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Los Angeles County Criminal Records

What Is Los Angeles County Criminal Records

Los Angeles County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Los Angeles County jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Government Code § 6250-6270, which establishes the California Public Records Act.

Criminal records in Los Angeles County typically originate from several official sources:

These records document arrests, charges, court proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing information for individuals who have been processed through the Los Angeles County criminal justice system. The records serve multiple purposes, including providing transparency in the judicial process, facilitating background checks, and maintaining historical documentation of criminal proceedings within the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Los Angeles County

Criminal records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public records in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) and the California Rules of Court. Members of the public may access most criminal records with certain limitations established by state and federal laws.

The public status of criminal records in Los Angeles County is subject to the following provisions:

  • Most adult criminal case records are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the courthouse where the case was filed.

  • Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, certain criminal history information may be released to authorized agencies and individuals who have a legitimate need for such information.

  • Records that have been sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted by court order are not available for public inspection.

  • Juvenile records are generally confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827 and are not available to the public without a court order.

  • Records related to certain offenses, such as those involving domestic violence or sexual crimes, may have restricted access to protect victim privacy.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder

This office maintains certain public records but does not directly manage criminal records. For criminal record information, members of the public should contact the Los Angeles Superior Court or the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Los Angeles County in 2025

As of 2025, Los Angeles County offers several methods for members of the public to look up criminal records. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Criminal Records Department at the Los Angeles Superior Court location where the case was filed. Court locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
  • Present a valid government-issued photo identification.
  • Complete a Criminal Records Request Form, available at the clerk's office.
  • Provide specific information about the case, including the defendant's full name and, if possible, the case number or filing date.
  • Pay the applicable search and copy fees as established by the court fee schedule.

By Mail:

  • Download and complete the Criminal Records Request Form from the Los Angeles Superior Court website.
  • Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  • Enclose a check or money order for the applicable fees.
  • Mail the request to:
    Los Angeles Superior Court
    Criminal Records Division
    111 North Hill Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90012

Online Access:

  • Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Case Information portal.
  • Select the appropriate search option based on available information (name, case number).
  • Follow the prompts to enter search criteria.
  • Pay any applicable online access fees using a credit card.
  • Review and download available case information.

For custody status information, individuals may utilize the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center or contact the Sheriff's Department Inmate Reception Center at (213) 473-6100.

How To Find Criminal Records in Los Angeles County Online?

Los Angeles County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. Members of the public may utilize these digital platforms to obtain information about criminal cases and proceedings without visiting a physical location.

The primary online resources for criminal records in Los Angeles County include:

  • Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Case Information System
    This online portal allows users to search for criminal case information by defendant name or case number. The system provides basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status. Access is available through the Los Angeles Superior Court website. Users should note that pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, some case information may be limited in the online environment.

  • Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center
    For individuals currently in custody or recently released, the LASD Inmate Locator provides information about custody status, booking number, and facility location. This resource is particularly useful for determining if an individual is currently incarcerated within the Los Angeles County jail system.

  • Los Angeles County Probation Department
    Limited information about individuals on probation may be available through the Los Angeles County Probation Department website. Access to specific probation records typically requires proper authorization and identification.

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware of the following limitations:

  • Complete criminal history information is not available online to the general public.
  • Certain case types may be restricted from online access.
  • Documents filed before a specified date may not be available in electronic format.
  • User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals.
  • Official copies of court documents generally require in-person requests.

Can You Search Los Angeles County Criminal Records for Free?

Los Angeles County provides limited options for free criminal records searches, though comprehensive searches often involve fees. Members of the public should be aware of the following free and fee-based access points:

Free Access Options:

Fee-Based Services:

  • Certified copies of court documents require payment of statutory fees pursuant to Government Code § 70627.
  • Background checks through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department require payment of established fees.
  • Comprehensive criminal history reports from the California Department of Justice require payment of processing fees.

The fee schedule for common criminal record searches includes:

  • Name search: $15 per name
  • Case file retrieval: $15 per case
  • Copies of court documents: $0.50 per page
  • Certified copies: $25 per document plus copy fees

Individuals with limited financial resources may apply for fee waivers by submitting Judicial Council forms FW-001 and FW-003 to the court. Fee waivers are granted based on financial need as determined by the court pursuant to Government Code § 68632.

