification upon proper identification.
To determine if a warrant has been issued:
• Contact the Berkeley Police Department Records Division directly at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
• Visit the Alameda County Superior Court Clerk's Office located at the René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Submit a formal request to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office at 1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.
Individuals may also retain legal counsel to conduct a warrant search on their behalf. The Alameda County Bar Association maintains a referral service for those seeking legal representation.
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 980, warrants remain in effect until executed or recalled by the issuing court. There is no expiration date for most arrest warrants issued in California.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Berkeley
Berkeley residents and other interested parties may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several official channels. The verification process typically requires proper identification and may involve processing fees as authorized under California Government Code § 6253.
The following procedures are available for warrant verification:
• In-Person Requests: Individuals may appear in person at the Berkeley Police Department Records Division, located at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Valid government-issued photo identification is required.
• Written Requests: Submit a written request to the Alameda County Superior Court Records Department at René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and any known case numbers.
• Attorney Inquiries: Licensed attorneys may submit requests on behalf of clients through established court channels.
The Berkeley Police Department processes warrant verification requests in accordance with departmental policies and applicable state laws. Processing times vary based on current workload and staffing levels.
Contents of a Berkeley Warrant Records
Berkeley warrant records contain specific information as required by California Penal Code § 815-816. These official documents are prepared according to standardized formats established by the Judicial Council of California.
Standard warrant records typically include:
• Case Identification: Court case number, filing date, and jurisdiction information • Subject Information: Full legal name, physical description, date of birth, and last known address • Warrant Specifications: Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search), date of issuance, and expiration date if applicable • Judicial Authorization: Name of issuing judge or magistrate and court of jurisdiction • Alleged Offense: Description of the alleged violation, including relevant California Penal Code sections • Bail Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, or notation of "no bail" status • Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant
Pursuant to California Penal Code § 817, electronic or digitally signed warrants are legally equivalent to physical warrants and contain substantially the same information.
Search Warrant Records in Berkeley, California
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Berkeley may contact the following governmental agencies:
Berkeley Police Department
2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 981-5900
Berkeley Police Department
Alameda County Superior Court
René C. Davidson Courthouse
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 891-6000
Alameda County Superior Court
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6878
Alameda County Sheriff's Office
• Berkeley Police Department • Alameda County Superior Court • Alameda County Sheriff's Office
