Criminal court records reveal the full story behind a defendant’s legal journey, from the initial filing date to the final disposition, and they are essential for anyone needing accurate case information in Alameda County. When you search Alameda County criminal court records, you tap into a comprehensive archive that includes case numbers, charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and even pre‑trial hearing details. Whether you are verifying a defendant’s identity, checking the status of an active case, or retrieving archived felony court judgments, the public portal hosted by the René C. Davidson Courthouse provides direct access to certified copies, docket entries, and court motions. By entering a defendant name, case number, or filing date, users can instantly view indictment records, arraignment notices, and trial outcomes, making the process fast and reliable for attorneys, researchers, and concerned citizens alike.
Criminal court records also serve as a reliable source for understanding the nuances of Alameda County criminal case lookup, offering insights into both felony and misdemeanor proceedings. The searchable database includes criminal charge records, court orders, and conviction details, allowing you to confirm charges, track case progression, and access sentencing judgments without unnecessary delay. With clear links to defendant name search and court case number search, you can quickly differentiate between dismissed charges, active cases, and closed filings. This transparency not only supports legal research but also safeguards public trust by ensuring that each record reflects the most current and accurate information available.
How to Search Criminal Court Records
Searching criminal court records in Alameda County requires a clear approach and an official source. The René C. Davidson Courthouse maintains a centralized digital portal where the public can run a criminal court records search using a defendant name, case number, or filing date. This system covers felony cases, misdemeanor cases, arraignment records, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders across active and closed criminal proceedings. Using this portal, you can view criminal docket records, court motions, plea agreements, and final dispositions without visiting the courthouse in person. The platform updates regularly to reflect new filings, court orders, and case status changes for criminal case lookup needs.
Official Search Portal: https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/
Steps to Search
Visit the official Alameda County Courts search portal using the link above.
Search by Defendant Name
A defendant name search remains one of the most common methods for locating criminal court case search results. You should enter the full legal name of the defendant as it appears on charging documents to receive matching criminal case records. The portal will display all criminal case lookup results linked to that defendant, including pending criminal cases, closed criminal cases, and archived criminal court records. This search method works best when the defendant has only one listed name, but can also show results for aliases when proper filters apply.
Search by Case Number
A court case number search delivers precise criminal case information when you possess the exact identifier assigned at the criminal case filing date. Each criminal case number follows a unique format that ties directly to court filings, indictment records, and judgment of conviction entries. Entering this number skips broader filters and returns the exact criminal docket you need. This approach helps attorneys, researchers, and the public confirm criminal court proceedings and verify criminal court record accuracy.
Search by Filing Date
Searching by criminal case filing date helps you locate records filed within a specific window. You can enter a date range to find criminal court filings, criminal index, arraignment records, and pretrial hearings scheduled during that period. This method assists users tracking recent activity, such as newly filed felony cases or misdemeanor cases processed in the past month. The portal sorts results chronologically so you can review case progression in order of filing.
Search by Court
You can narrow your criminal court docket search by selecting the specific court handling the case. Alameda County hosts multiple court locations, with the René C. Davidson Courthouse serving as the primary criminal court. Filtering by court helps eliminate confusion when a defendant has cases in different jurisdictions or when reviewing archived criminal court records tied to a specific venue.
Search by Case Type
Filtering by case type lets you separate felony cases, misdemeanor cases, juvenile criminal matters, and other criminal proceedings. Selecting the correct case type refines your search so you see only relevant criminal court filings. This option also helps users distinguish between state criminal cases and local criminal cases when reviewing criminal court records by name or case number.
Information Needed for a Search
Before running a criminal case lookup, gather key details such as the defendant full name, date of birth, case number, and approximate filing date. Having these data points reduces errors and speeds up the criminal court case search process. Without this data, the portal will still attempt a broad search, but results may include unrelated entries or flagged records requiring manual review by the court clerk.
Alameda County Criminal Court Record Details
Each Alameda County criminal court record displays a structured set of details that document the full legal journey of a case. These records show defendant identity, case classification, charges, attorney representation, and current case status. Reviewing these sections ensures you understand the scope of the criminal proceedings and the official actions taken by the court.
