Santa Monica Criminal Records

Criminal history records for Santa Monica are maintained by the Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The city has its own police force that handles arrests and investigations within city limits. All criminal cases get filed through the LA County court system. Santa Monica cases are typically heard at the Airport Courthouse on La Cienega Boulevard. Court records can be searched online for free. Police reports require a separate request through the department. This page covers how to access criminal records in Santa Monica, California.

Santa Monica Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases filed in Santa Monica go through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This is the largest trial court in the United States. It runs dozens of courthouse locations across the county. Santa Monica criminal cases are usually assigned to the Airport Courthouse at 11701 South La Cienega Boulevard. Misdemeanor cases from the city, including DUI charges and petty theft, are heard there. Some felony cases may start at the Airport Courthouse but get transferred to another location depending on the charges and circumstances.

The LA County criminal case search lets you look up any criminal case from Santa Monica or elsewhere in the county. Enter a last name to start. Add a first name or case number to narrow results. The system displays case type, charges, hearing dates, and current status. It is free and open to the public.

Some older cases may not appear online. The court has not digitized every historical record. If you need a case from years ago that does not show up in the search, visit the courthouse where it was filed. Ask the clerk to pull the file. Paper copies cost 50 cents a page. Certified copies run $40 per document. You can also request copies by mail if you include the correct fees and a self-addressed envelope.

Santa Monica Police Criminal Records

The Santa Monica Police Department keeps its own set of records separate from the court system. Police reports, arrest records, incident reports, and booking information are all maintained by the department. When someone gets arrested in Santa Monica, the police write a report. That report stays with the department. The DA uses it to decide whether to file criminal charges. If you need a copy of a police report from Santa Monica, you contact the department directly.

You can request police records from the Santa Monica Police Department by visiting the station in person or calling their records unit. The department is at 333 Olympic Drive. The records division handles requests for police reports, accident reports, and other public records. You can also submit a written request by mail or through the city's general public records process. Include as much detail as you can about the report you need. A report number or exact date helps speed things up.

The California DOJ background check portal is another option for searching criminal history statewide. This system pulls records from all 58 counties. It is the most complete criminal history resource available in the state and covers arrests and convictions from Santa Monica and every other jurisdiction in California.

Getting Criminal Records in Santa Monica

There are several ways to get criminal records in Santa Monica. Court records, police reports, and background checks all come from different places. The right path depends on what you are looking for. If you want to check on a criminal case, start with the free online court search. For police reports, contact the Santa Monica PD directly. For a full criminal history check, go through the California DOJ.

A Live Scan fingerprint check is the way to get a complete state criminal history. The California DOJ manages the statewide criminal record database under Penal Code 11105. Visit a Live Scan location near Santa Monica, get fingerprinted, and pay the $25 DOJ fee plus the site's rolling fee. Results come back in a few business days. This check pulls records from every county in California, making it the most thorough option. Multiple Live Scan sites operate in and around Santa Monica, including locations in West Los Angeles and Culver City.

The CDCR inmate search lets you find people currently in state prison. The Megan's Law website tracks registered sex offenders in Santa Monica and across the state.

Santa Monica Criminal Record Fees

Criminal record fees in Santa Monica vary depending on which agency you deal with. Court fees are standard across Los Angeles County and set by state law. The police department has its own fee schedule for copies of reports and records.

Typical fees 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
• Online court case search: free

If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a fee waiver at the court. Fill out the form and show proof of low income or that you get public benefits. The judge decides whether to grant it. Fee waivers cover court costs but not DOJ fees or police department charges.

Clearing Records in Santa Monica

People with criminal records from Santa Monica may be able to clear them under California law. A conviction can be dismissed under Penal Code 1203.4 after you complete probation. You petition the court and, if the judge agrees, the conviction becomes a dismissal on your record. This can help with employment and housing applications. AB 1076 also created an automatic review process. The DOJ identifies eligible records and grants relief without the person filing any paperwork.

If you were arrested in Santa Monica but never charged, or the case was dropped, you can petition to seal the arrest under Penal Code 851.87. Once sealed, the arrest no longer appears on standard background checks. File the petition at the courthouse that handled the case. Some people do this on their own, while others hire a lawyer.

Note: Dismissed records still show up for law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. The record is not fully erased.

Nearby Cities

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

Los Angeles County Criminal Records

Santa Monica is in Los Angeles County. All criminal cases from the city are filed through the LA County Superior Court system. Visit the county page for more details on court searches, sheriff records, and county-wide resources.