Alpine County Background Check

Alpine County background check records are available through the sheriff and Superior Court. This is the least populated county in California with about 1,100 residents. Despite its small size, Alpine County has full Live Scan and court services for criminal record checks. Markleeville is the county seat. This guide explains how to access criminal records in Alpine County.

Alpine County Sheriff Live Scan

The Alpine County Sheriff provides Live Scan fingerprinting services. The rolling fee is $25 per person. Call (530) 694-2231 for hours and to schedule an appointment. Given the small population, hours may be limited. Call ahead to make sure someone is available to help you.

On top of the rolling fee, you pay $32 to the state DOJ and $17 to the FBI for federal records. Total cost is about $74 for a complete check. Being the smallest county in California, services may not be available every day. The sheriff office can tell you when Live Scan is offered.

Private Live Scan operators are rare in Alpine County due to the small population. Residents sometimes travel to neighboring counties for faster service. South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County is about 30 miles away and has more options. Douglas County in Nevada is also nearby but uses a different system.

Alpine County Court Records

Alpine Superior Court handles all court matters for the county. The courthouse is in Markleeville. There is no online portal for case searches. You need to contact the court directly for criminal record information. Call (530) 694-2113 to reach the clerk.

Certified copies cost $40 per document like other California courts. Regular copies have per page fees. The court handles few cases each year given the tiny population. Most residents work with the court in person or by mail. Response times depend on staff availability.

Criminal records are public unless sealed by court order. The clerk can tell you what is available and how to request copies. Being a small court, they may be able to give personal attention that larger courts cannot provide.

Alpine County Background Check Fees

Fees in Alpine County include state charges plus local fees. The DOJ charges $32. The FBI charges $17. The sheriff rolling fee is $25.

Total costs for a full state and federal check run about $74 at the sheriff. Court fees follow standard California rates with $40 for certified copies. Given the remote location, there may be limited alternatives to sheriff services.

Nearby California Counties

Alpine County is in the Sierra Nevada mountains along the California-Nevada border. It is one of the most remote counties in the state. Highway 4 and Highway 89 are the main routes.

Neighboring counties include El Dorado County to the north, Amador County to the west, Calaveras County to the southwest, Tuolumne County to the south, and Mono County to the southeast.

Communities in Alpine County

Alpine County has no incorporated cities. Markleeville is the county seat and largest community. Other small communities include Bear Valley, Kirkwood, and Woodfords. All criminal cases go through Alpine Superior Court in Markleeville.