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Modesto, California Public Records

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Modesto Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Modesto, Stanislaus County, California to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Modesto, California, you will be transported to the Stanislaus County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Stanislaus Superior Court. Under California law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the California Department of Justice. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/ciris/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Modesto, Stanislaus County, California?
The Modesto City Schools district serves the city of Modesto, Stanislaus County, California. According to the California Department of Education, the district had an overall Academic Performance Index (API) score of 690 in 2019, which is slightly below the state average of 710. The district also had a graduation rate of 84.2%, which is slightly above the state average of 82.7%.
3
What are the crime statistics for Modesto, Stanislaus County, California?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Modesto, Stanislaus County, California had a total of 8,945 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes, including 24 murders, 545 rapes, 1,093 robberies, and 183 aggravated assaults. There were also 7,100 property crimes, including 1,845 burglaries, 4,845 larcenies, and 410 motor vehicle thefts.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Modesto, Stanislaus County, California Library?
You can find public records in the Modesto, Stanislaus County, California Library. The library has a variety of resources available, including online databases, print materials, and microfilm. The library also offers access to public records, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
5
Where is the Modesto, Stanislaus County, California Public Library located?
The Modesto, Stanislaus County, California Library is located at 1500 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Modesto, Stanislaus County, California?
Fingerprinting services in Modesto, Stanislaus County, California are available through the Modesto Police Department and the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (209) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the California Department of Justice and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the California Department of Justice.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Modesto, Stanislaus County, California, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records from Modesto, California, you must contact the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder's Office. The records available from the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and a valid photo ID. You may also be required to provide additional information, such as the parents' names or the date of the divorce.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Modesto, California can be obtained from the Modesto Police Department, located in Stanislaus County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), most police reports are public records in California, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Modesto Police Department Records Division at (209) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review.
9
About background check
A background check in Modesto, Stanislaus County, California typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in California. Criminal background checks are processed through the California Department of Justice, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for California residents. The California Department of Justice provides official criminal history checks at https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/record_review. Under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026