Solano County DUI Records

Solano County DUI records are kept at the Superior Court in Fairfield. The county serves about 450,000 residents in cities like Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, and Benicia. All criminal DUI cases get filed with the Superior Court where records are maintained for many years. You can search case information online through a public portal. Full case documents require a formal request to the clerk office. The court maintains files with arrest information, charging documents, plea agreements, sentences, and probation conditions for all DUI cases. These convictions also get reported to the California DMV where they stay on driving records for ten years and to the state Department of Justice criminal history system.

Solano Superior Court Records

The Solano County Superior Court handles all DUI criminal cases in the county. The main courthouse is in Fairfield. This is where criminal filings occur. The court has an online portal for searching case information from home or office without visiting the courthouse.

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. Very old cases from before computerization may not be searchable online.

DUI charges in Solano County follow California Vehicle Code Section 23152. First offense DUI is usually a misdemeanor. The online system shows whether charges were filed under subsection (a) for impaired driving or subsection (b) for blood alcohol over 0.08 percent. Most cases include both charges. The portal shows the case outcome including pleas and sentences.

The online portal provides 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 send a written request by mail. Include the case number and list of documents needed. The clerk charges copy fees per page.

Access DUI Case Files

Start by searching online to find the case. Write down the case number. Then decide what you need. Basic case status is free online. Document copies cost money. Certified copies cost more than regular copies.

To request documents, visit the clerk window or mail your request. Include the case number, defendant name, and specific documents wanted. The clerk can estimate costs based on page count. Payment is required before copying. Processing time depends on case age and how busy the office is.

Some records are restricted or sealed. Juvenile DUI cases are confidential. Expunged cases under Penal Code Section 1203.4 may have limited access. Cases where charges were never filed may be restricted. The clerk will tell you if records cannot be released.

Solano County Sheriff Records

The Solano 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 become public once someone is booked. However, booking charges may differ from final charges. Some arrests never 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 Division. City police arrests need requests to that city department. Each agency has different procedures for releasing reports to the public.

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 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. This is separate 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 Solano 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 Solano 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 office is in Fairfield near the courthouse. They handle all criminal cases including DUI.

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

The Solano 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 Solano 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.

Solano County Cities

Solano County includes several cities with police departments. Fairfield is the county seat. Other cities include Vallejo, Vacaville, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista, and Suisun City. Each city police force makes DUI arrests within city limits. The Sheriff handles unincorporated areas.

All DUI cases from county cities get filed in Superior Court in Fairfield. The location of arrest determines which agency wrote the report. Request arrest records from that agency. Vallejo Police uses vallejo.nextrequest.com for records requests. Fairfield Police uses fairfieldcapd.nextrequest.com. Other cities have different systems.