Court Records

Electronic Access to Court Records

The Court provides electronic access to criminal court records, when feasible. Access to electronic records save the public time and effort and promotes efficiency with court operations. The Court complies with California Rule of Court (CRC) 2.500 - Public Access to Electronic Court Records by providing:

• Remote electronic access to indexes, court calendars and registers of action, CRC 2.507(b); and
• Courthouse electronic access to court records.

Remote Electronic Access

Remote electronic access is available for criminal court indexes, court calendars and registers of action pursuant to CRC 2.507(b). Please see the Public Portal to search by case number or party name.

For criminal matters, electronic information is available from November 1992 through today. If you need information on a criminal record with a violation date prior to November 1992, please visit the Clerk's Office at the Salinas Courthouse and/or submit a Request for a Record Search and/or Copies.

Courthouse Electronic Access

Computers are available to the public in the Clerk's Office to access indexes, court calendar information, register of actions and court case record information pursuant to CRC 2.503(c). Additional indexes in non-electronic form are available in the Clerk's Office. Members of the public may view and request copies of records in person at the Clerk's Office. Refer to Criminal Case Record Search, below, for additional information.

Criminal Case Record Search

Requests for a criminal case record search may be made by contacting the Clerk's Office in person at the Salinas Courthouse or by mail.

Please note: The Court does not conduct record searches over the phone.

Criminal Record Search Fee

The Clerk's Office will process requests for a criminal record search made in person or by mail. The Clerk's Office does not conduct record searches by telephone. A record search fee is required for each record search without a case number. A record search fee is also required for any search requiring more than 10 minutes of the clerk's time (with or without a case number). See the local Fee Schedule for current fees. Refer to form Request for a Record Search and/or Copies for requesting a record search.

Tip: You can avoid paying a record search fee by conducting your own record search online with the Public Portal. You may also conduct case research at the Clerk's Office free of charge.

Request for a Criminal Record Search

In Person

The Clerk will conduct up to 3 record searches in person. If you have more than 3 searches, you may be required to give the Clerk up to 72 hours to process your request.

1. Provide the following information to the Clerk's Office:
   • Case number;
   • Full name(s), date of birth, driver's license number;
   • Location and date of violation;
   • Any additional information available that will assist the clerk with identifying the case.
2. Pay the appropriate fees to the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk's Office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. All checks must be printed with the account holder's name and address. The Clerk's Office accepts debit and credit cards for a small fee.

By Mail

1. The request must be made in writing with the submission of a Request for a Record Search and/or Copies form. Please include the following information, if available:
   • Case number;
   • Full name(s), date of birth, driver's license number;
   • Location and date of violation;
   • Any additional information available that will assist the clerk with identifying the case.
2. Pay the appropriate fees to the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk's Office accepts checks or money orders only for mailed requests. DO NOT SEND CASH. Please refer to the current local Fee Schedule under the Record Related Fees section for fee details.
   • Make the check payable to the Superior Court and mail to:
     Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
     Attention: Records
     240 Church Street
     Salinas, CA 93901
   • All checks must be printed with the account holder's name and address.

   • If you are unable to determine the amount due, submit a check payable to the Superior Court with an amount stating "Not to exceed $200.00 Dollars"; this is an estimated amount for the fees due. This payment will allow the Clerk to process your request and to apply the monies to the cost of the research and any other records-related fees. The Clerk will write-in the actual amount due on the check, not exceeding the authorized amount of $200.00. 
     See an example of a "not to exceed" check below.

     Image

     

3. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough to accommodate your request. Postage will be added to your check if postage is insufficient.

Request to View a Criminal Case File

Criminal cases are available for viewing by the public at the Criminal Clerk's Office.

You may visit the Salinas to view criminal file(s). You will need to provide the case number for the file(s) to be retrieved for viewing. If you are unable to provide the case number, you will be required to follow the Record Search Request process.

The clerk's office will retrieve up to 3 cases for viewing. If you are requesting multiple files, we require you to complete the Request for Criminal File Examination. The files will be available for viewing the same day if the file is located on site.

If you are requesting to view more than 3 files, the Clerk's Office requires 72 hours to process your request.

If the file is stored at an off-site location, the Clerk's Office requires 72 hours to process your request.

Request for A Copy Or Certified Copy Of A Court Document

A request for a copy of a document may be made in person at the Clerk's Office or submitted in writing by mail.

If your request for a copy of a court record is a result of a governmental agency requesting a court disposition from you, please submit a copy of the notice from the governmental agency with your request for copies or bring the notice with you.

If the case number is unknown, you may conduct your own record search. Refer to the Case Look-Up section to obtain a case number for criminal cases filed after November 1992. For the Clerk to conduct a record search, please see the local Fee Schedule for current fees.

Copy Fee

Please see refer to the current local Fee Schedule.

Certification Fee

Requests for Court's certification stamp, and court seal, declaring the document a true copy of the original, please see refer to the current local Fee Schedule, for both certification and copy fees.

Processing Time

Please allow a minimum of 10 days for processing your request.