Defendant Information
Defendant records contain the full legal name, date of birth, and identifying details listed on the criminal case filing. This section verifies defendant identity and confirms whether the person listed matches your search criteria. Accurate defendant information helps prevent confusion between individuals with similar names who appear in separate criminal case lookup results.
Case Number and Filing Date
The criminal case number serves as the unique identifier for all court actions tied to that matter. The filing date marks when the case entered the court system and serves as a reference point for tracking subsequent hearings, motions, and orders. Reviewing both data points helps you confirm you are viewing the correct criminal case information.
Court and Judge
This section lists the assigned court location and the presiding judge for the criminal court proceedings. Knowing the judge assists attorneys and researchers in tracking pretrial proceedings, trial proceedings, and sentencing orders. It also supports verification of jurisdiction when comparing criminal court records against related case types.
Case Classification
Case classification separates felony cases from misdemeanor cases and identifies whether the matter is a state criminal case or a local criminal case. Juvenile criminal matters are also classified separately due to restricted access rules. Classification affects record visibility, sentencing range, and the type of criminal penalties the court may impose.
Criminal Charges
Criminal charge records list every charge filed against the defendant, along with statutory references and severity levels. This section shows whether the defendant faces felony charges, misdemeanor charges, or both. You can review the charging documents to see how the District Attorney framed the case and which criminal charges were added or dropped over time.
Attorney Information
The attorney section identifies the defense lawyer, public defender, or private counsel representing the defendant. It also lists the prosecuting attorney assigned to the criminal case. This data supports legal research, background checks, and communication with counsel involved in active criminal proceedings.
Current Case Status
Current case status indicates whether the case is pending, active, dismissed, or closed. The portal updates criminal case status regularly to reflect new court orders, plea agreements, or sentencing orders. Reviewing this field ensures you access the most recent state of the criminal case before drawing conclusions.
| Record Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant Name | Full legal name and date of birth |
| Case Number | Unique identifier for the criminal case |
| Filing Date | Date the case entered the court system |
| Court and Judge | Assigned venue and presiding judge |
| Charges | List of criminal charges and severity level |
| Case Status | Pending, active, dismissed, or closed |
Types of Criminal Court Cases
Alameda County processes several categories of criminal cases, each governed by specific rules and procedures. Understanding the case type helps you interpret criminal court records correctly and locate the right docket entries. The portal categorizes matters by severity, jurisdiction, and defendant age.
Felony Cases
Felony cases involve the most serious criminal charges, such as violent offenses, major drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes. These cases carry potential sentences of more than one year in state prison and follow formal indictment processes. Felony court records often contain grand jury transcripts, preliminary hearing results, and detailed sentencing orders.
Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanor cases cover less severe criminal charges that typically result in sentences of less than one year in county jail. Misdemeanor court records show arraignment dates, pretrial hearings, and any diversion programs offered by the court. These cases resolve faster than felonies but still appear in the public criminal court records archive.
State Criminal Cases
State criminal cases involve violations of California state law prosecuted by the Alameda County District Attorney. Examples include certain drug offenses, theft charges, and DUI charges that exceed local limits. State criminal cases produce court filings that remain part of the public criminal case lookup database.
Local Criminal Cases
Local criminal cases involve municipal code violations prosecuted by city attorneys rather than the District Attorney. These cases may share criminal court records infrastructure but follow slightly different procedural rules. Local matters often resolve through plea agreements or dismissal without reaching trial proceedings.
Juvenile Criminal Matters
Juvenile criminal matters involve defendants under 18 years old and are subject to restricted access rules. Juvenile court records are sealed by default and require special court orders for public viewing. The portal limits juvenile record access to authorized parties such as the minor, parents, attorneys, and probation officers.
Other Criminal Proceedings
Other criminal proceedings include post-conviction motions, expungement petitions, and sentence modifications. These matters appear in criminal court filings but serve a different purpose than the original case. Reviewing these entries helps researchers track the full life cycle of a criminal matter.
Criminal Court Case Proceedings
Criminal court proceedings move through a structured sequence of hearings, motions, and orders. Tracking each stage ensures you understand how a case advanced from charging documents to final disposition. The portal lists every recorded action so you can reconstruct the timeline of events.
