DUI Records in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County DUI and DWI records come from the Superior Court system that serves over 1.1 million residents. The county has three main courthouse locations in Martinez, Richmond, and Walnut Creek. Criminal cases including all DUI charges get filed and maintained at these courthouses. You can search many records through the online public portal. Some documents need in-person requests at the clerk office. The Superior Court keeps criminal case files that include arrest information, court hearings, plea deals, sentencing, and final dispositions for DUI cases across Contra Costa County.
Contra Costa County Quick Facts
Contra Costa Superior Court Records
The Superior Court of Contra Costa County handles all DUI and DWI criminal cases filed in the county. Three courthouse locations serve different areas. Martinez is the main courthouse and county seat. Richmond serves the western part of the county. Walnut Creek handles the central and eastern areas. Each location maintains criminal records for cases filed there.
You can search criminal case information online using the court's public portal at odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal. This system shows case numbers, filing dates, charges, and hearing schedules. The portal does not show case minutes, orders, or court documents. Those items require a request to the clerk office.
The court uses the Tyler Technologies Odyssey case management system. Most criminal cases from recent years appear in the online portal. Older cases may have limited information. If you cannot find a case online, call the criminal division at the courthouse where the case was filed. Staff can search by defendant name or case number. They can tell you if records exist and how to get copies.
| Martinez Hall of Justice |
1020 Ward Street Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 608-1000 |
|---|---|
| Richmond Courthouse |
100 37th Street Richmond, CA 94805 Phone: (925) 608-1000 |
| Wakefield Taylor Courthouse |
640 Ygnacio Valley Road Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone: (925) 608-1000 |
| Website | contracosta.courts.ca.gov |
How to Access DUI Records
Getting DUI records in Contra Costa County depends on what you need. Basic case status shows online for free. Full case files require payment. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The clerk office charges 50 cents per page for document copies from criminal case files.
Start with the online portal to find the case. Search by defendant name or case number if you have it. Write down the full case number. Then decide if you need just the case summary or full documents. The summary shows charges, plea, sentence, and status. Documents include arrest reports, lab results, motions, and orders.
To get documents, visit the courthouse in person or send a written request. Include the case number, defendant name, and list of specific documents you want. Mail requests to the criminal clerk at the courthouse address. Include payment for copies at 50 cents per page. Some records may be sealed or restricted based on the case outcome.
DUI convictions in Contra Costa County also create DMV records. These show on your driving record for ten years. Request your California driving record online through the DMV portal for two dollars. That record shows all DUI convictions from any California county including Contra Costa.
Contra Costa Sheriff Records
The Contra Costa County Sheriff operates the county jail system. They book all DUI arrests. You can search current inmates online at inmateinfo.so.cccounty.us. This database shows who is in custody right now. It includes booking date, charges, and bail amount.
Arrest reports come from the Sheriff or from local police in cities like Richmond, Concord, or Walnut Creek. Each agency keeps its own arrest records. Contact the agency that made the arrest to request those reports. Some arrest records may be restricted or require showing you are the defendant or their attorney.
The Sheriff also handles in-custody booking logs. These show all recent bookings at county jails. Booking information becomes public record once the person is booked. You can see charges at booking but the final court outcome may differ. Always check the court records for the actual conviction and sentence in DUI cases.
DMV Records and Admin Per Se
Every DUI arrest in Contra Costa County triggers an Admin Per Se action with the DMV. The arresting officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit. You have ten days to request a DMV hearing. Call the Driver Safety Branch at 833-543-7703 within those ten days or the suspension happens automatically.
The DMV suspension is separate from criminal court. You can win in court but still lose your license through the DMV. The DMV looks only at blood alcohol level and whether the officer had cause to stop you. They suspend for four months on a first offense. Prior DUI cases within ten years bring longer suspensions.
Your driving record shows the DUI conviction for ten years from the conviction date. Commercial drivers face 55 years retention for DUI convictions. Even an expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 stays on the DMV record. That expungement only affects the criminal record, not the driving record. Future DUI cases can still use the prior conviction for enhancement under Vehicle Code Section 23152.
Legal Help and Resources
Contra Costa County has several resources for people facing DUI charges. The Public Defender office represents those who cannot afford an attorney. They have an office in Martinez at the Hall of Justice. Call (925) 335-8000 to ask about eligibility for a public defender.
Bay Area Legal Aid serves low income residents in civil matters. They do not handle criminal cases directly but can help with related issues like license reinstatement or employment problems from a DUI. Their Contra Costa office is in Richmond. Visit baylegal.org for more information on services available.
The Contra Costa County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Call (925) 686-6900 to get names of private attorneys who handle DUI cases. The State Bar of California also has a referral service at calbar.ca.gov. Many DUI attorneys offer free consultations to review your case.
For questions about court dates or case status, call the criminal clerk at (925) 608-1000. Have your case number ready. Staff can check upcoming hearings and tell you what courtroom to appear in. They cannot give legal advice but can answer procedural questions about DUI cases in Contra Costa County.
Statewide Criminal History Records
The California Department of Justice keeps criminal history records for all California arrests and convictions. A DUI case in Contra Costa County gets reported to the DOJ. This creates a permanent criminal history record unless you get it sealed or expunged.
You can request your own criminal history from the DOJ. This requires fingerprinting at a Live Scan location. The fee is $25. Find Live Scan locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Use Form BCIA 8016RR and check the Record Review box. The DOJ sends you a copy of your full California criminal history. This shows all arrests and convictions from every California county including Contra Costa.
Processing takes two to three days if your fingerprints are not in the system. If they match existing records, a technician must review them manually. That can take weeks. Check your application status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using the tracking number from your Live Scan receipt.
Nearby California Counties
Contra Costa County borders several other Bay Area counties. Each county has its own Superior Court system for DUI cases. Alameda County is south across the bay. Solano County is northeast. Sacramento County is east. San Joaquin County is southeast. Marin County is northwest across the water.
If a DUI arrest happened near a county line, make sure you check records in the right county. Traffic stops on Interstate 80 near the Solano border may be Solano County cases. Stops on Highway 24 near the Alameda line may be Alameda County. The court location depends on where the arrest occurred, not where you live.