Downey DUI Record Database
Downey DUI records are spread across multiple California agencies that track different aspects of DUI cases. Criminal court cases are filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which operates the largest court system in the nation with courthouses throughout Los Angeles County. Downey Police Department maintains arrest reports and incident records for DUI stops within city boundaries. The California DMV keeps driving records that show DUI convictions for ten years statewide. The Department of Justice holds criminal history records based on fingerprints. Each agency has unique search procedures, fees, and access requirements for finding DUI information from Downey cases.
Downey Quick Facts
Los Angeles Court Records
DUI cases from Downey are filed at Los Angeles County Superior Court. The county has multiple courthouse locations. Criminal cases from Downey typically go to the Downey Courthouse or other nearby facilities. The court clerk maintains files with all case documents, charging papers, court minutes, and final dispositions for criminal cases throughout the county.
Search cases online through the Los Angeles County Superior Court criminal index. This portal lets you search by defendant name. The system returns a list showing case numbers, defendant names, filing dates, and filing locations. Search date ranges vary by case type. Felony cases from 1980 to present are available. Misdemeanor cases from 1988 to present are in the system.
The search does not include traffic infractions. Searches may cost up to $4.75 depending on what information you access. For questions about the online system, email onlineServices@lacourt.org. The court clerk office is at 111 N. Hill Street, Room 105E in Los Angeles. Phone is 213-830-0801.
| Court | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 |
| Phone | (213) 830-0801 |
| Portal | lacourt.org |
For copies of documents from case files, you must visit the courthouse or submit a formal records request. Document fees vary based on the type of document and whether you need certified copies. Call the clerk's office to ask about current fees.
Police Arrest Reports
Downey Police Department handles DUI enforcement within the city. Officers conduct traffic stops, administer sobriety tests, and write detailed arrest reports. These reports document everything from the initial stop through booking. They include field sobriety test results, chemical test results, and the officer's observations.
Most police departments do not release arrest reports to the person arrested. Your attorney gets the report through discovery in the criminal case. This is standard procedure. For other records, you can file a California Public Records Act request with the Downey Police Department. Contact the police records division to submit a request. Provide details about what you need including dates and case numbers.
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. Fees depend on what you request and staff time needed to process it.
DMV Driving Records
DUI convictions from Downey appear on California DMV driving records. These stay on your record for ten years from the conviction date. Location does not matter. All California DUI convictions go on your statewide record. Commercial drivers see DUI convictions for 55 years instead of ten. This applies to all commercial license holders.
Request your record online at dmv.ca.gov. The fee is two dollars plus a 1.95 percent processing charge. You need to create an account. Print your record right after payment. You only get one chance. The record shows all violations, suspensions, and actions. DUI convictions appear with violation codes, dates, and counties.
Admin Per Se suspensions also appear on DMV records. These happen after a DUI arrest 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 to request a DMV hearing. Call 833-543-7703 to request this. Miss the deadline and your license suspends automatically.
First offense suspensions last four months. Prior DUI within ten years means one year. Test refusal brings longer penalties. 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 valid legal reason.
Jail Booking Records
DUI arrests in Downey may result in booking at Los Angeles County jail facilities. The county operates the largest jail system in the United States. People from Downey may go to various facilities throughout the county. Booking information becomes public once someone is processed.
Search for current inmates through the Los Angeles County Sheriff website. The system shows booking information for people in custody. For 24-hour inmate information, call 213-473-6100. The booking log is available at app5.lasd.org/bklog. This shows recent bookings with charges and facility locations.
These searches are free and require 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.
DOJ Criminal History
The California Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal records. Every arrest with fingerprinting goes into the DOJ database. They create a RAP sheet listing arrests, charges, and outcomes. DUI arrests from Downey appear on this record if you were fingerprinted.
Request your own RAP sheet through Live Scan fingerprinting. Fill out Form BCIA 8016RR and check Record Review. Take it to a Live Scan site in or near Downey. 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. Call ahead to confirm they handle Record Review requests.
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. Results get mailed to your address. The RAP sheet shows arrests, charges, and dispositions. Convictions stay permanently on the record.
DUI Stops in Downey
Downey Police patrol city streets and major roads. Interstate 5, Interstate 605, and State Route 19 run through or near Downey. Police make DUI stops on these highways and on local streets. They look for signs like swerving, speeding, or other violations.
Sobriety checkpoints happen in Downey periodically. These are legal in California. Police must follow strict procedures. They stop vehicles in a set pattern. Officers check for impairment signs. Anyone showing signs gets pulled aside for more testing. You can refuse field sobriety tests but refusal may be used in court.
Chemical tests are different. California has implied consent for breath and blood tests. Refusing triggers automatic DMV suspension. First refusal means one year. Second refusal within ten years means two years. If arrested for DUI in Downey, act fast on the DMV hearing. You have ten days from arrest to request it. Call 833-543-7703.
Legal Assistance
DUI charges in Downey require legal help in most cases. The Los Angeles County Public Defender represents those who cannot afford private counsel. You must qualify based on income. If you do not qualify, hire a private attorney. The Los Angeles County Bar Association can connect you with DUI attorneys. Many offer free initial consultations. Talk to several before choosing. For court information, call the courthouse. Staff can tell you court dates and case status but cannot give legal advice.
Los Angeles County DUI Records
Downey is part of Los Angeles County. All criminal proceedings for Downey DUI cases happen in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The county system handles cases from Downey and hundreds of other cities. For more details about county court locations, regional services, and additional record sources, visit the Los Angeles County page.