Monterey County DUI / DWI Records

Monterey County keeps DUI records at Superior Court in Salinas. The county serves over 430,000 residents along the central California coast in cities like Salinas, Monterey, and Seaside. All criminal DUI cases get filed with the Superior Court. You can search case information online but full documents need a request to the clerk office. The court maintains files with arrest details, charges, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation terms for all DUI cases. These convictions also get sent to the California DMV where they appear on driving records for ten years. State agencies including the Department of Justice receive arrest and conviction data from every Monterey County DUI case filed.

Monterey Superior Court Records

The Monterey County Superior Court handles all DUI criminal cases. The main courthouse is in Salinas. This is where most criminal filings occur. The court has an online portal for searching case information. You can find cases by name or case number from home.

Search cases through the court website. Enter the defendant name to see all criminal cases in Monterey County. The portal shows case numbers, charges, court dates, and outcomes. Most cases from recent years appear online. Very old cases may not be in the computer system.

DUI charges follow California Vehicle Code Section 23152. This law makes it illegal to drive with blood alcohol of 0.08 percent or higher. It also prohibits impaired driving. Police can arrest under either standard. Most DUI cases include both charges. The online portal shows what was filed and how the case ended.

The online system shows basic case information only. Full documents like arrest reports, lab results, and court orders are not available online. Request those from the criminal clerk at the courthouse. Visit in person or send a written request by mail. Include the case number and list of documents needed. The clerk charges copy fees per page.

Request DUI Case Documents

Start by finding the case online. Write down the full case number. Then decide what you need. Basic status is free online. Documents cost money. Certified copies cost more than regular copies.

To get documents, visit the clerk window or mail a request. Include the case number, defendant name, and specific documents you want. The clerk can estimate costs. Payment is required before copying. Processing time depends on the age of the case and how busy the office is.

Some records are sealed or restricted. Juvenile cases are confidential. Expunged cases under Penal Code Section 1203.4 may have limited access. Cases without charges filed may also be restricted. The clerk will explain if records cannot be released.

Monterey County Sheriff Records

The Monterey County Sheriff operates jails and makes arrests in unincorporated areas. They book DUI arrests into the county jail. Most first offense DUI defendants get released after bail. You can search current inmates through the Sheriff website.

Booking records show arrest date, charges, and bail amount. These are public once someone is booked. However, booking charges may differ from final charges. Some arrests never become criminal cases. Always check court records for the actual outcome.

To get arrest reports, contact the arresting agency. Sheriff arrests need requests to the Sheriff. City police arrests need requests to that city department. Each agency has different procedures for releasing reports to the public.

DUI Laws in Monterey County

DUI cases are prosecuted under California Vehicle Code Section 23152. This law prohibits driving with blood alcohol of 0.08 percent or more. It also makes impaired driving illegal. Police can arrest under either standard. Prosecutors often file both charges.

First offense brings probation, fines, DUI school, and license suspension. Second DUI within ten years has mandatory jail time. Third and fourth offenses can be felonies. DUI causing injury is more serious under Vehicle Code Section 23153.

The DMV suspends your license through Admin Per Se. You have ten days to request a hearing. Call the Driver Safety Branch at 833-543-7703 within that time. First offense brings four months suspension. Prior DUI means one year or more.

DMV Driving Records

Every Monterey County DUI conviction appears on your California driving record. The DMV keeps convictions for ten years. Commercial drivers face 55 years retention. Request your record online for two dollars at dmv.ca.gov.

The record shows all violations and license actions. A DUI appears with the violation code, county, and date. This information is visible to employers and insurance companies. An expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 stays on the DMV record. It only affects the criminal court record.

To reinstate your license, complete all requirements. Pay $125 fee to the DMV. File SR-22 insurance for three years. Finish DUI school. Install ignition interlock if ordered. The DMV needs proof before reinstating your license.

Legal Help

The Monterey County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford private attorneys. Ask about eligibility at your first court appearance. The judge decides based on income. The Public Defender office is in Salinas near the courthouse.

California Rural Legal Assistance has an office in Salinas. They help low income residents with civil matters. They do not handle criminal defense. However, they may help with related issues from a DUI conviction. Call to ask about services.

The Monterey County Bar Association can refer you to private DUI attorneys. Many offer free consultations. You can also search through the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. Check license status before hiring.

California DOJ Records

The California Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal records. A Monterey County DUI arrest gets reported to the DOJ. This creates a permanent record. Convictions add to your criminal history.

Request your DOJ record with Live Scan fingerprints. Use Form BCIA 8016RR for Record Review. The fee is $25. Find Live Scan locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Processing takes two to three days for first time requests. Check status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov.

An expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 appears as dismissed on the DOJ record. But it still shows as an arrest. Future DUI cases can use it for enhancement under Vehicle Code Section 23152.