San Diego County Criminal Records
What Is San Diego County Criminal Records
San Diego County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that document an individual's criminal history within San Diego 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 San Diego County typically include:
- Arrest reports
- Booking information
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration details
- Probation and parole information
The primary custodians of criminal records in San Diego County include:
Superior Court of California - County of San Diego
Central Division - Central Courthouse
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 450-5700
Superior Court of California - County of San Diego
San Diego Police Department
1401 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-2000
San Diego Police Department
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
9621 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 974-2222
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and beyond, including informing judicial decisions, supporting law enforcement investigations, and providing background information for employment and housing applications.
Are Criminal Records Public In San Diego County
Criminal records in San Diego County are generally considered public records in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) and the California Rules of Court, rule 2.400(a), which states that "all papers in the court files may be inspected by the public in the office of the clerk."
Members of the public may access most criminal records through various means, with certain limitations:
- Court case files are available for public inspection at the courthouse where the case was filed
- Many records can be accessed through online portals maintained by the Superior Court of California - County of San Diego
- Certain records may be obtained from law enforcement agencies through formal request procedures
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Exceptions to public access include:
- Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to Penal Code § 851.8
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
- Records pertaining to certain domestic violence cases
- Records that have been expunged under Penal Code § 1203.4
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Superior Court of California - County of San Diego provides detailed information regarding which records are available for public inspection and the proper procedures for accessing them.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In San Diego County in 2025
In 2025, San Diego County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records, with enhanced digital options complementing traditional in-person services. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Records Division of the Superior Court of California - County of San Diego at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101)
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a Records Request Form available at the public counter
- Pay applicable fees (as of 2025, $15 for record searches and $0.50 per page for copies)
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Superior Court's online case search portal
- Search using the defendant's name, case number, or District Attorney case number
- Access is available 24/7, with system maintenance typically scheduled during non-business hours
- Download available documents for a fee (currently $1.00 per page)
- Note that certain documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
Attn: Records Division
P.O. Box 122724
San Diego, CA 92112-2724 - Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if known)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For police reports related to arrests and incidents, individuals may contact the San Diego Police Department Records Division at 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, or call (619) 531-2000 for assistance.
How To Find Criminal Records in San Diego County Online?
San Diego County provides comprehensive online resources for accessing criminal records through secure digital platforms. Members of the public may utilize these electronic services to obtain information efficiently while adhering to established protocols.
The primary online resource for criminal record searches is the Superior Court of California - County of San Diego's electronic case access system. To conduct an online search:
- Access the Superior Court's online case search portal
- Create a user account if required (for certain detailed searches)
- Select the appropriate case type (criminal)
- Enter search criteria, which may include:
- Defendant's first and last name
- Case number
- District Attorney (DA) case number
- Review search results, which typically display:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Party names
- Case status
- Select specific cases to view additional details
- Purchase and download available documents as needed
Additional online resources include:
- California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) - For locating individuals currently incarcerated in state prisons
- California Department of Justice's Criminal History Information portal - For authorized agencies conducting background checks
- San Diego County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information - For checking current custody status
Users should note that pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, certain limitations apply to electronic access of criminal records. Some documents may only be available for viewing at courthouse terminals, and sensitive information may be redacted from online versions.
Can You Search San Diego County Criminal Records for Free?
San Diego County provides limited free access to criminal records information, though comprehensive searches and document retrieval typically involve fees. Members of the public should be aware of the following free and fee-based options:
Free Access Options:
- Basic case information is available at no cost through the Superior Court's online case search portal
- Public access terminals located in courthouse facilities provide free on-site viewing of non-confidential case information
- The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offers a free inmate locator service for individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities
- Self-service kiosks at the San Diego County Sheriff's Department provide limited free information about current inmates
Fee-Based Services:
- Document downloads from the Superior Court's online system incur charges of $1.00 per page
- Certified copies of court records cost $25.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page
- Background checks through the California Department of Justice require payment of statutory fees
- Expedited record searches may involve additional service charges
Pursuant to Government Code § 6253, agencies may charge fees that cover the direct costs of duplication or electronic production of records. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, such as for indigent defendants or their appointed counsel.
Individuals seeking to minimize costs may consider visiting the courthouse in person to review records before requesting copies, as viewing records on-site is generally available without charge during regular business hours.
What's Included in a San Diego County Criminal Record?
San Diego County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with California Penal Code § 13100-13326, which establishes standards for criminal justice record keeping.
A complete criminal record typically includes:
Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description
- Fingerprint classification
- State identification number
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking photographs
- Charges at time of arrest
- Disposition of arrest (released, referred to prosecutor, etc.)
Court Proceedings:
- Case number and filing date
- Charges filed by prosecutor
- Court appearance dates
- Bail or bond information
- Plea entered
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Verdict or judgment
- Sentencing details
Post-Conviction Information:
- Incarceration records
- Probation terms and conditions
- Parole information
- Completion of court-ordered programs
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Record modification actions (expungements, dismissals, etc.)
The Office of the Attorney General maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes records from San Diego County. Local records may be more detailed than those available at the state level, particularly regarding misdemeanor offenses and case proceedings.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available records, including social security numbers, financial account information, and information about victims of certain crimes, in accordance with privacy protections established under California law.
What Are the Penalties for a San Diego County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in San Diego County is primarily governed by California Penal Code § 602, which defines various forms of trespass and establishes corresponding penalties. The severity of penalties depends on the specific circumstances of the offense, prior criminal history, and aggravating factors.
Misdemeanor Trespass (PC § 602):
- Imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months
- Fine of up to $1,000
- Probation for up to 3 years
- Restitution to property owners for any damages
- Stay-away orders from the location of the trespass
Aggravated Trespass (PC § 601):
- Imprisonment in county jail for up to 1 year
- Fine of up to $2,000
- Mandatory minimum sentences may apply if threats were involved
- Restraining orders protecting threatened individuals
Trespass with Special Circumstances:
- Trespass at occupied dwellings may result in enhanced penalties
- Trespass on certain government facilities may be charged as a felony
- Trespass with intent to commit a crime may lead to additional charges
The San Diego County District Attorney's Office determines charging decisions based on the facts of each case. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or reduced charges through the San Diego County Public Defender's Fresh Start Program.
San Diego County District Attorney's Office
Hall of Justice
330 W. Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-4040
San Diego County District Attorney
Individuals charged with criminal trespass are advised to seek legal counsel, as specific penalties may vary based on the precise subsection of the trespass statute violated and other case-specific factors.
How Long Does San Diego County Keep Criminal Records?
San Diego County maintains criminal records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention schedules for court records, and other applicable state regulations governing law enforcement and corrections records. Retention periods vary based on the type of record and the nature of the offense.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention for cases resulting in imprisonment; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after case disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after case disposition
- Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants: Until executed or recalled, plus 3 years
- Search warrants: 10 years after issuance
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest reports: Minimum of 5 years; longer for serious offenses
- Investigative reports: Varies by offense type; homicide investigations are retained permanently
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Maintained in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System indefinitely
Department of Corrections Records:
- Incarceration records: 7 years after release from custody
- Parole records: 7 years after discharge from parole
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period, electronic indices and summary information may be maintained for longer periods or permanently. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are not physically destroyed but are removed from public access.
The Superior Court of California - County of San Diego can provide specific information regarding the availability of older records upon request.
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