San Mateo County, California Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in San Mateo County, California?
Warrants are considered public records in San Mateo County, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes that government documents, including warrant records, must be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The California Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability to the citizenry.
The San Mateo County Superior Court maintains warrant records as part of its commitment to judicial transparency. These records contain information regarding individuals sought by law enforcement agencies for various legal violations. Public access to warrant information serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in judicial proceedings and enhancing public safety by informing community members of potential public safety concerns.
Individuals seeking warrant information may access these records through the Superior Court's Criminal Division, which maintains comprehensive records of active warrants within the jurisdiction.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in San Mateo County?
Warrant records maintained by San Mateo County authorities typically contain the following information:
- Full legal name of the subject individual
- Date of birth and other identifying information
- Physical description including height, weight, and distinguishing features
- Nature and description of the alleged offense
- Date of issuance of the warrant
- Issuing jurisdiction and case number
- Bail amount, when applicable
- Name of the issuing judge
- Status of the warrant (active or recalled)
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible warrant records may vary based on the nature of the case and applicable privacy regulations as set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure § 1985.3 and related statutes.
How to Check For Warrants in San Mateo County For Free
Members of the public may verify warrant status in San Mateo County through several no-cost methods:
- Visiting the San Mateo County Superior Court Criminal Division at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 during business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday)
- Utilizing the court's online case access system to search for active warrants
- Contacting the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063; telephone: (650) 363-4911
- Accessing the Odyssey Public Portal maintained by the Superior Court of San Mateo County
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253, public agencies must make records promptly available upon request during regular office hours.
San Mateo County Sheriff Warrants
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the execution of warrants issued by the Superior Court of San Mateo County. These legal documents authorize law enforcement personnel to take specific actions, including the apprehension of individuals named in the warrants.
Sheriff warrants in San Mateo County contain essential information including:
- Subject's full legal name and known aliases
- Detailed description of the alleged offense
- Statutory authority under which the warrant was issued
- Specific conditions for arrest and detention
- Bail requirements or notation of "no bail" status when applicable
The Sheriff's Office Warrant Detail is located at:
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4911
www.smcsheriff.com
Execution of warrants by the Sheriff's Office is conducted in accordance with California Penal Code § 816-829, which governs warrant procedures and requirements.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in San Mateo County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in San Mateo County may utilize several official channels:
- Access the Active Warrants database maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo
- Visit the Criminal Division of the San Mateo County Superior Court at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063; hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Contact the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (650) 363-4911 during business hours
- Utilize the court's online case access system to search for case information
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can perform a comprehensive search of court records
Individuals with active warrants are advised that appearing at a law enforcement facility may result in immediate arrest pursuant to California Penal Code § 836.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in San Mateo County
Verification of outstanding warrant status in San Mateo County may be accomplished through several authorized methods:
- In-person inquiry at the San Mateo County Superior Court Criminal Division, located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Direct contact with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Warrant Detail at (650) 363-4911
- Electronic search through the Superior Court's Criminal Division portal
- Utilization of the Odyssey Public Portal for case information
- Written request submitted to the Court Clerk's Office, pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550
When conducting warrant searches, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to ensure accurate results. This typically includes full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information as specified in California Penal Code § 849.5.
Search Warrant Records in San Mateo County
