San Joaquin County DUI Records

San Joaquin County DUI and DWI records are filed with the Superior Court in Stockton. The county has over 770,000 people living in Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, and other cities. Criminal DUI cases get processed through the court where files stay for many years. You can search basic case details through an online portal but documents need formal requests. The court keeps records with arrest information, charging documents, plea deals, sentences, and probation conditions for all DUI convictions. These records also get sent to the California DMV where DUI convictions appear on driving records for ten years. The state Department of Justice receives criminal history data from every arrest and conviction in San Joaquin County.

Superior Court Case Search

The San Joaquin County Superior Court handles all DUI criminal cases. The main courthouse is in Stockton at 222 East Weber Avenue. This is where criminal filings occur. The court maintains an online system for searching case information without visiting in person.

Search cases online through the court website. Enter the defendant name or case number to find DUI records. The portal shows charges, court dates, and case status. Most cases from recent years appear in the database. Older cases from before computers may have limited information.

DUI charges in San Joaquin County follow California Vehicle Code Section 23152. First time DUI is usually a misdemeanor. The online system shows whether charges were filed under subsection (a) for impairment or subsection (b) for blood alcohol over 0.08 percent. Most cases have both. The portal shows the case outcome including pleas, dismissals, or trial results.

The online portal shows case summaries only. Full documents like arrest reports, lab results, and sentencing orders are not available online. Request those from the criminal clerk. Visit the courthouse or mail a written request. Include the case number and list of documents. The clerk charges copy fees per page.

Get DUI Case Files

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

Request documents at the clerk window or by mail. Include the case number, defendant name, and specific documents wanted. The clerk can estimate costs based on page count. Payment is required before copying starts. Processing time varies depending on case age and office workload.

Some records are restricted. Juvenile DUI cases are not public. Expunged cases under Penal Code Section 1203.4 may have limited access. Cases with no charges filed may be restricted. The clerk will tell you if records cannot be released and why.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Records

The San Joaquin County Sheriff operates jails and makes arrests in unincorporated areas. They book DUI arrests into the county jail system. Most first time DUI defendants get released after bail. You can search current inmates through the Sheriff website using the ATIMS inmate system.

Booking records show arrest date, charges at booking, and bail amount. These become public once someone is booked. However, booking charges may differ from final charges. Some arrests do not result in criminal charges. Always check court records for the actual case outcome.

To get arrest reports, contact the arresting agency. Sheriff arrests need requests to the Sheriff Records Bureau. City police arrests need requests to that city. Each agency has different procedures for releasing reports. Some restrict access while cases are pending.

California DUI Law

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

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 charged as felonies. DUI causing injury is more serious under Vehicle Code Section 23153. This brings longer sentences and bigger fines.

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

DMV Records and License Reinstatement

Every San Joaquin 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, accidents, and license actions. A DUI appears with the violation code, county, and date. This information is visible to insurance companies, employers, and courts. It affects insurance rates and job opportunities.

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 required. The DMV needs proof before reinstating your license. Processing takes time so submit paperwork early.

An expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 does not come off your DMV record. It only affects the criminal court record. Future DUI cases can still use the prior conviction for enhancement under the ten year lookback rule in Vehicle Code Section 23152.

Legal Help

The San Joaquin County Public Defender represents defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. Ask about eligibility at your arraignment. The judge decides based on income. The Public Defender office is in Stockton near the courthouse. They handle all criminal cases including DUI.

Legal Services of Northern California has an office in Stockton. They help low income residents with civil matters. They do not handle criminal defense. However, they may help with related issues like license problems or employment discrimination from a DUI. Call to ask about services.

The San Joaquin 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 and disciplinary history before hiring.

Statewide Criminal Records

The California Department of Justice keeps statewide criminal records. A San Joaquin County DUI arrest gets reported to the DOJ. This creates a permanent record. Convictions add to your criminal history. Even dismissed cases may appear unless sealed.

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 with your ATI number.

An expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 appears as dismissed on the DOJ record. But it still shows as an arrest. Law enforcement can still see it. And it does not come off the DMV driving record.