Simi Valley DUI Records
Simi Valley DUI records are maintained by Ventura County Superior Court and California state agencies. This city has over 125,000 residents and sits in the eastern part of Ventura County. When Simi Valley Police arrest someone for DUI, criminal charges get filed at the Ventura County courthouse. Court records include arrest details, charges, hearing dates, and sentencing information. The California DMV keeps driving records that show DUI convictions for ten years. The Department of Justice maintains criminal history records with arrest and court outcome data. You can search most Simi Valley DUI records online through official portals or request copies through mail and in-person visits.
Simi Valley Quick Facts
Ventura County Court Records
Ventura County Superior Court handles all DUI criminal cases from Simi Valley. The county has several court locations. Simi Valley cases typically get processed at the Simi Valley courthouse or the main courthouse in Ventura depending on where the arrest occurred and court scheduling. The court maintains files with police reports, court minutes, and sentencing orders for each case.
Search for Simi Valley DUI cases online at ventura.ecourt.com public 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. You must visit the courthouse or call the clerk to request copies of documents from Simi Valley DUI cases.
Contact the Ventura 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.
Most DUI charges in Simi Valley 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 different record retention rules.
| Court | Ventura County Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Simi Valley Courthouse | 3855 Alamo Street Simi Valley, CA 93063 |
| Phone | (805) 289-8848 |
| Portal | ventura.ecourt.com/public-portal |
DMV Driving Records
A DUI conviction from Simi Valley appears on your California driving record for ten years. The DMV records the violation code, date, and Ventura County as the location. This stays on your record even if you move to another state. Employers, insurance companies, and licensing boards can all see the DUI conviction when they request your driving record.
You can get your own driving record online for two dollars. Visit the DMV Online Driver Record Request page. Create an account and log in. You can print your record right away. It shows all DUI convictions from Simi Valley and other locations for the past ten years. Credit card payments include a 1.95 percent processing fee.
To request someone else's driving record, use Form INF 70. 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 public without cause.
Admin Per Se suspensions apply to DUI arrests in Simi Valley. When an officer arrests you for DUI, they confiscate your license and give you a temporary permit good for 30 days. 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 independently of your criminal case in Simi Valley. You can lose your license through the DMV even if your court case gets dismissed.
Police Report Requests
The Simi Valley Police Department handles DUI arrests within city limits. Officers conduct traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests. They write detailed reports describing the stop, observations, test results, and arrest. These reports become part of the court case file.
Getting a copy of your DUI arrest report from Simi Valley Police can be difficult. Many police departments refuse to release arrest reports to the person arrested. Your defense attorney can obtain the report through discovery in your court case. If you need the report for legal purposes, hire an attorney to request it on your behalf.
The Ventura County Sheriff operates jails where people arrested for DUI in Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley DUI arrest, contact the Ventura 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: Simi Valley Police use body cameras and dash cameras that may record DUI stops and arrests.
State Criminal History
The California Department of Justice maintains criminal records for all DUI arrests in Simi Valley. 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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley DUI, use the Record Review process. Call the DOJ Record Review Unit at (916) 227-3849 or email recordreview@doj.ca.gov with questions.
Expungement Options
Some Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley, 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 Ventura 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 Simi Valley. 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 Simi Valley. The Ventura 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 Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley DUI arrest.
Ventura County Resources
Simi Valley is located in Ventura County. All DUI cases from the city are processed through Ventura 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 locations, and record access procedures, visit the Ventura County DUI records page.