Downey Criminal Records

Criminal history records in Downey come from the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Downey Police Department. The city sits in Los Angeles County, and all criminal cases go through the county court system. Downey has its own police force that handles local arrests and keeps police reports on file. You can search court records online for free through the LA Superior Court portal. Police reports need a direct request to the department. This page walks through how to find, request, and get criminal records tied to Downey, California.

Downey Criminal Court Records

All criminal cases from Downey are filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This is the largest trial court system in the nation. It runs more than 50 courthouse locations spread across the county. Cases from Downey usually go to the Downey courthouse or the Norwalk courthouse, depending on the type of charge and the court's calendar. Each case gets a case number when it is filed. That number is the fastest way to pull up records later.

The LA Superior Court criminal case search is free and open to anyone. You type in a last name to start. Add a first name or date of birth to narrow results. The system shows case type, filing date, charges, hearing dates, and current status. It covers cases from every courthouse in the county. You do not need to know which location handled the case.

Older cases may not show up in the online system. The court started digitizing records at different times for different locations. If you need a case from several years back and it does not appear online, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where it was filed. The clerk can search internal records and pull the file. Copies cost 50 cents a page. Certified copies run $40 each.

Note: Sealed and expunged records from Downey will not appear in any public court search.

Downey Police Department Records

The Downey Police Department keeps its own records separate from the court system. Arrest reports, incident reports, and police case files are all held by the department. If you need a copy of a police report from a Downey case, you request it directly from the department. The police do not post individual reports online. You have to file a records request for the specific document you want.

Downey uses an online portal for public records requests. You can submit your request through the Downey Police records portal at any time.

The portal lets you describe the records you need and provide details like the date, location, or report number. Include as much detail as you can. The more specific your request, the faster it gets processed. The department aims to respond within 10 days under the California Public Records Act. Some requests for large or sensitive files take longer. There is generally no fee to submit a request, but the city may charge for copies if the file is large or requires special handling by staff.

Getting Criminal Records in Downey

There are several paths to get criminal records tied to Downey. Court records, police reports, and state background checks each come from a different place. Most people start with the free court search. That covers any criminal case filed in LA County. If you need a police report, go through the Downey PD portal. For a full statewide criminal history, you need to go through the California DOJ.

The California DOJ maintains the state criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. To get your own record, visit a Live Scan site in or near Downey. You get fingerprinted and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results come back in a few business days. This is the most complete check available because it pulls records from every county in the state. Several Live Scan locations operate in Downey at shipping stores and private vendors.

You can also visit the Downey Police Department in person at 10911 Brookshire Avenue. Bring a valid photo ID. The records unit can help with police reports and local arrest records. Call ahead at (562) 904-2308 to check walk-in hours before you go.

Note: DOJ background checks only show California records, not records from other states.

Downey Criminal Record Fees

The cost of getting criminal records from Downey depends on the source. Court fees follow statewide rules set by law. Police report fees are set by the city. Knowing the fees ahead of time helps you plan and avoids wasted trips.

Common fees for criminal records in Downey include:

• Court name search (over 10 minutes): $15
• Court copies per page: $0.50
• Certified court copy: $40 per document
• DOJ background check: $25 plus Live Scan rolling fee
• Police report copies: varies by request

If you cannot afford court fees, you can file a fee waiver with the clerk. You will need to prove low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge decides whether to grant it. Fee waivers cover court costs only. They do not apply to DOJ fees or police department charges.

Clearing Criminal Records in Downey

California law provides ways to clear certain criminal records. If you have a conviction from a Downey case, you may be able to get it dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4. You petition the court after completing probation. The court changes the plea to not guilty and dismisses the case. The conviction stays on your record but shows as dismissed. This can help with job applications and housing. AB 1076 now automates some of this relief. The DOJ reviews eligible records and grants dismissals without the person having to file anything.

Arrest records can be sealed too. If you were arrested in Downey but charges were never filed or the case was dismissed, Penal Code 851.87 allows you to petition the court to seal the arrest. Once sealed, the arrest will not show on most background checks. You file the petition at the courthouse that handled the case. You can do it on your own or hire a lawyer to help with the paperwork.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Downey. Criminal cases from each go through their county's Superior Court system.

Los Angeles County Criminal Records

Downey is in Los Angeles County. All criminal cases from the city go through the LA County Superior Court system. Visit the county page for more on court searches, sheriff records, and county resources.