Charging and Indictment
Charging and indictment mark the formal start of criminal court proceedings. Prosecutors file criminal charges based on police reports and grand jury findings. Indictment records confirm the specific counts the defendant must answer and serve as the foundation for all subsequent court filings.
Arraignment
The arraignment is the first court appearance where the defendant hears the criminal charges and enters a plea. Arraignment records show whether the defendant pleaded not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This step sets the schedule for pretrial hearings and trial preparation.
Pretrial Proceedings
Pretrial proceedings include discovery exchanges, motion hearings, and settlement conferences. These actions shape the criminal case before it reaches trial. Pretrial records document defense motions to suppress evidence, prosecutorial motions to amend charges, and judicial rulings on key issues.
Motions and Hearings
Court motions and hearings address specific legal questions raised by either side. Common motions include motions to dismiss, motions to continue, and motions to modify bail. Each ruling produces a court order that becomes part of the criminal docket and affects the direction of the case.
Trial Proceedings
Trial proceedings begin when the case proceeds to court after pretrial motions resolve. Trial records capture witness testimony, evidence presentation, and jury instructions. These entries form the basis for the final verdict and any subsequent appeals or post-trial motions.
Court Orders
Court orders document every binding decision issued by the judge during criminal court proceedings. Orders may include search warrants, subpoenas, protective orders, and rulings on motions. These documents appear in the criminal docket and serve as official references for attorneys and researchers.
Post-Trial Proceedings
Post-trial proceedings cover sentencing hearings, appeals, and motions for new trials. This stage also includes post-conviction relief requests and sentence modifications. The portal updates criminal court records to reflect all post-trial actions that affect the final outcome.
Criminal Case Dispositions
Criminal case dispositions mark the official resolution of a criminal matter. The portal records the final outcome of every case, including dismissals, plea agreements, convictions, and acquittals. Reviewing these entries confirms whether a case closed and what result the court reached.
Dismissed Cases and Charges
Dismissed criminal cases end without a conviction, often due to lack of evidence, procedural errors, or successful defense motions. Dismissed charges are removed from the active docket but remain part of the archived criminal court records. Users can view the dismissal reason and the date the court entered the order.
Plea Agreements
Plea agreements resolve a criminal case without a trial. The defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. Plea records document the terms of the deal, the judge acceptance, and the resulting criminal case disposition.
Convictions
Convictions occur when the defendant pleads guilty or the jury finds guilt at trial. Criminal conviction records show the verdict, the charges upheld, and the basis for the judgment of conviction. These entries remain visible in public criminal court records unless sealed by court order.
Acquittals
Acquittals happen when the jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty. Acquittal records reflect the verdict and close the criminal case without criminal penalties. These entries remain part of the public record and serve as official proof of the outcome.
Final Disposition
The final disposition summarizes the overall resolution of the criminal case. This field shows whether the case ended in dismissal, plea, conviction, or acquittal. Final disposition records support background checks, legal research, and public reporting on criminal court outcomes.
Case Closure
Case closure signals that the court has completed all actions on the criminal matter. Closed criminal cases remain accessible through archived criminal court records unless sealed. Closure dates help users determine the age of a case and whether it might be subject to expungement or other post-conviction relief.
| Disposition Type | Description | Public Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissed | Case closed without conviction | Yes |
| Plea Agreement | Defendant pleads guilty or no contest | Yes |
| Conviction | Guilty verdict or plea | Yes |
| Acquittal | Not guilty verdict | Yes |
| Sealed | Restricted by court order | No |
| Juvenile | Special access rules | Limited |
Criminal Sentencing and Court Judgments
After a conviction or plea, the court issues a judgment of conviction and imposes sentencing orders. These documents outline the criminal penalties, probation terms, incarceration periods, and court fees. Reviewing sentencing records helps users understand the consequences tied to each conviction.
Judgment of Conviction
The judgment of conviction is the official court document that finalizes the verdict and triggers sentencing. This entry lists the convicted charges, the defendant information, and related criminal records, along with the judge’s signature. Criminal judgments remain part of the public record unless sealed or expunged.
