Search Santa Ana Criminal History

Santa Ana criminal history records are maintained by the Santa Ana Police Department and the Orange County Superior Court. The city serves as the county seat of Orange County, which means the main courthouse sits right in Santa Ana. Criminal cases filed against people arrested in the city go through the Orange County court system. The police department keeps its own records of arrests, reports, and investigations. You can search court records online for free through the county portal. Police reports need a separate request through the city. This page explains how to find criminal records in Santa Ana, California.

Santa Ana Criminal Court Records

All criminal cases from Santa Ana go through the Orange County Superior Court. Because Santa Ana is the county seat, the main Central Justice Center is located right in the city at 700 Civic Center Drive West. This is where most felony criminal cases from Santa Ana get heard. Misdemeanor cases may also be assigned here or to the nearby Harbor Justice Center depending on the charges. The court handles everything from arraignments through sentencing. Each case gets a unique number when the DA files charges.

The Orange County court case search is the online portal for looking up criminal cases filed in Santa Ana or anywhere else in the county. Enter a name or case number. The results show the charges, hearing dates, case status, and which courthouse has the file. It is free. You do not need to create an account to use it.

The Central Justice Center also has a public records counter where you can request copies in person. Bring your case number or the full name of the person whose records you need. The clerk pulls up the case and prints what you ask for. Copies run 50 cents a page. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, that costs $40 per document.

Santa Ana Police Criminal Records

The Santa Ana Police Department maintains its own records separate from the court. Police reports, arrest logs, booking records, and incident reports all come from the department. If someone gets arrested in Santa Ana, the police create a report. That report stays with the department. The DA then uses it to decide whether to file charges with the court. Getting a police report is a different process than pulling court records. You have to go through the city's records request system.

The Santa Ana police records request portal lets you submit requests for police reports and other city documents online.

Through this portal you can request police reports, arrest records, and other public documents from Santa Ana. Fill in the details of what you need. The more specific you are, the faster the city can process your request. Include dates, names, report numbers, or case numbers if you have them. The city processes requests under the California Public Records Act. Most straightforward requests come back within two to three weeks. There is no charge to submit a request, but the city may bill you for large copy jobs.

Getting Criminal Records in Santa Ana

There are a few paths to get criminal records in Santa Ana. Which one you take depends on the type of record. Court records, police reports, and state background checks each come from different sources. Start with the free court search online if you want to look up a criminal case. If you need a police report, use the city's records portal. For a complete criminal history from the state, you need to go through the California DOJ.

The California DOJ runs the statewide criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. To get a full criminal history, visit a Live Scan location in Santa Ana. You get fingerprinted and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results usually come back within a few business days. This check pulls records from every county in California, so it is the most complete option. Santa Ana has several Live Scan sites at shipping stores, notary offices, and private vendors around the city.

The Santa Ana Police Department headquarters is at 60 Civic Center Plaza. You can visit in person to request records during business hours. Call (714) 245-8665 first to confirm hours and what you need to bring.

Santa Ana Criminal Record Fees

Fees for criminal records in Santa Ana vary by the source. Court fees are set by state law and are the same across Orange County. The police department and city set their own rates for copies of police records.

Common fees for criminal records in Santa Ana 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 size of request
• Online court search: free

Cannot afford fees? Ask the court clerk about a fee waiver. You will need to show proof of low income or that you receive public benefits. The judge reviews the request and makes the call. Fee waivers only cover court costs. They do not apply to DOJ fees or police records.

Clearing Criminal Records in Santa Ana

California law allows people to clear certain criminal records from their history. If you have a conviction from Santa Ana, you might qualify for a dismissal under Penal Code 1203.4. After you finish probation, you can petition the court. If approved, the conviction gets changed to a dismissal. This can make a real difference for jobs and housing. AB 1076 also set up an automatic process. The DOJ reviews eligible records and grants relief without the person having to file paperwork.

Arrest records are another matter. If you were arrested in Santa Ana but charges were never filed, or the case got dismissed, you can ask to seal the arrest under Penal Code 851.87. You file a petition at the courthouse where the case was handled. Once the arrest is sealed, it drops off most background checks. You can handle this yourself or hire an attorney to help you navigate the process.

Note: A dismissal under PC 1203.4 does not erase the record completely. Law enforcement and some licensing boards can still see it.

Nearby Cities

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

Orange County Criminal Records

Santa Ana is in Orange County and serves as the county seat. All criminal cases from the city are filed through the Orange County Superior Court. Visit the county page for full details on court searches, sheriff records, and county-level resources.