Request for Copies of Court Document

In Person

1. Appear at the Clerk's Office to request a copy of a document and provide the following information:
   • Case number;
   • Full name(s) date of birth, driver's license number;
   • Location and date of violation;
   • Any additional information available that will assist the clerk with identifying the case
2. Pay the appropriate fee(s) to the Clerk of the Court.

By Mail

1. The request must be made in writing with the submission of a Request for a Record Search and/or Copies form. Please include the following information, if available:
   • Case number;
   • Full name(s), date of birth, driver's license number;
   • Location and date of violation;
   • Any additional information available that will assist the clerk with identifying the case.
2. Pay the appropriate fees to the Clerk of the Court. Please refer to the Court Local Fee Schedule under the Record Related Fees section for fee details.
   • Record Search fee, please refer to the local Fee Schedule for current fees.
   • Copy fee per, please refer to the local Fee Schedule for current fees.
   • Certification with Court Seal affixed, please refer to the local Fee Schedule for current fees.
3. Make the check payable to the Superior Court and mail to:
   Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
   Attention: Records
   240 Church Street
   Salinas, CA 93901
   • The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. DO NOT MAIL CASH. All checks must be printed with the account holder's name and address.
   • If you are unable to determine the amount due, submit a check payable to the Superior Court with an amount stating "Not to exceed $200.00 Dollars"; this is an estimated amount for the fees due. This payment will allow the Clerk to process your request and to apply the monies to the cost of the research and any other records-related fees. The Clerk will write-in the actual amount due on the check, not exceeding the authorized amount of $200.00. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH.

     See an example of a "not to exceed" check below.

     Image

     
4. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough to accommodate your request. Postage will be added to your check if postage is insufficient.

Petition for Relief Per Penal Code Section 1203.4 Or 1203.4a

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony and were not sentenced to state prison and you have completed the terms of your sentence, you may file a petition pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4 or 1203.4a. Many criminal offenses can be dismissed from your record. Certain convictions are not eligible for dismissal.

Click here for Penal Code 1203.4 Information and Instructions forms packet

Penal Code 1203.4 – Successful Completion of Probation

After successful completion or early termination of probation, you may petition the court to dismiss the charges under Penal Code §1203.4. To be eligible for consideration pursuant to Penal Code 1203.4, you must not be serving a sentence for any offense, be on probation for any offense, or be charged with the commission of any offense. (You may petition the court for an early termination of probation by filing an Application for Modification of Sentence. The judge, in the interest of justice, may grant an early termination of probation).

Penal Code 1203.4a - Not Placed on Probation

If you were not placed on probation and more than one year has elapsed since the date of pronouncement of judgment, you may petition the court to dismiss the charges under Penal Code 1203.4a. To be eligible for consideration pursuant to Penal Code 1203.4a, you must have complied with the court sentence; you are not serving a sentence for any offense nor under charge of commission of any crime.

Some of the Continuing Liabilities After the Petition Is Granted

• Disclosure – Granting of the Petition does NOT relieve you from the obligation to disclose the conviction in response to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for public office, for licensure by any state or local agency, or for contracting with the California State Lottery but ALLOWS you to indicate "no" on most employment applications that ask whether you have been convicted of a crime.
• DMV – Granting of the Petition does NOT affect DMV actions or future consequences for crimes involving operation of a motor vehicle.
• Firearms – Granting of the Petition does NOT permit you to own, possess, or have in your custody or control any firearm.
• Sex Registration - Granting of the Petition -does NOT relieve you from any obligation to register under Penal Code §290.
• Sealing – Granting of the Petition does NOT seal your record, destroy or remove any entries from the court, law enforcement, Department of Justice or Department of Motor Vehicles. The case, including the conviction, will remain public record.

Upon Granting the Petition, the Court Will Order That:

• The conviction be set aside;
• A plea of not guilty be entered and,
• The case be dismissed pursuant to the applicable Penal Code section (§1203.4 or §1203.4a)

This Information is for general use and is not intended as a complete statement of the laws and rules relating to relief granted under Penal Code §1203.4 and 1203.4a. For further information, you may refer to Penal Code §1203.4 and 1203.4a or you may wish to seek legal assistance.

Instructions:

Step 1:	Complete thePetition for Dismissal CR-180 and Proof of Service form, (Incomplete forms will not be processed and will be returned for correction.) You will need the original and two copies: (1) Original - Court; (1) Copy - District/City Attorney; (1) Copy – your file.
Step 2:	Serve (hand deliver or mail) Completed Copy of the Petition for Dismissal and Proof of Service form to the District /City Attorney who prosecuted your case.
Step 3:	File with the Clerk's Office the Original Petition for Dismissal and Proof of Service form, (Refer to Step 2.)
Step 4:	Pay a fee* See the local Fee Schedule for current fees.

* If you do not have the ability to pay the fee, you must file a Financial Declaration with the Petition for Dismissal. The Court will process the Petition for Dismissal whether or not a fee is paid. The Court will make a determination of your ability to reimburse all or a portion of the cost. Such order will have the same force and effect as a judgment in a civil action and will be subject to execution.

