Criminal records in Solano County, California, are available through several channels. SolanoCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, data can be obtained through the official judicial system of the Superior Court of California — County of Solano, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Below is a description of each search method, types of available data, the process for obtaining certified copies, and current fees.
How to Search Criminal Records in Solano
Start by determining what exactly you need: information about a specific case, a criminal record check, or the status of an incarcerated person. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- SolanoCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings in the county.
- Solano Superior Court Portal — the official court portal where you can search case data by number or party name. Note: according to California Rule of Court 2.504(b), an electronic record is not an official court document unless it is electronically certified.
- CDCR CIRIS — a tool from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for searching individuals in state correctional facilities. It shows admission dates, county of conviction, and parole hearing information.
- DOJ — request your own criminal record — anyone can order their own criminal record check through the Live Scan procedure at a local police or sheriff's department.
In-Person Visit
The court's criminal division keeps cases in the branch where the hearing took place. You can make an appointment through the court's online services page and review case materials on-site. Public access terminals allow you to search data without an appointment, but it is better to check the availability of terminals in advance with the clerk's office.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the criminal division clerk's office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain an official state-level criminal history check, submit a request to the California Department of Justice.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person (name in Latin script)
- Date of birth — preferred but not required
- Case number — the most accurate way to find a specific proceeding
Search Solano Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to a specific record. In California, Superior Court criminal cases typically have the following format:
FCR###### or VCR######
- The first letter indicates the court branch: F — Fairfield, V — Vallejo.
- CR stands for "criminal" — criminal case.
- The numbers following the letters are the case's serial number.
Some cases may have a year prefix, such as FCR2024-######. If you are unsure of the format, try entering just the numeric part on the court portal — the system may suggest relevant results. For traffic infractions, a different prefix is used, so do not confuse them with criminal cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Solano
The court's Criminal Division processes and stores records of felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Below is what each record element means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Penal Code, Vehicle Code, or Health & Safety Code of California |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the qualification — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court session where the charges are read to the defendant
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing for felonies where the judge determines if there is enough evidence
- Pre-Trial — a conference of the parties before the main trial begins
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a review hearing to check compliance with conditions (e.g., probation)
Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by jury verdict or guilty plea |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after a full trial |
| Nolo Contendere | The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charge — legally equivalent to guilty |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Solano
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the criminal division clerk's office of the Superior Court of Solano County. Records are kept in the branch where the hearing took place — Fairfield or Vallejo.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office of the respective branch. It is recommended to make an appointment online.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, full name of the defendant, and the type of document you need. Include payment in the form of a money order.
To obtain a certified copy, you must present valid photo identification (driver's license or passport). If the request concerns another person's case, ensure the requested document is public — some records may be sealed or restricted by court order.
State-Level Criminal History Check
A complete criminal history record (RAP sheet) can be ordered through the California Department of Justice. This requires undergoing fingerprinting (Live Scan) at the nearest authorized location — a list of locations is available on the DOJ website.
Contact Information
Solano Superior Court — Fairfield Courthouse (Criminal Division)
Solano Superior Court — Vallejo Branch
Detailed information about fees and forms can be found on the Records, Fees & Forms page of the court's official website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Solano
Fees are set according to California Government Code § 70626 and the local court fee schedule. It is recommended to verify exact amounts directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Document certification | $25 per document |
| Case search by clerk (by name or number) | An additional fee may apply — check with the clerk's office |
| Criminal history check through DOJ (Live Scan) | $25 (DOJ fee) + Live Scan service fee (varies by location) |
Processing Times
- Copies on-site — usually issued on the day of the request if the case is available in the branch.
- Mail requests — processing may take 5 to 15 business days.
- Check through DOJ — the standard term is 2 to 4 weeks; electronic Live Scan results arrive faster.
If the case is old or archived, obtaining copies may take longer. Contact the clerk's office in advance to find out if additional time is needed to retrieve materials from the archive.