Find Tulare County DUI Records

Tulare County DUI and DWI records are maintained at the Superior Court in Visalia and Porterville. The county has over 470,000 residents in the Central Valley. All criminal DUI cases get filed with the Superior Court system. You can search basic case information online through the court portal but full case files need formal requests. The court keeps records with arrest details, charging documents, plea agreements, sentences, and probation terms for all DUI cases. These convictions get reported to the California DMV where they appear on driving records for ten years. The state Department of Justice also receives criminal history information from every DUI arrest and conviction that occurs in Tulare County.

Tulare Superior Court System

The Tulare County Superior Court has two main courthouse locations. Visalia serves the northern part of the county. Porterville serves the southern area. DUI cases get filed at the courthouse nearest to where the arrest occurred. Both locations use the same case management system for criminal cases.

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 cases from recent years appear in the database. Older cases from before computerization may have limited information or may not be searchable online.

DUI charges in Tulare County follow California Vehicle Code Section 23152. First offense is typically 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 have both charges. The portal shows the case outcome including guilty pleas, dismissals, or trial verdicts.

The online portal gives basic case information only. Full documents like arrest reports, lab results, and sentencing orders are not available online. Request those from the criminal clerk at the courthouse where the case was filed. 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

Find the case online first. Write down the 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 mail a written request. Include the case number, defendant name, and specific documents wanted. The clerk can estimate costs based on page count. Payment is required before they make copies. Processing time depends on case age and office workload.

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

Tulare County Sheriff Records

The Tulare County Sheriff operates jails and makes arrests in unincorporated areas of the county. They book DUI arrests into the county jail system in Visalia. 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 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 police department. Each agency has different procedures for releasing arrest reports to the public.

DUI Laws in Tulare 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 in the same case.

First offense brings probation, fines, DUI school, and license suspension. Jail time is possible but not always required. Second DUI within ten years has mandatory jail time. Third and fourth offenses can be charged as felonies with state prison sentences.

DUI causing injury is more serious under Vehicle Code Section 23153. This can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the injuries and circumstances. Felony DUI brings longer sentences and bigger fines. The court orders restitution to injured victims.

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 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 Tulare County DUI conviction appears on your California driving record. The DMV keeps convictions for ten years from the conviction date. Commercial drivers face 55 years retention for DUI. 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. Admin Per Se suspensions also show. This information is visible to insurance companies, employers, and courts. It affects insurance rates and job opportunities.

To get your license back after suspension, complete all requirements. Pay $125 reissue fee to the DMV. File SR-22 proof of insurance for three years. Finish court ordered DUI school. Install ignition interlock device if required. The DMV needs proof of all these 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. The expungement 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 Tulare County Public Defender represents defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. Ask about eligibility at your arraignment. The judge decides based on income and assets. The Public Defender office has locations in Visalia and Porterville near the courthouses. They handle all criminal cases including DUI charges.

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

The Tulare County Bar Association can refer you to private DUI attorneys. Many lawyers offer free consultations. Bring your court documents and arrest paperwork. You can also search for attorneys through the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. Check license status and disciplinary history online before hiring.

California DOJ Criminal Records

The California Department of Justice maintains criminal history records for the entire state. A DUI arrest in Tulare County gets reported to the DOJ. This creates a permanent record in the state database. Convictions add to your criminal history. Even dismissed cases may appear unless sealed by court order.

Request your own DOJ criminal record by getting Live Scan fingerprints. Use Form BCIA 8016RR for Record Review. The DOJ fee is $25. Find Live Scan locations at oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Many private businesses in Tulare County offer Live Scan services.

Processing takes two to three days for first time requests. If your fingerprints match existing records, a DOJ technician must review them manually. This takes longer. Check your application status at applicantstatus.doj.ca.gov using the ATI number from your Live Scan receipt.

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 your DMV driving record. Future DUI cases can still use it for enhancement.

Cities in Tulare County

Tulare County includes several cities with police departments. Visalia is the largest city and county seat. Other cities include Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba, Exeter, Lindsay, and Woodlake. 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. The courthouse location depends on where the arrest occurred. Northern county arrests usually go to Visalia. Southern county arrests go to Porterville. Check your court paperwork for the correct location. Appearing at the wrong courthouse wastes time.