Long Beach Criminal Record Search

Criminal history records in Long Beach are kept by the Long Beach Police Department and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The police department maintains arrest records, police reports, and incident records for the city. All criminal court cases go through the LA County court system, the largest trial court in the country. You can search court records online for free. Police reports require a request through the city's records page. This guide walks through how to find criminal records in Long Beach, California, and what to expect along the way.

Long Beach Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases from Long Beach are handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The LA County court system is massive. It operates over 38 courthouse locations across the county. Cases from Long Beach usually go to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse at 275 Magnolia Avenue in Long Beach. This is one of the busiest courthouses in the county. It handles criminal, civil, and family law matters for the Long Beach area. Some cases may get sent to other courthouses depending on the charges and how the system routes them.

The LA Superior Court criminal case search lets you look up criminal cases from Long Beach or anywhere in LA County. Just enter a last name. Add a first name to narrow things down. The system shows case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and current status. It is free. You do not need an account to search.

Not all old records appear online. The court has been putting records into its digital system for years, but some cases from decades past were never added. If you cannot find what you need online, go to the Long Beach courthouse and ask the clerk. They can pull up records that are not in the online system yet. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies are $40.

Note: Sealed and expunged criminal records will not show in any online search.

Long Beach Police Criminal Records

The Long Beach Police Department keeps its records separate from the county court system. Police reports, arrest records, and incident logs all come from the department's records bureau. Long Beach PD is one of the larger city police departments in California, so it handles a high volume of records requests. You can get a copy of a police report by going through the department's online request page. The department does not let people browse individual reports online. You have to ask for a specific record and wait for a response.

The Long Beach Police report request page is where you start the process of getting police records from the city.

Through this page you can request copies of police reports, accident reports, and other public records held by the Long Beach PD. Include the report number if you have it. That makes processing faster. Most requests are handled within 10 business days. Complex or large requests may take longer. The department may charge fees for copies depending on the size of the record.

Getting Criminal Records in Long Beach

Several options exist for getting criminal records in Long Beach. Court records, police reports, and state background checks all come from different places. Start with the free court search. If that comes up empty, try the police department next. For the broadest check, go through the state.

For a full statewide criminal history, use a Live Scan site in Long Beach. The California DOJ manages the state criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. You get fingerprinted at a Live Scan location and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results typically come back in a few business days. Long Beach has many Live Scan locations scattered across the city at shipping stores, private offices, and the police department itself. This check covers all 58 counties in California, so it is the most complete criminal history search you can get.

The Long Beach courthouse at 275 Magnolia Avenue also has a clerk's office where you can look up records in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Hours are weekdays only. Call ahead to confirm the schedule.

Long Beach Criminal Record Fees

Fees vary by source. Court fees follow state law. Police fees are set by the city. Knowing the costs helps you plan before going in.

Common fees for criminal records in Long Beach:

• 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
• LBPD police report copies: varies

If court fees are a problem, file a fee waiver with the clerk. You need proof of low income or public benefits. The judge reviews each request. Fee waivers cover court costs. They do not cover DOJ or police report fees.

Clearing Records in Long Beach

California law offers several ways to clear a criminal record. If you have a conviction from Long Beach, you may qualify for dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. You petition the court after you finish probation. The court changes the record to show a dismissal. It does not erase the conviction entirely, but it makes a difference on background checks for jobs and housing. AB 1076 has made parts of this automatic now. The DOJ identifies eligible records and grants relief without the person having to file a petition.

Arrest records can also be sealed. If 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, it drops off most background checks. You file the petition at the Long Beach courthouse or wherever the case was handled. You can do it yourself or use a lawyer.

Nearby Cities

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

Los Angeles County Criminal Records

Long Beach is in Los Angeles County. All criminal cases from the city go through the county court system. Visit the county page for details on court searches, sheriff records, and other county resources.