Colusa County DUI Records
Colusa County is a small agricultural county in Northern California with about 21,000 residents. DUI and DWI records here are maintained by the Superior Court in Colusa. All criminal cases for driving under the influence get filed at this courthouse. The court keeps files on charges, plea agreements, and sentencing. The California DMV maintains driving records that show DUI convictions for ten years. The Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal history records that include Colusa County arrests. Most people search these records for personal background checks, employment screening, or legal purposes. Colusa County follows all California DUI laws and procedures just like larger counties.
Colusa County Quick Facts
Superior Court in Colusa County
The Colusa County Superior Court is at 532 Oak Street in Colusa. This small courthouse handles all criminal matters including DUI cases. The court has jurisdiction over the entire county. All driving under the influence charges filed in Colusa County are processed here. The clerk's office maintains case files and docket information.
Contact the court at 530-458-0500 for case information. Staff can search by name or case number. Colusa County does not have an online public case search like larger counties. You must call or visit in person. The courthouse is open weekdays during business hours. Bring photo ID if you want to view case files.
Court records are generally public in California. Anyone can request information unless the case is sealed. The clerk can tell you charges, court dates, and outcomes. Full files may require an in-person visit. Copies cost around 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost more and are needed for legal matters.
Colusa County applies Vehicle Code Section 23152 to all DUI cases. This state law makes it illegal to drive with 0.08 percent blood alcohol or higher. It also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to any degree that impairs your ability to drive safely.
DMV Driving Records
The California DMV keeps all DUI convictions on your driving record for ten years. When Colusa County Superior Court convicts you of DUI, the court reports it to the DMV. The conviction appears on your record with the date, violation code, and county name. Commercial drivers face much longer retention of 55 years for DUI convictions.
Get your driving record online at the DMV Online Driver Record Request portal. The cost is two dollars. You need to create an account first. This protects your information. The online record shows all convictions, suspensions, and accidents. You can print it immediately after paying. Credit cards incur a 1.95 percent processing fee.
Your record includes Admin Per Se suspensions. These occur when you fail or refuse a chemical test during a DUI arrest in Colusa County. The DMV suspends your license administratively even if criminal charges are later dropped. Admin Per Se actions stay on your record for three years from reinstatement.
To get someone else's record, fill out Form INF 70 and mail it with a five-dollar check to the DMV Information Release Unit. The address is PO Box 944247, Sacramento, CA 94244-2470. Only authorized parties can access other people's records. Employers and insurance companies with proper releases can request them.
DOJ Criminal History Records
The California Department of Justice maintains criminal history records for all 58 counties. A DUI arrest in Colusa County appears in your statewide record. DOJ records include arrest dates, charges, case numbers, and dispositions. They are more detailed than DMV driving records. Many employers require DOJ background checks.
Request your own record by submitting fingerprints at a Live Scan location. The fee is $25. Find a location using the DOJ Live Scan Locations tool. The nearest sites to Colusa may be in Yuba City or Williams. Take a completed Live Scan form marked 'Record Review.'
The DOJ processes most requests in 48 to 72 hours if no match is found. If your prints match records on file, manual review is required. This takes longer. Check your status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using your ATI number from the Live Scan receipt.
DOJ keeps records until you turn 100 years old. This is much longer than the DMV's ten-year retention for driving records. A Colusa County DUI from 20 years ago may still appear on a DOJ check even though it is off your driving record. Expungement helps with some background checks but does not erase DOJ records.
DUI Laws in Colusa County
Colusa County enforces California DUI statutes. The main law is Vehicle Code Section 23152. It prohibits driving with 0.08 percent blood alcohol or higher. It also covers driving under the influence of drugs. Lower limits apply to commercial drivers and minors.
A first offense DUI in Colusa County is usually a misdemeanor. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and possible jail. Most first offenders get probation instead of jail. Probation lasts three to five years. You must complete a DUI program, pay fines, and avoid new arrests.
Second and third offenses bring harsher penalties. Multiple DUIs within ten years result in longer suspensions and mandatory jail time. Vehicle Code Section 23153 applies when DUI causes injury. This can be a felony in Colusa County with state prison time.
The DMV Admin Per Se program operates separately from criminal court. When arrested for DUI in Colusa County, officers take your license. You get a 30-day temporary permit. You have ten days to request a DMV hearing. Call 833-543-7703 to schedule it. Missing the deadline results in automatic suspension after 30 days. First offense suspensions last four months.
How to Search DUI Records
Finding DUI records in Colusa County requires contacting the correct agency. Court records come from the Superior Court. Driving records come from the DMV. Complete criminal histories come from the DOJ. Each has different search procedures and fees.
Call Colusa County Superior Court at 530-458-0500 for case information. Have the name or case number ready. The clerk can provide case status, charges, and court dates. You may need to visit the courthouse for complete files. Some information is available by phone. Detailed documents require in-person access.
DMV records are easiest to get online for your own record. The official portal requires your license number and Social Security number. The two-dollar fee includes one full record. For other people's records, you need proper authorization. The DMV reviews all third-party requests.
The Colusa County Sheriff and local police investigate DUI cases. Request arrest reports from the agency that made the arrest. The California Highway Patrol covers state highways in Colusa County. Request CHP reports through their Public Records Act page.
Legal Resources for Colusa County
If you face DUI charges in Colusa County, several resources can help. The court provides public defenders for people who qualify financially. Ask at your arraignment. You must complete forms showing income and assets. The court determines eligibility.
Private attorneys also handle DUI cases. The State Bar of California offers a referral service at 1-866-442-2529. Search for attorneys at calbar.ca.gov. Look for DUI defense experience. Many attorneys from nearby counties also take Colusa County cases.
The California Courts website has self-help information at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. This site explains case lookup and public records access. It provides general legal information but not specific legal advice.
Note: DUI convictions can affect your driving privilege, employment, and criminal record for years.
Expunging a Colusa County DUI
California allows expungement of some DUI convictions under Penal Code Section 1203.4. You must complete probation successfully. Most DUI probation in Colusa County lasts three to five years. You must finish your DUI program, pay fines, and avoid new arrests.
File a petition with Colusa County Superior Court. The court schedules a hearing. A judge reviews your conduct since conviction. Clean behavior helps. New arrests hurt. If granted, the court dismisses the case. You can then state you were not convicted for most purposes.
Expungement has limits. The DMV keeps the DUI on your driving record for ten years under Vehicle Code Section 13555. The DOJ keeps it in your criminal history. A new DUI means the prior Colusa County case still counts. Expungement mainly helps with employment checks.
Some people hire lawyers for expungement. Attorneys can prepare paperwork and represent you at hearings. You can also file yourself. The court clerk has forms and instructions. Make sure you meet all requirements before filing.
Nearby Counties
Colusa County borders several other California counties. Each has its own Superior Court. Make sure you know which county filed your charges. Cases get filed where the arrest occurred.