Sentencing Orders
Sentencing orders detail the specific punishment imposed by the court. Orders may include prison time, jail time, community service, or rehabilitation programs. Each sentencing order references the original criminal case number and ties directly to the judgment of conviction.
Fines and Court Costs
Courts often impose monetary penalties alongside other criminal penalties. Fines and court costs reflect the financial obligations tied to the conviction. These amounts appear in sentencing records and must be paid through the court clerk or designated payment portal.
Probation
Probation records show the terms of supervised release granted in lieu of incarceration. Probation may include reporting requirements, travel restrictions, and mandatory check-ins with a probation officer. Violations of probation can trigger revocation hearings and new criminal court filings.
Incarceration
Incarceration orders specify the length and location of any prison or jail sentence. These entries appear in the criminal docket and reference the California Department of Corrections or county jail system. Incarceration orders also document credit for time served and parole eligibility.
Other Court-Imposed Conditions
Courts may impose additional conditions such as restraining orders, counseling, or community service. These conditions appear in sentencing orders and remain enforceable until the court modifies or terminates them. Reviewing these entries ensures full compliance with the criminal judgment.
Access to Alameda County Criminal Court Records
Public access to Alameda County criminal court records depends on record type, case status, and statutory restrictions. Most criminal court documents remain open for public review, while certain categories carry limits. Understanding these access rules helps you locate the records you need without unnecessary delays.
Public Case Information
Public case information covers basic criminal case details such as defendant name, charges, hearings, and outcomes. This data appears on the public portal and forms the foundation of criminal case lookup searches. Users can review public case details without registering or paying fees.
Online Records
Online criminal court records offer real-time access to docket entries, court orders, and filings. The portal lets you search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. Online records cover active criminal cases, closed criminal cases, and archived criminal court records when available.
Publicly Available Documents
Publicly available documents include charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and judgments of conviction. These records appear in the criminal docket and can be downloaded or printed from the portal. Some documents require a fee for certified copies.
- Indictment records and charging documents
- Arraignment notices and plea records
- Sentencing orders and judgments of conviction
- Court motions and signed orders
Restricted Records
Restricted records include documents the court has sealed or shielded by statute. These records require a court order for release and often involve sensitive criminal case details. Restricted records may include certain juvenile records, mental health evaluations, and sealed cooperation agreements.
Sealed Records
Sealed criminal records remain hidden from public view by judicial order. Common reasons for sealing include expungement, identity theft, or successful completion of diversion programs. Access to sealed records requires a formal request to the court clerk and a judge approval.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Juvenile court records carry strict access restrictions to protect minors. Only authorized parties such as the minor, parents, attorneys, and probation officers may access these records. The portal limits juvenile record visibility and requires verification for any manual request.
Records Available by Request
Some criminal court records require a formal request through the court clerk. Requests may apply to archived criminal court records, older dockets, or sealed matters. Submitting a request typically involves a written application, identity verification, and payment of any applicable copy fees.
Obtaining Criminal Court Records
You can obtain criminal court records through online requests, court clerk requests, or in-person visits. Each method serves a specific need depending on urgency, document type, and certification requirements. Selecting the right method saves time and ensures you receive the correct record.
Online Requests
Online requests let you download digital copies of criminal court records directly from the portal. This method works for non-certified copies of public docket entries, court orders, and case status updates. Online requests process quickly and cost less than certified alternatives.
Court Clerk Requests
Court clerk requests apply when you need official certified copies or records not available online. You can submit a written request to the court clerk at the René C. Davidson Courthouse. The clerk locates the criminal case records, verifies the request, and prepares the copies for pickup or mail delivery.
In-Person Requests
In-person requests give you immediate access to public criminal court records at the courthouse. You can review the docket in person, request copies, and ask the clerk for assistance locating specific entries. This method suits users who need same-day access to certified copies or sealed records.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry an official court seal and signature verifying authenticity. Courts require certified copies for legal proceedings, immigration cases, and government applications. You can request certified copies online, by mail, or in person through the court clerk.
