Santa Barbara County DUI / DWI Records
Santa Barbara County maintains DUI records at Superior Court locations in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The county has about 450,000 residents in cities along the central coast. All criminal DUI cases get filed with the Superior Court system. You can search basic case information online through the court portal. Full case files and documents need a formal request to the clerk office. The court keeps arrest details, charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation terms for all DUI cases in Santa Barbara County. These records also get reported to the California DMV where convictions appear on driving records for ten years and to the state Department of Justice criminal history database.
Santa Barbara County Overview
Santa Barbara Superior Court System
The Superior Court of Santa Barbara County has three main courthouse locations. Santa Barbara serves the south county. Santa Maria serves the north county. Lompoc serves the western area. DUI cases get filed at the courthouse closest to where the arrest occurred. All locations use the same case management system.
Search criminal 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 recent cases appear in the database. Very old cases may not be in the computer system at all.
DUI charges follow California Vehicle Code Section 23152. First offense is typically a misdemeanor. The 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 charges. The portal shows how the case ended.
| Santa Barbara Courthouse |
1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 882-4550 |
|---|---|
| Santa Maria Courthouse |
1100 H Street Santa Maria, CA 93454 Phone: (805) 346-7400 |
| Website | sbcourts.org |
The online portal gives basic 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 where the case was filed. Call or visit in person to ask about document request procedures and fees.
Request Case Documents
Find the case online first. Write down the full case number. Then decide what documents you need. Basic case status is free online. Document copies cost money. Certified copies cost more than regular copies.
To get documents, visit the clerk window at the courthouse or send a written request by mail. Include the case number, defendant name, and list of specific documents wanted. The clerk charges copy fees per page. Payment is required before they make copies. Processing time depends on case age and office workload.
Some records are sealed or confidential. Juvenile DUI cases are not public. Expunged cases under Penal Code Section 1203.4 may have limited access. Cases where no charges were filed may also be restricted. The clerk will explain if records cannot be released.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Records
The Santa Barbara 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 posting bail. You can search current inmates through the Sheriff website.
Booking records show arrest date, charges at booking, and bail amount. These are public once someone is booked. However, booking charges may differ from final charges filed by the District Attorney. Some arrests never result in criminal charges. Always check court records for the actual case outcome.
To get arrest reports, contact the agency that made the arrest. Sheriff arrests need requests to the Sheriff Records Bureau. City police arrests need requests to that city department. Each agency has different procedures for releasing arrest reports to the public.
DUI Laws in Santa Barbara County
DUI cases are prosecuted under 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 regardless of blood alcohol level. 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 charged as felonies. DUI causing injury is more serious under Vehicle Code Section 23153. This can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on injuries.
The DMV suspends your license through Admin Per Se. This happens separately from criminal court. You have ten days to request a DMV hearing. Call the Driver Safety Branch at 833-543-7703 within that time. First offense brings four months suspension. Prior DUI within ten years means one year or longer.
DMV Driving Records
Every Santa Barbara 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 and employers. 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 ordered. The DMV needs proof before reinstating your license.
An expunged DUI under Penal Code Section 1203.4 stays on the 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 Santa Barbara County Public Defender represents defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. Ask about eligibility at your first court appearance. The judge decides based on income and assets. The Public Defender has offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County helps low income residents with civil matters. They do not handle criminal defense. However, they may assist with related issues from a DUI conviction. Their offices are in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Call to ask about services.
The Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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. Law enforcement can still see it.