Los Angeles County Criminal Records
What Is Los Angeles County Criminal Records
Los Angeles County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Los Angeles County. These records include arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentences. They are maintained by various agencies including the Los Angeles County Superior Court (Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, 210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (211 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).
Are Criminal Records Public In Los Angeles County
Yes, criminal records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public information under California's Public Records Act. This means that most criminal records can be accessed by anyone, though certain exceptions exist for sealed, expunged, or juvenile records. The Los Angeles County Superior Court provides public access terminals at courthouse locations where individuals can search for case information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Los Angeles County in 2025
In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Los Angeles County:
- Visit the Los Angeles County Superior Court website for online case information
- Use the court's public access terminals at any courthouse location
- Submit a request to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Records and Identification Bureau (12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400, Norwalk, CA 90650)
- Contact the California Department of Justice for a statewide criminal history check (P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170)
- Use third-party background check services that compile public records
How To Find Criminal Records in Los Angeles County Online?
To find criminal records online in Los Angeles County:
- Visit the Los Angeles County Superior Court website and use their online case information system
- Access the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center for current inmate records
- Use the California Department of Justice's online request system for official criminal history information
- Check the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office website (211 W. Temple St., Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90012) for information on major cases
- Utilize commercial background check websites that aggregate public records
Can You Search Los Angeles County Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, there are free options for searching Los Angeles County criminal records:
- The Los Angeles County Superior Court offers limited free case information through their online portal
- Public access terminals at courthouses provide free on-site searches
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center is free to use
- The California State Sex Offender Registry (Megan's Law website) provides free access to sex offender information
However, comprehensive searches or obtaining certified copies typically involve fees.
What's Included in a Los Angeles County Criminal Record?
A typical Los Angeles County criminal record includes:
- Personal identifying information (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
- Booking details and mugshots
- Charges filed
- Court case numbers and proceedings
- Disposition of cases (dismissed, convicted, etc.)
- Sentencing information
- Probation or parole status
- Incarceration history
- Any special conditions or restrictions
What Are the Penalties for a Los Angeles County Criminal Trespass Charge?
In Los Angeles County, criminal trespass (PC 602) penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances:
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Simple trespass is typically charged as a misdemeanor punishable by:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation
- Possible restraining orders
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Aggravated trespass (involving threats) can result in:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Mandatory restraining orders
Cases are typically handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office or local city prosecutors.
How Long Does Los Angeles County Keep Criminal Records?
Los Angeles County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are legally sealed or expunged. California law provides several mechanisms for record relief:
- Expungement (PC 1203.4): Available after completing probation
- Record sealing: Available for arrests not resulting in conviction
- Juvenile record sealing: Available for most juvenile offenses
- Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available for certain felony convictions
- Governor's Pardon: Can provide the most complete relief
The California Department of Justice (P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170) maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state.
Lookup Criminal Records in Los Angeles County
There are several official resources available for looking up criminal records in Los Angeles County:
- Los Angeles County Superior Court - Access case information and court records
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Inmate information and arrest records
- California Department of Justice - Official criminal history information
- Los Angeles County District Attorney - Information on prosecutions and major cases
- California Megan's Law Website - Sex offender registry information