Copy Fees
Copy fees apply to both regular and certified copies of criminal court records. Standard copies cost less than certified copies, and fees vary depending on the document type and page count. The court clerk provides a fee schedule upon request and accepts payments by cash, check, or card.
Processing Times
Processing times depend on the request method and document availability. Online requests process within minutes, while clerk requests and in-person orders may take several business days. Archived criminal court records and older dockets may require additional retrieval time.
Criminal Court Record Accuracy and Availability
Ensuring criminal court record accuracy requires careful verification before relying on the data for legal, employment, or personal decisions. The portal updates records regularly, but delays can occur. Verifying details protects you from errors tied to defendant identity, case numbers, or charges.
Verifying the Correct Defendant
Verifying the correct defendant requires checking the full name, date of birth, and case number. Criminal court records may list similar names, so confirming identity prevents mistakes. Use multiple data points to match the defendant before drawing conclusions from the record.
Matching Case Numbers
Matching case numbers ensures you review the correct criminal case information. Each case number links to specific charges, hearings, and judgments. Cross-checking the number with the defendant name and filing date confirms accuracy and avoids mixing unrelated records.
Confirming Charges
Confirming charges involves reviewing the charging documents and any amended counts. Prosecutors may add or drop charges during pretrial proceedings, so the latest entries reflect the current state of the criminal case. Always confirm charges before citing them in legal research or background checks.
Recently Filed Cases
Recently filed cases may not appear immediately in the portal due to processing delays. The court updates new filings daily, but some entries take longer to display. Checking the portal the next day or contacting the clerk helps locate records filed within the past 24 hours.
Delayed Record Updates
Delayed record updates can affect the visibility of recent court orders, plea agreements, or sentencing orders. These delays happen because the court processes updates in batches. Reviewing the portal after a short delay ensures you see the most recent entries.
Archived Cases
Archived cases move from the active portal to a separate archive after closure. Accessing archived criminal court records may require a clerk request rather than an online search. Archived cases still count toward public criminal case lookup results when properly requested.
Unavailable Records
Unavailable records include sealed criminal records, expunged cases, and destroyed archives. The portal hides unavailable records by default and requires special authorization for access. Users seeking unavailable records must file a formal request with the court.
Criminal Court Records Search Problems
Search problems can prevent you from finding the criminal court records you need. Common issues include incorrect names, wrong case numbers, and missing documents. Knowing these problems helps you adjust your search and reach the right results faster.
Case Not Found
A case not found error happens when the search criteria do not match any record in the system. This can occur with typos, outdated filings, or sealed cases. Expanding your filters or contacting the court clerk resolves most case not found issues.
Incorrect Defendant Name
An incorrect defendant name produces zero results or unrelated matches. Spelling variations and aliases often cause this problem. Try alternative spellings, middle names, or date of birth filters to locate the correct criminal court record.
Incorrect Case Number
An incorrect case number prevents the portal from locating the criminal case. Double-check the number with the original court notice or legal paperwork. Even a single digit error leads to a failed criminal court case search.
Wrong Court or Jurisdiction
Wrong court or jurisdiction errors occur when the case belongs to another county or court system. Alameda County only handles cases filed within its jurisdiction. Confirm the location of the case before running a search to avoid empty results.
Missing Documents
Missing documents happen when the court has not yet uploaded filings or the records remain in archive. Requesting the missing documents through the court clerk resolves this issue. Archived criminal court records often require manual retrieval.
Restricted Records
Restricted records hide sealed cases, juvenile matters, and expunged convictions from public view. Attempting to search restricted records returns no results unless you have authorization. Filing a formal request with the court is the only path to restricted records.
Delayed Updates
Delayed updates affect the visibility of recent court orders, sentencing entries, and dispositions. These delays occur because the court processes updates in batches. Waiting a short period and re-running the search often fixes delayed updates.
Criminal Court Records and Related Searches
Criminal court records differ from other record types such as arrest records, criminal history, and civil court records. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right source for your search. Each record type serves a unique purpose and carries its own access rules.
Criminal Court Records vs. Criminal Records
Criminal court records focus on court proceedings, while criminal records cover a broader range of data such as arrests, convictions, and sentencing. Criminal court records show the formal legal actions, whereas criminal records pull data from multiple agencies. Use criminal court records when you need detailed docket entries and court orders.
