Find Costa Mesa DUI Records
DUI records for Costa Mesa cases are stored across multiple California agencies. Criminal cases get filed and processed at the Orange County Superior Court, which operates courthouses in Santa Ana, Westminster, and other locations throughout Orange County. Costa Mesa Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident records for DUI stops that happen within city limits. The California DMV maintains statewide driving records showing DUI convictions for ten years. The Department of Justice holds criminal history records based on fingerprints collected during booking. Each source has different search procedures, fees, and access requirements for finding DUI record information related to Costa Mesa arrests and convictions.
Costa Mesa Quick Facts
Orange County Court Records
DUI cases from Costa Mesa are filed at the Orange County Superior Court. The main criminal courthouse is the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The West Justice Center in Westminster also handles criminal matters. The court clerk keeps files with all case documents, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions for criminal cases throughout the county.
Search cases online through the Orange County Superior Court website. The public portal at visionpublic.occourts.org shows criminal and traffic case information. You can search by case number or defendant name. The system displays charges, court dates, and case status. Searches may cost up to $4.75 depending on what information you access.
The court also offers a name search portal at namesearch.occourts.org. This lets you search across multiple case types at once. Traffic citations may not be available online for up to 21 days from the date the citation was issued. Give it time if you are looking for a very recent case.
| Court | Orange County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
| Phone | (657) 622-6878 |
| Portal | visionpublic.occourts.org |
The court uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey for case management. Many large California counties use this same system. If you have searched court records in Los Angeles or San Diego, the Orange County portal works similarly. For copies of documents from case files, you must visit the courthouse or submit a formal records request.
Police Department Records
Costa Mesa Police Department responds to DUI incidents within the city. Officers conduct traffic stops and DUI investigations. They write arrest reports documenting field sobriety tests, chemical test results, and observations about impairment. These reports become part of the criminal case file once charges are filed.
Getting your own arrest report directly from police is usually not possible. Most departments do not release arrest reports to the arrested person. Your attorney requests them through discovery in the criminal case. This is the standard process. For other records, you can file a California Public Records Act request with the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Contact the police records division to submit a public records request. Provide details about what you need including dates and case numbers if available. The department reviews each request and decides what information to release. Some details get redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Response time varies based on complexity. California law requires agencies to respond within ten days. They can extend this by 14 days if needed. You receive notice if more time is necessary. Fees depend on what you request and staff time needed. The department tells you the cost before releasing records.
DMV Driving Records
All California DUI convictions appear on DMV driving records. Costa Mesa cases show up just like cases from anywhere else in the state. The DMV keeps DUI convictions for ten years from the conviction date. Commercial drivers see their DUI convictions for 55 years. This longer retention applies to all commercial license holders regardless of what vehicle they were driving when arrested.
Request your record online at dmv.ca.gov. The cost is two dollars plus a payment processing fee of 1.95 percent. You need to create an account first. Print your record immediately after payment. You only get one chance. The record shows violations, suspensions, and all actions on your license. DUI convictions appear with violation codes, dates, and counties.
Admin Per Se suspensions also appear on DMV records. These happen when you get arrested with blood alcohol of 0.08 percent or higher. The officer takes your license and gives you a 30-day temporary permit. You have ten days from arrest to request a DMV hearing. Call 833-543-7703 to request this hearing. Miss the deadline and your license suspends automatically.
First offense suspensions last four months. Second offense within ten years means one year. Test refusal brings longer suspensions. First refusal is one year or two years if on DUI probation. Second refusal within ten years is two years or three years if on probation. Reinstatement requires paying $125 and filing SR-22 insurance proof for three years.
Note: To get someone else's driving record, mail Form INF 70 to the DMV with five dollars and a permissible reason.
Jail and Booking Information
DUI arrests in Costa Mesa may result in booking at Orange County jail facilities. The county operates several detention centers. The main facility is the Intake and Release Center in Santa Ana. Booking records become public once someone is processed into the jail system.
