Los Angeles County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Los Angeles County, California, are available through a number of official sources. LosAngelesCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases. In addition to this resource, searches can be conducted through the Superior Court system, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. Below is a detailed overview of each method of accessing such records.

How to Search Criminal Records in Los Angeles

Start with what you know about the person or case. Searches typically require:

• Full name (Last Name, First Name)
• Date of Birth
• Case Number, if known

Online Search

1. LosAngelesCourt.us — a convenient way to check public information about a criminal case from home.
2. Case Summary on the Superior Court website — the official portal of the Los Angeles Superior Court, where you can view summaries of civil, family, and other cases. For criminal cases, online viewing availability is limited; the court recommends contacting the criminal division directly.
3. LASD Inmate Locator — a tool from the Sheriff's Department for finding individuals in custody at county facilities. Searches are conducted by name or date of birth. Information line: (213) 473-6100.
4. California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) — a database from the California Department of Corrections for finding inmates in state prisons.
5. PACER — if the case is federal, records are available through this nationwide electronic access system to federal court materials.

In-Person Visit

Visit the clerk's office of the criminal division at any county courthouse. Main location:

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center

Public self-service terminals in court buildings allow you to view the case registry. The clerk can assist with the search if you provide the defendant's name or case number.

Written Request

To obtain copies of court documents by mail, complete the Request for Copies (ADM 080) form and send it to the appropriate court division along with payment. For a state-level criminal history check, the request is submitted to the California Attorney General's Office (DOJ), which is the repository of state criminal records.

Search Los Angeles Criminal Cases by Case Number

A case number in California typically consists of several components. Here is the typical structure for criminal cases in the Los Angeles Superior Court:

• Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case. For example, "BA" or "SA" denotes a criminal case, "NA" — a case from another district court.
• Six-Digit Number — a unique sequential case identifier.

Example: BA123456. Some newer cases may have a different format depending on the court's case management system. If you have the case number, enter it on the court's search page — this is the fastest way to find the desired record. Without the number, you will have to search by name, which may yield multiple results, especially with common surnames.

Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Los Angeles

Each criminal case contains several key data categories. Below is an explanation of what each element means.

Charges

Case Status

• Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
• Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled
• Disposed — the case is concluded (verdict, closure, dismissal of charges)
• Closed — all procedural actions are completed

Hearings

Typical stages of a criminal case in the county:

1. Arraignment — first court appearance, charges announced
2. Preliminary Hearing — preliminary hearing to determine sufficiency of evidence (felony only)
3. Pre-Trial Conference — pre-trial meeting of the parties
4. Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
5. Review Hearing — review hearing, often during probation

Court Results

How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Los Angeles

Certified copies of criminal court documents are issued by the clerk of the Superior Court. For police reports, contact the Sheriff's Department Records and Identification Bureau.

Ways to Submit a Request

• In Person — at any clerk's office of the court's criminal division. Bring valid photo ID.
• By Mail — complete the ADM 080 form, include payment by check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Court."
• Online — some documents can be ordered through the court's online services portal.

State-Level Criminal History Check

A complete state-level criminal history check requires fingerprinting and submission of a request through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). This applies to checks for employment, licensing, or personal request under California Penal Code § 11105.

Court Clerk Contact Information (main criminal court):

Sheriff's Department — Records Bureau:

Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Los Angeles

Fees are set according to California Government Code § 70626 and local court rules. Actual amounts may vary — check with the clerk's office before submitting a request.

Processing Times

• In Person — simple copies are usually ready the same day or within 1–3 business days.
• By Mail — from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the request volume and court workload.
• Online Orders — times vary; the court sends documents by mail after processing.
• DOJ Check — Live Scan results typically arrive within 3–7 business days, but more complex checks may take longer.

Payment is accepted by check, money order, or, in some offices, credit card. Not all branches accept cash — check in advance.