Felony Records in San Francisco

San Francisco felony records are kept by the city and county courts and law enforcement. The city is also the county so all records flow through one court system. San Francisco Superior Court handles criminal cases. SFPD maintains arrest reports and police records. The Sheriff operates county jails and tracks custody status. You can search many of these records online for free. Others require formal public records requests through city portals.

San Francisco Superior Court Cases

San Francisco County is unique because the city and county are the same. The Superior Court at 850 Bryant Street is the Hall of Justice. This building houses the criminal courts, DA office, public defender, and county jail all in one place.

Search for criminal cases using the free portal at webapps.sftc.org/crimportal. Look up cases by case number, defendant name, or attorney name. The portal shows basic case info like charges, filing dates, and court locations. A separate cumulative index is at webapps.sftc.org/crimindex for historical searches.

To get copies of court documents, call the Criminal Records Department at (415) 551-0651. Ask about fees and processing times. Some records may be sealed or restricted from public view. The clerk can tell you if a case is accessible and how to request copies.

The court also handles expungements and record sealing. If you want to clear a past conviction, file a petition with the court. The clerk's office has forms and instructions. You may qualify for free help from legal aid if you meet income rules.

Request SFPD Police Reports

San Francisco Police Department handles public records requests through GovQA. Visit sanfranciscopolice.org to submit a request. The department charges fees that vary based on the type of record and staff time needed to locate it.

Include as much detail as you can in your request. Provide the incident date, location, report number if known, and names of involved parties. SFPD reviews the request and sends an estimate of costs. Some records are free if they take little time to produce. Larger requests can cost more due to staff hours needed to search and redact.

The department must respond within 10 days to confirm receipt of your request. Complex requests may take weeks to fulfill. SFPD may deny requests if records are part of open investigations or contain exempt information under state law. You can appeal denials by contacting the city attorney's office.

Call SFPD Records at (415) 553-1415 if you have questions about the status of your request or need help with the online portal. Staff can guide you through the process and explain fees.

San Francisco County Jail Inmates

San Francisco Sheriff operates the county jail system. Use the inmate locator at sfsheriff.com to search for people in custody. The search is free and shows current inmates at county facilities.

Search by name or booking number. Results include booking date, charges, bail amount, and housing location. The main jail is at the Hall of Justice on Bryant Street. Call (415) 553-1430 for 24-hour jail information. This line provides custody status and basic booking details over the phone.

The jail population can change hourly as people are booked and released. Check back if someone does not show up right away. They may not be processed into the system yet. For questions about visiting an inmate or sending mail, contact the Sheriff's office during business hours.

SF District Attorney Prosecutions

The San Francisco District Attorney prosecutes all felonies and most misdemeanors in the city. The office is located in the Hall of Justice. The DA works with SFPD and other law enforcement to file charges and pursue cases.

Victims of crimes can contact the Victim Services Division for help. They provide case updates, court date notifications, and support throughout the legal process. This service is free to victims and their families. Call the main DA office to be connected with victim services.

The DA website has info on diversion programs, restorative justice, and other alternatives to prosecution. San Francisco uses these programs for some low-level felonies and misdemeanors. Check with the DA office if you have questions about case outcomes or plea deals.

Legal Aid and Community Support

San Francisco has several legal aid groups. The Bar Association of San Francisco runs a lawyer referral service and free legal clinics. Visit sfbar.org to find help. Legal aid groups offer free services to those who qualify based on income.

The San Francisco Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer. If you are charged with a felony and meet income requirements, the court appoints a public defender. Their office is at 555 7th Street. Call (415) 553-1671 for general information.

Community groups like the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights provide help with criminal record expungements and sealing. They also run workshops on understanding your rights and navigating the legal system. Check local community centers for upcoming events.

The San Francisco Reentry Council helps people with criminal records find jobs, housing, and other support. They work with employers who hire people with past convictions. Visit their website or call for resources if you are trying to rebuild after a felony conviction.

Other Bay Area Cities

Nearby Oakland and Fremont are in Alameda County. They use different court systems and sheriff departments. San Jose is in Santa Clara County. Each county has its own Superior Court and law enforcement agencies. If you need records from those cities, use their county resources instead of San Francisco resources.