Search for current inmates through the Orange County Sheriff website. The system shows booking date, charges, bail amount, and facility location. Information updates as people get booked or released. DUI charges appear with other charges from the same arrest. For inmate booking and release information, call 714-584-6790.
This search is free and requires no registration. Enter a name to see results. People no longer in custody will not appear. The system only tracks current inmates. For old booking information, contact the sheriff's records division. They can provide historical booking records for a fee.
DOJ Criminal Records
The California Department of Justice maintains statewide criminal records. Every arrest with fingerprinting goes into the DOJ database. They create a RAP sheet listing all arrests, charges, and outcomes. DUI arrests from Costa Mesa appear on this record if you were fingerprinted during booking.
Request your own RAP sheet through Live Scan fingerprinting. Fill out Form BCIA 8016RR and check the Record Review box. Take it to a Live Scan site in or near Costa Mesa. The DOJ fee is $25 plus the fingerprint site fee. Most sites charge $20 to $50 for fingerprinting.
Find Live Scan locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Many private businesses in Orange County offer this service. Call ahead to confirm they handle Record Review requests. Some locations only process employment background checks.
Processing time depends on results. No criminal record means 48 to 72 hours. A match requires manual review and takes longer. Check your status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using your ATI number from the Live Scan receipt. Results get mailed to your address.
The RAP sheet shows arrests, charges, and dispositions. Convictions stay on the record permanently. DOJ keeps these until you reach 100 years of age. Expungements under Penal Code 1203.4 get noted but do not remove the arrest. The disposition changes to dismissed but the arrest remains visible to law enforcement and some employers.
DUI Enforcement in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Police patrol city streets and major highways. Interstate 405 and State Route 55 run through Costa Mesa. These are heavily patrolled corridors. Police make DUI stops on these highways and on local streets. They look for signs of impaired driving like swerving, speeding, or erratic behavior.
DUI checkpoints happen in Costa Mesa periodically. These sobriety checkpoints are legal in California when done properly. Police must follow strict procedures. They stop vehicles in a predetermined pattern. Officers check for signs of impairment. Anyone showing signs gets pulled aside for more testing. Field sobriety tests are standard in DUI investigations.
You can refuse field sobriety tests. Refusal may be used against you in court. Chemical tests are different. California has implied consent for breath and blood tests. Refusing these tests triggers automatic DMV suspension. This is separate from criminal charges. First refusal means one year suspension. Second refusal within ten years means two years.
If arrested for DUI in Costa Mesa, act quickly on the DMV hearing. You have ten days from arrest to request it. This deadline is firm. Missing it means automatic suspension. The DMV process is separate from criminal court. You can lose your license through DMV even if you win in criminal court. Call 833-543-7703 to request your Admin Per Se hearing.
Legal Resources
DUI charges in Costa Mesa require legal representation in most cases. The Orange County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford private counsel. You must qualify based on income. The court determines eligibility at arraignment. If you do not qualify, hire a private attorney or represent yourself.
The Orange County Bar Association can connect you with attorneys who handle DUI cases. Many offer free or reduced-fee initial consultations. Talk to several before choosing. Costs vary based on case complexity and attorney experience. For court information, call the Central Justice Center at 657-622-6878. Staff can tell you about court dates and case status but cannot give legal advice.
DMV Admin Per Se hearings can be handled alone or with an attorney. Some DUI lawyers include the DMV hearing in their service. Others charge separately. The hearing happens quickly, often before the criminal case starts. You need to present evidence if you contest the suspension. The hearing officer decides based on what you show.
Orange County DUI Records
Costa Mesa is part of Orange County. All criminal proceedings for Costa Mesa DUI cases happen in Orange County Superior Court. The county system handles cases from Costa Mesa and many other cities throughout the region. For more information about county court locations, regional services, and additional record sources, visit the Orange County page.