Salinas DUI Records and Cases
DUI records in Salinas come from Monterey County Superior Court and California state agencies. Salinas is the county seat of Monterey County with about 163,000 residents. When Salinas Police arrest someone for DUI, criminal charges get filed at the Monterey County courthouse. Court files hold case details, charges, hearing dates, and verdicts. The California DMV keeps driving records that show DUI convictions for ten years. The Department of Justice maintains criminal history records with arrest and conviction information. You can search many Salinas DUI records online or request copies through official channels at each agency.
Salinas Quick Facts
Monterey County Court Records
Monterey County Superior Court handles all DUI cases from Salinas. The main courthouse is in Salinas at 1200 Aguajito Road. This is where criminal DUI charges from Salinas get filed and processed. The court maintains files with police reports, court minutes, and sentencing orders for each case.
You can search Monterey County court records online. The court uses the Odyssey case management system like many California counties. Look up cases by name or case number. The online portal shows basic case information including charges and hearing dates. Full documents like police reports are not available online in most cases. You must visit the courthouse or call the clerk to request copies of documents from Salinas DUI cases.
Contact the Monterey County Superior Court clerk for information about getting copies of records. They can tell you what documents are available and what the fees are. Bring a case number or the defendant's name when you call. This helps the clerk find your case faster in the Salinas courthouse records.
DUI charges in Salinas usually get filed as misdemeanors under Vehicle Code 23152. First offense DUI with no injuries is a misdemeanor. If someone was hurt, prosecutors can file felony charges under Vehicle Code 23153. Felony DUI cases have harsher penalties and different record retention rules than misdemeanors.
| Court | Monterey County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Aguajito Road Salinas, CA 93906 |
| Criminal Phone | (831) 775-5400 |
Salinas DMV Records
A DUI conviction from Salinas stays on your California driving record for ten years. The DMV tracks all violations statewide. Your record shows the violation code, date, and Monterey County as the location. This information is visible to anyone who requests your driving record during those ten years including employers and insurance companies.
Get your own driving record online for two dollars at dmv.ca.gov online driver record request. Create an account and log in. You can print your record right away. It shows all DUI convictions from Salinas and other locations for the past ten years. Online orders include a 1.95 percent credit card processing fee.
To request someone else's driving record, fill out Form INF 70 and mail it with a five dollar check to DMV Information Release Unit, MS G199, PO Box 944247, Sacramento, CA 94244-2470. You must have a legal reason to request another person's record. The DMV does not release records to the general public without justification.
Admin Per Se license suspensions also apply to Salinas DUI arrests. When an officer arrests you for DUI, they take your license and issue a 30-day temporary permit. You have ten days to request a hearing with the DMV Driver Safety Branch. Call (833) 543-7703 to request your hearing. If you miss this deadline, your license suspends automatically after 30 days.
First offense suspensions last four months. If you have a prior DUI within ten years, the suspension extends to one year. Refusing a chemical test brings longer suspensions of one or two years. These DMV actions happen regardless of what happens in your criminal case in Salinas.
Arrest Report Access
The Salinas Police Department handles DUI arrests within city limits. Officers conduct traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests. They write detailed arrest reports that describe the stop, tests, and arrest. These reports become part of the court case file.
Getting a copy of a Salinas Police DUI arrest report is often difficult. Many agencies will not release arrest reports to the person who was arrested. Your defense attorney can obtain the report through discovery in your court case. If you need the report for legal reasons, hire an attorney to request it for you.
The Monterey County Sheriff operates the county jail where people arrested for DUI in Salinas may be booked. Search for inmates online through the sheriff's website. The inmate search shows current inmates, charges, and bail amounts. Most DUI arrests result in release within hours after posting bail or being released on own recognizance.
For questions about someone in custody after a Salinas DUI arrest, contact the Monterey County Jail. They can tell you if someone is in custody and when they might be released. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready when you call.
Note: Salinas Police use body cameras and dash cameras that may record DUI stops and arrests.
Criminal History Files
The California Department of Justice maintains criminal records for all Salinas DUI arrests. These records include arrest dates, charges filed, and court outcomes. A DUI arrest creates a DOJ record even if charges are dismissed. The state keeps these records until you reach 100 years of age.
Request your own criminal history from the DOJ for $25. Use Live Scan fingerprinting at an authorized location. Fill out Form BCIA 8016RR and mark Record Review. Take the form to any Live Scan site in Salinas or elsewhere in California. Find locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.
The DOJ processes most requests in 48 to 72 hours if no manual review is needed. If your fingerprints match existing records, a technician reviews your file by hand. This takes longer depending on workload. Check request status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using your ATI number.
Only you can request your own DOJ record. Third parties need your written consent for employment or licensing checks. If you need a copy for court or personal reasons related to a Salinas DUI, use the Record Review process. Call the DOJ Record Review Unit at (916) 227-3849 or email recordreview@doj.ca.gov with questions.
DUI Expungement
Some Salinas DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4. This process lets you withdraw your guilty plea and the court dismisses your case. Expungement helps with employment and housing. But it does not erase the conviction from your DMV record or completely remove it from all systems.
Vehicle Code 13555 states that expungement does not affect DMV license actions. Your Salinas DUI still counts as a prior offense if you get arrested again within ten years. Courts can use expunged convictions to enhance penalties for new DUI charges. The DMV keeps the conviction on your driving record for the full ten years regardless of expungement.
To qualify for expungement in Salinas, you must complete all probation terms. This means paying fines, finishing DUI school, serving jail time, and meeting all other conditions. Once probation ends successfully, file a petition with Monterey County Superior Court. The prosecutor can oppose your petition. The judge reviews everything and decides whether to grant dismissal.
An attorney can help with expungement petitions in Salinas. Court staff cannot give legal advice but can tell you what forms are needed. The Public Defender does not handle expungements for old cases. You need a private attorney or you can file yourself if you understand the process.
Legal Assistance
Several resources exist for legal help with DUI cases in Salinas. The Monterey County Bar Association can refer you to private attorneys who handle DUI defense. An experienced lawyer can review your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court and DMV hearings.
If you cannot afford a private attorney, ask for the Public Defender at your first court appearance. The court reviews your income to decide if you qualify. Only low-income defendants receive free representation through the Public Defender in Salinas DUI cases.
The DMV hearing is separate from criminal court. You must request a hearing within ten days of arrest. Call (833) 543-7703 to reach the Driver Safety Branch. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney for the DMV hearing. A lawyer familiar with DMV procedures can improve your chances of keeping your license after a Salinas DUI arrest.
Monterey County DUI Resources
Salinas is the county seat of Monterey County. All DUI cases from Salinas are processed through Monterey County Superior Court. The county maintains court records, jail information, and other public records related to DUI arrests. For comprehensive information on county services, court procedures, and record access, visit the Monterey County DUI records page.