Upon granting the Petition, the Court will order the:

• conviction set aside;
• a plea of not guilty entered; and
• case dismissed pursuant to Penal Code §1203.4 or §1203.4a

The relief granted by Penal Code 1203.4 or Penal Code 1203.4a does NOT seal, destroy or remove any entries from the court, law enforcement, Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Justice records, but is a dismissal of the charges and convictions. Upon granting of the petition, a notation will be entered on the record that relief was granted pursuant to this statute.

The Clerk of the Court will report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), if applicable, the setting aside of the guilty plea and dismissal of the case pursuant to Penal Code §1203.4 or §1203.4a.

The "set aside and dismissed" is a limited remedy that does not erase a case from your record, but rather results in a notation to your rap sheet indicating that the conviction has been "dismissed in the furtherance of justice." California law allows the courts and DOJ to set aside and dismiss most adult misdemeanor and many felony convictions following criminal prosecution.

These records cannot be sealed. Relief under the Penal Code 1203.4 dismissals is still helpful because it allows you to say "no" on most employment applications that ask whether you have been convicted of a crime, and it enables you to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and a pardon.

This information is for general use and is not intended as full and comprehensive instructions governing the laws and rules relating to relief granted under Penal Code §1203.4. For further information, you may refer to Penal Code §1203.4 and 1203.4a or you may wish to seek legal assistance.

Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon

Certificate of Rehabilitation

A certificate of rehabilitation is a court order declaring that the defendant who was convicted of a felony or misdemeanor is rehabilitated. It is the first application and step towards obtaining a pardon.

When the Court grants a certificate of rehabilitation, the court automatically sends the signed order of the certificate to the Governor of California where it becomes an application for a pardon. The certificate of rehabilitation is the trial court's request that the person be pardoned; however, the Governor has the final decision for granting the pardon.

Certificate of Rehabilitation Packet

Sealing and Destruction of Records Penal Code 851.8

A person may petition the law enforcement agency, to seal and destroy arrest records. A copy of the petition shall also be served on the District Attorney. If law enforcement determines the person to be factually innocent, it shall, with the concurrence of the District Attorney, seal its arrest records and the petition for three years from the date of arrest and thereafter destroy its records and the petition.

Law enforcement shall notify the Department of Justice and any other law enforcement agency that may have participated in the arrest to seal and destroy their records.

The Department of Justice shall request the destruction of any records of the arrest that they have given to any other agency or to any other person or entity.

If law enforcement takes no action within 60 days after receipt of defendant's petition, it shall be deemed denied. Petitioner may then file petition in the court having jurisdiction to seal and destroy arrest records. A copy of the petition must be served on the prosecutor and law enforcement agency at least 10 days before the hearing.

A finding of factual innocence and order for sealing and destruction of records shall not be made unless the court finds that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense.

If the court finds the petitioner to be factually innocent, it shall order the law enforcement agency that arrested the petitioner to seal their records and the order for three years from the date of arrest and thereafter to destroy the records and court order.

The court shall also order the law enforcement agency and the Department of Justice to request the destruction of any records of the arrest which they have given to any local, state, or federal agency, person or entity and those agencies, person, or entities shall destroy their records. The court shall give the petitioner a copy of any court order concerning the destruction of the arrest records.

Person arrested, pleading filed, but no conviction.

Petitioner, after a dismissal of charges, may petition the court that dismissed the action, for a finding of factual innocence. A copy of the petition must be served on the prosecutor and law enforcement agency at least 10 days prior to any hearing.

A finding of factual innocence and order for destruction of records shall not be made unless the Court finds that no reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrestee committed the offense.

If the court finds the petitioner to be factually innocent the Court shall grant the relief as provided in Penal Code §851.8(b).

The court shall order the law enforcement agency which arrested the petitioner to seal their records of the arrest and the order to seal for three years from the date of arrest and thereafter to destroy the records of the arrest and the court order.

Order the law enforcement agency and the Department of Justice to request the destruction of any records of the arrest which they have given to any local, state or federal agency, persons or entities to destroy their records. The court may, at the time of a dismissal of charges, grant this relief if the District Attorney concurs. Whenever a person is acquitted of charges, and it appears to the judge presiding at the trial that the defendant is factually innocent, the judge may grant the relief.

Request for Audio Recording of Court Proceedings

For cases recorded with an electronic recording device, an audio compact disc (CD) of the hearing will be available through the Clerk's Office. A transcript will not be prepared by the Court.

The audio recording will be copied to a (CD). Audio recordings are available for traffic and misdemeanor hearings. To request a CD, you may either appear in person or call the Clerk's Office at the Court location where you appeared. See the local Fee Schedule for current fees.

1. Submit a Request for Audio Recording of Court Proceedings to the Clerk's Office at the Superior Court, Attention: Records, 240 Church Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
2. Include the following information:
   • Case name & number;
   • Hearing date;
   • Name of judicial officer;
   • Telephone number where you may be contacted during business hours; and
   • Your mailing address
3. Please allow 7 to 10 days to process your request.