What's Included in a Los Angeles County Criminal Record?

Los Angeles County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13326 and typically include the following components:

Case Identification Information:

  • Full legal name of the defendant
  • Date of birth and other identifying information
  • Case number and filing date
  • Jurisdiction and courthouse location
  • Arresting agency information

Criminal Charges and Disposition:

  • Complete list of charges filed (including California Penal Code sections)
  • Plea information (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
  • Verdict or case outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
  • Sentencing information including:
    • Incarceration terms
    • Probation conditions
    • Fines and restitution orders
    • Community service requirements
    • Mandatory programs or treatment

Procedural History:

  • Arraignment date and information
  • Preliminary hearing details
  • Trial information (if applicable)
  • Sentencing date
  • Post-conviction proceedings
  • Appeal information (if applicable)

Related Documentation:

  • Arrest reports (with potential redactions)
  • Booking photographs
  • Fingerprint records
  • Witness statements (with potential redactions)
  • Evidence logs
  • Probation reports

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public criminal records pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Medical or psychological information
  • Information about minor victims
  • Confidential informant information

What Are the Penalties for a Los Angeles County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Los Angeles County is primarily prosecuted under California Penal Code § 602, which outlines various forms of trespass and their corresponding penalties. The severity of penalties depends on the specific circumstances of the trespass, prior criminal history, and aggravating factors.

Misdemeanor Trespass (PC § 602):

  • Imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • Probation terms typically ranging from 1-3 years
  • Possible community service requirements
  • Stay-away orders from the location of the trespass

Aggravated Trespass (PC § 602.5):

  • For trespass in an occupied dwelling, penalties may include:
    • Imprisonment in county jail for up to 1 year
    • Fines up to $1,000
    • Enhanced probation terms

Trespass with Special Circumstances:

  • Trespass on certain government facilities may result in enhanced penalties
  • Trespass with intent to commit a crime may be charged as burglary under PC § 459
  • Trespass involving domestic violence situations may trigger additional protective orders

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office
200 North Main Street, 8th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-8100
City of Los Angeles

This office typically prosecutes misdemeanor trespass cases within Los Angeles city limits, while the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office handles felony cases and misdemeanors in unincorporated areas of the county.

Individuals charged with criminal trespass may be eligible for diversion programs, particularly first-time offenders. These programs, authorized under Penal Code § 1000, may allow defendants to complete education or community service in lieu of traditional criminal penalties.

How Long Does Los Angeles County Keep Criminal Records?

Los Angeles County maintains criminal records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention schedules for court records. The duration of record retention varies based on case type, disposition, and statutory requirements.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Felony case records: Permanent retention for cases resulting in imprisonment; 75 years for other felony convictions
  • Misdemeanor case records: 5-10 years depending on offense type
  • Infractions: 3 years after case disposition
  • Arrests without charges filed: 1 year (with exceptions for serious offenses)
  • Juvenile records: Until the subject reaches age 38, unless ordered sealed earlier

Record Sealing and Expungement:

  • Under Penal Code § 1203.4, individuals who successfully complete probation may petition to have their conviction set aside and dismissed.
  • Penal Code § 851.8 provides for sealing and destruction of arrest records in cases where no charges were filed or the person was acquitted.
  • Proposition 64 allows for automatic record clearing for certain marijuana offenses.
  • Penal Code § 851.91 (Clean Slate Act) allows for sealing of arrest records in specified circumstances.

Even when records are sealed or expunged, certain government agencies may retain access to these records for limited purposes, including law enforcement, licensing boards, and certain employers as authorized by law.

The Los Angeles County Clerk of the Court
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 830-0800
LA City Clerk

This office maintains official court records and can provide information about record retention policies and procedures for accessing archived criminal case information.

Lookup Criminal Records in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles Superior Court Criminal Division

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

LASD Inmate Locator

County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder

Los Angeles County District Attorney

Los Angeles County Probation Department

City of Los Angeles

LA City Clerk

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