Criminal Court Records vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records document police actions, including detainment, booking, and charges at the time of arrest. Criminal court records begin after the arrest leads to formal charges and court filings. Arrest records do not always lead to court cases, but criminal court records always follow an arrest that produced charges.
Criminal Court Records vs. Criminal History
Criminal history summarizes a person entire record of arrests, convictions, and sentences across jurisdictions. Criminal court records provide deeper detail on individual cases, including motions, hearings, and rulings. Use criminal history for background checks and criminal court records for case-specific research.
Criminal Court Records vs. Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are court orders for the arrest of a person who failed to appear or comply with court rules. Criminal court records may reference bench warrants issued during a case, but a separate search is often required to confirm active warrants. Bench warrant searches pull data from law enforcement databases.
Criminal Court Records vs. Jail Records
Jail records show inmate status, booking details, and release dates for individuals held in custody. Criminal court records may reference jail commitments as part of sentencing orders. Jail records update in real time, while criminal court records update after each court action.
Criminal Court Records vs. Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between individuals or entities, such as contracts, property, and family law matters. Criminal court records cover offenses against the state and follow different procedural rules. The two systems operate separately and use different dockets, case numbers, and courts.
- Criminal court records show court actions on criminal charges
- Arrest records show police actions before charges
- Criminal history summarizes all convictions and sentences
- Bench warrants show outstanding orders for arrest
- Jail records show inmate status and custody details
- Civil court records show non-criminal disputes
Alameda County Courthouse Contact Details
For in-person visits, certified copies, or questions about criminal court records, contact the René C. Davidson Courthouse using the details below. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff can assist with criminal case lookup requests, record retrieval, and certified copy processing.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 |
| Contact Number | (510) 891-6000 |
| Office Hours | Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Official Website Search Portal | https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Alameda County criminal court records, including where to search, what information may be available, and how to access records through official sources. The following questions provide quick guidance for a smoother records search.
How can I find Alameda County criminal court records online?
Visit the official portal at Alameda Courts website. Choose “Criminal Case Search” and enter a defendant’s name, case number, or filing date. The system returns docket entries, charge details, and disposition status for both active and closed cases. Results show felony and misdemeanor information, arraignment dates, and sentencing orders. Print or download PDFs for personal use. If the record does not appear, verify spelling or try a broader date range, then contact the court clerk at (510) 891‑6000 for assistance.
What information is included in Alameda County court docket?
A court docket lists every filing and event in a criminal case. You will see the case number, filing date, and party names. Each entry notes motions, hearings, arraignments, plea offers, and judgments. The docket also shows the presiding judge, court room, and any sentencing orders. For felony cases, it includes charge codes and victim impact statements. Misdemeanor dockets contain similar data but fewer charge details. Access is free through the online portal or by requesting a copy from the clerk’s office.
Where can I get copies of Alameda County criminal filings?
Copies are available at the René C. Davidson Courthouse. Call the clerk’s office at (510) 891‑6000 to confirm fees and operating hours. Submit a written request with the case number or defendant name, and specify whether you need the entire file or particular documents such as the indictment or plea agreement. The clerk will provide a printed copy or an electronic PDF. For urgent matters, ask about same‑day service; otherwise, expect a 3‑5 business‑day turnaround.
How can I check a pending criminal case status in Alameda?
Log in to the Alameda Courts online case lookup. Enter the case number or defendant’s name, then select “Pending Cases.” The screen shows the next hearing date, current charge, and any pending motions. You can also view upcoming arraignment or trial dates. If the portal shows “No records found,” the case may not yet be entered or could be sealed. Call the clerk at (510) 891‑6000 for clarification or to request a written status update.
How to request sealed criminal records in Alameda County?
Start by completing the “Request for Access to Sealed Records” form found on the court’s website. Provide a valid reason, such as employment or housing, and attach a copy of your ID. Submit the form in person at the René C. Davidson Courthouse or mail it to the Records Division. There is a processing fee of $25. After review, the clerk will issue a certified copy if the request meets legal criteria. Expect a response within 10‑14 days.