Access Santa Rosa DUI Records
Santa Rosa DUI records are kept by Sonoma County Superior Court and California state agencies. This city is the county seat of Sonoma County with about 178,000 residents. DUI arrests by Santa Rosa Police result in criminal charges filed at the Sonoma County courthouse. Court files contain arrest details, charges, hearing dates, and sentencing information. The California DMV maintains driving records showing DUI convictions for ten years. The Department of Justice keeps criminal history records with arrest and court outcome data. You can search many Santa Rosa DUI records online through official government portals or request copies by mail and in person.
Santa Rosa Quick Facts
Sonoma County Court Cases
Sonoma County Superior Court handles all DUI criminal cases from Santa Rosa. The main courthouse is in Santa Rosa at 600 Administration Drive. This is where criminal DUI charges from Santa Rosa get filed and heard. The court maintains case files with police reports, court minutes, and sentencing orders for each DUI case.
Search for Santa Rosa DUI cases online at sonoma.courts.ca.gov case portal. This portal lets you look up cases by name or case number. The system 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 Santa Rosa DUI cases.
Contact the Sonoma County Superior Court clerk for information about getting copies of records. Call them at (707) 521-6500. 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 Santa Rosa courthouse records.
Most DUI charges in Santa Rosa are misdemeanors under Vehicle Code 23152. A first offense with no injuries is typically a misdemeanor. If someone was hurt in the DUI incident, prosecutors can file felony charges under Vehicle Code 23153. Felony DUI cases carry harsher penalties and have different record retention rules than misdemeanors.
| Court | Sonoma County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 Administration Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403 |
| Phone | (707) 521-6500 |
| Portal | sonoma.courts.ca.gov/online-services/case-portal |
Santa Rosa DMV Records
A DUI conviction from Santa Rosa stays on your California driving record for ten years. The DMV tracks all violations statewide. Your record shows the violation code, date, and Sonoma 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa.
Police Report Access
The Santa Rosa 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.
Santa Rosa Police use a public records request system. You can submit requests at cityofsantarosaca.nextrequest.com. Police reports typically cost $2 per report. Getting your own DUI arrest report may be difficult as many agencies will not release arrest reports to the person arrested. Your defense attorney can obtain the report through discovery in your court case.
The Sonoma County Sheriff operates the county jail where people arrested for DUI in Santa Rosa may be booked. Search for inmates online at inmatesearch.sonomasheriff.org. 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 Santa Rosa DUI arrest, contact the Sonoma 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: Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa, 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 Sonoma 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 Santa Rosa. 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 Santa Rosa. The Sonoma 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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa DUI arrest.
Sonoma County DUI Resources
Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County. All DUI cases from Santa Rosa are processed through Sonoma 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 Sonoma County DUI records page.