Who Files Criminal Charges in Alameda County: The District Attorney's Role

Criminal complaints in Alameda County are filed in the Criminal Division, which is part of the Court's Clerk's Office. The prosecuting agency (most often the Alameda County District Attorney, though not always) is the one that files the complaint. This clears up a common point of confusion for families. Police can investigate and make arrests, but the actual filing of a complaint is the prosecutor's job. That filing is what makes the matter a criminal case in the court system.

The Criminal Division handles the full range of criminal cases in Alameda County: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. That broad scope is why you'll hear the same court office referenced whether the situation is relatively minor or very serious.

When someone tells you a case was "filed," translate that into plain language: the case is now in the criminal court system. In Alameda County, that system covers everything from infractions to misdemeanors to felonies. Because the Criminal Division handles that entire range, the word "filed" alone doesn't tell you how serious the charge is. What matters is the exact charge level and case details. You can confirm those through the court's case information tools or by asking the right questions (see below).

If you're trying to track what happens next, the court calendar is a practical place to start. Alameda County's Criminal Division provides a way to search court calendars and find upcoming court dates. This is especially useful when you want to confirm a hearing date without relying on secondhand information.

• ✓ Register to search or request criminal court records through the Alameda County Criminal Division.
• ✓ If you are filing something with the court, know that the Alameda County Superior Court’s Criminal and Juvenile Divisions are accepting electronic filings.

For other case-related tasks, check the Criminal Division Information and FAQs area. The page is organized by topic, so you can click through common questions to find details on Alameda Criminal Court services and how to access them.

4

• ✓ Has a complaint been filed in this case? If yes, what is the filing date?
• ✓ What is the case number, and what is the current charge level (infraction, misdemeanor, or felony)?
• ✓ What is the next scheduled court date, and where is the hearing being held?
• ✓ How can I get a copy of the complaint or other court records for this case?
• ✓ What is the best way to check updates going forward (calendar search, records request, or another method)?