Los Angeles County Criminal Records
Understanding Los Angeles County Criminal Records
If someone has a criminal record in Los Angeles County, it means they were convicted of a crime. These can include felonies, misdemeanors and even traffic citations. These records are maintained by various law enforcement agencies and the various courts in the county. They are publicly accessible by anyone whether it’s for a background check, employment screening, or just curiosity. Depending on your reasons for running a Los Angeles Criminal Records Search will determine what resources you should use. We will go over the various online methods of searching for these records, as well as how to expunge a criminal conviction on your record.
How to Run a Criminal Records Search in Los Angeles County
Running a LA County Criminal Records Search can be done a few different ways. Some of the available resources will allow you to run a search for official purposes and some resources are intended for reference only. Here are the most common ways to run this search:
1). The Los Angeles Superior Court offers an online criminal case search tool called LA Court Online Services. This service allows users to search for criminal case information by entering a case number, or party name. These searches will retrieve specific criminal cases but will not show you a person’s complete criminal history.
2). The California Department of Justice offers a statewide criminal history search, which includes LA County. These official requests require fingerprint submission and are primarily used for employment or licensing applications.
3). In-Person Search: Anyone can visit the Superior Court Clerk’s Office to request access to criminal cases and convictions. A small fee may be required to obtain copies of documents, and you will need to know the case number or the full name and date of birth of the person of interest.
4). Third-Party Background Check Services: There are several private companies that offer criminal background check services. These services typically compile information from multiple sources, including LA County, to provide comprehensive reports. However, many of these resources are intended for reference only and cannot be used for official purposes.
Top 10 Most Common Misdemeanors in LA County
1). Petty Theft - Theft of property valued at $950 or less.
2).D UI (Driving Under the Influence) - Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
3). Public Intoxication - Being drunk or under the influence of drugs in public.
4). Trespassing - Unauthorized entry onto someone else’s property.
5). Simple Assault - An attempt to cause physical harm to someone without using a weapon.
6). Vandalism - Willfully damaging or defacing property.
7). Disorderly Conduct - Behaving in a disruptive or inappropriate manner in public.
8). Shoplifting - Stealing goods from a retail establishment.
9). Domestic Battery - Inflicting physical harm on a spouse or cohabitant.
10). Driving on a Suspended License - Operating a vehicle while one’s driver’s license is suspended.
Top 10 Most Common Felony Crimes in LA County
1). Assault with a Deadly Weapon - An attack on someone with a weapon that could cause serious injury or death.
2). Burglary - Entering a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony.
3). Robbery - Taking property from someone using force or threats.
4). Drug Trafficking - The sale, transportation, or distribution of controlled substances.
5). Murder - The unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought.
6). Rape - Non-consensual sexual intercourse achieved through force or coercion.
7). Grand Theft - Theft of property valued over $950.
8). Carjacking - The violent theft of a vehicle from its driver.
9). Kidnapping - Unlawfully taking someone and holding them against their will.
10). Arson - Intentionally setting fire to property.
Expunging a Criminal Record in Los Angeles County
Expunging a criminal record in Los Angeles, or any county in California, involves legally erasing or sealing of certain criminal convictions. Expungement has a lot of positive aspects. It can greatly improve a person’s ability to secure employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, a criminal record must be eligible for expungement which is usually up to a judge.
Steps to Expunge a Criminal Record:
1). Determine Eligibility: Most misdemeanors and some lesser felonies can be expunged if that person has completed probation or parole and taken care of their fines and restitution. They also cannot be currently facing any new criminal charges.
2). File a Petition: The first step is to file a petition for expungement with the court where the conviction occurred. This usually involves filling out various forms such as the Petition for Dismissal (California Form CR-180) and paying a filing fee. It might be helpful to hire an attorney for this process.
3). Court Hearing: In many cases, a court hearing will be required. The judge will then review the petition, review the person’s conduct since the conviction, and then decide if that person is eligible for expungement.
4). Outcome: If granted, the conviction will be dismissed or sealed, and the individual can legally state that they have not been convicted of that crime. However, certain records, such as those held by the Department of Justice or federal databases, will still show the conviction on their end.
5). After Expungement: It’s important to note that while expungement removes the criminal conviction from public view, it does not restore all that person’s rights. For example, it does not reinstate firearm rights or remove the responsibility to register as a sex offender.
How Do I Lookup Someone's Los Angeles Criminal History?
To lookup someone's criminal history, also known as a criminal background check, you can use a public records website. These are easy to use resources that allow users to quickly lookup anyone's criminal history with a simple name search. These resources compile information from multiple government agencies and third party resources to give you a complete picture of an individual's criminal past.
Are Criminal Convictions Considered Public Record in Los Angeles?
Yes, criminal convictions, criminal court cases, sentencings records, arrest reports, active warrants, and incarcerations are all part of a person's public record that can be viewed by anyone.
