Monterey County Criminal Records

What Is Monterey County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Monterey County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Monterey County.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual has been taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13300, it is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses potentially punishable by imprisonment in state prison, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year, probation, or fines.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 years and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records are typically sealed and confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Monterey County:

Monterey County Sheriff's Office
1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 755-3700
Monterey County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Monterey County Superior Court
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Monterey County Superior Court

The court maintains case files, dispositions, sentencing information, and court proceedings.

California Department of Justice
P.O. Box 903417
Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
(916) 210-3000
California Department of Justice

The state maintains the central repository for criminal history information.

Local Police Departments
Various locations throughout Monterey County, including the Monterey Police Department, maintain records of arrests and incidents within their jurisdictions.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270) establishes the framework for public access to these records.

Are Criminal Records Public In Monterey County

Criminal records in Monterey County are generally considered public information under California law, with specific exceptions. The California Public Records Act (CPRA), codified in Government Code § 6250-6270, establishes the legal framework governing access to these records.

The Act states: "Access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business is a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state." This provision underscores the public's right to access government records, including criminal records, with certain limitations.

Records that are typically available to the public include:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and case information
• Booking information and mugshots
• Arrest logs and police blotters
• Sex offender registry information

However, several categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

• Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as premature disclosure could compromise law enforcement activities
• Sealed or expunged records, which are removed from public view by court order
• Juvenile records, which are confidential under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827
• Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Information that might endanger witnesses or victims

The Monterey County Superior Court maintains public access terminals where members of the public may search case information. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted from these records, such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers.

Law enforcement agencies in Monterey County, including the Sheriff's Office and local police departments, maintain their own records systems with varying levels of public accessibility. While arrest logs and certain booking information are generally public, investigative files typically remain confidential until cases are closed.

It is important to note that while criminal records may be public, the agencies maintaining these records may impose reasonable fees for copies and require specific procedures for requesting access, as permitted under Government Code § 6253.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Monterey County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Monterey County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Monterey County Superior Court:

1. Visit the Records Department at one of the court locations:

   Monterey County Superior Court - Monterey Courthouse
   1200 Aguajito Road
   Monterey, CA 93940
   (831) 647-5800
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

   Monterey County Superior Court - Salinas Courthouse
   240 Church Street
   Salinas, CA 93901
   (831) 775-5400
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2. Complete a Court Records Request Form, available at the clerk's counter.

3. Provide the case number if known, or the individual's full name and date of birth.

4. Pay the applicable search and copy fees (currently $15 for record searches and $0.50 per page for copies).

5. For certified copies, an additional fee of $25 per document applies.

Sheriff's Office Records Requests:

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.

1. Submit a Public Records Request to:

   Monterey County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
   1414 Natividad Road
   Salinas, CA 93906
   (831) 755-3700
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

2. Complete the Sheriff's Office Records Request Form, specifying the information sought.

3. Provide identification and, if requesting another person's records, documentation establishing legal right to access.

4. Pay applicable fees for document reproduction.

Mail Requests:

1. Send a written request including:

   • Full name of the subject
   • Date of birth
   • Case number (if known)
   • Specific records requested
   • Your contact information
   • A self-addressed stamped envelope
   • Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

2. Mail to the appropriate agency:

   • Court records: Monterey County Superior Court, ATTN: Records Division
   • Arrest/jail records: Monterey County Sheriff's Office, ATTN: Records Division

State-Level Criminal History Information:

For comprehensive criminal history information (RAP sheets), individuals may request their own records through the California Department of Justice:

1. Complete a Request for Live Scan Service form.
2. Visit an authorized Live Scan provider for fingerprinting.
3. Pay the required DOJ processing fee ($25) plus the Live Scan operator's fee.
4. Results will be mailed directly to the requesting individual.

The California Department of Justice provides detailed instructions for requesting your own criminal history record.

How To Find Criminal Records in Monterey County Online?

Monterey County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital portals provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by platform.

Monterey County Superior Court Case Information Portal:

The Monterey County Superior Court maintains an online case information system accessible through their website. To utilize this resource:

1. Navigate to the court's official website
2. Select "Case Information" or "Case Access"
3. Create a user account if required
4. Search by case number, party name, or filing date
5. Review basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status

This portal provides access to case summaries, register of actions, and calendaring information. However, it does not display complete case files or documents, which must be requested in person.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function that provides:

1. Current custody status
2. Booking information
3. Scheduled release dates (when available)
4. Bail amounts
5. Facility location

To access this information:

1. Visit the Sheriff's Office website
2. Navigate to "Inmate Information" or "Custody Search"
3. Enter the individual's name or booking number
4. Review the results displayed

California Courts Portal:

The statewide California Courts Portal provides links to county-specific case information and allows users to:

1. Access appellate case information
2. Find court locations and contact information
3. Review court calendars
4. Access certain court forms

California Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry:

The Megan's Law website maintained by the California Department of Justice provides searchable information about registered sex offenders, including:

1. Names and known aliases
2. Photographs
3. Physical descriptions
4. Registered addresses (with some restrictions)
5. Criminal history related to registrable offenses

Important limitations of online record searches include:

• Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
• Complete court documents typically require in-person requests
• Historical records may not be fully digitized
• Registration requirements may apply for certain portals
• Information may be limited compared to official records available in person

For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals should utilize the official channels described in the previous section, as online portals typically provide only partial information.

Can You Search Monterey County Criminal Records for Free?

Monterey County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without cost, though certain limitations apply. California Government Code § 6253(a) states that "public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency" and that "every person has a right to inspect any public record."

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Monterey County Superior Court - Monterey Courthouse
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 647-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Monterey County Superior Court - Salinas Courthouse
240 Church Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 775-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

At these locations, public access terminals are available for searching case information at no charge. While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of documents ($0.50 per page) and certified copies ($25 per document).

Free Online Resources:

Several online portals provide free access to limited criminal record information:

1. Monterey County Superior Court Case Index - Basic case information is available without charge through the court's website, though user registration may be required.

2. Monterey County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - This free service provides current custody information for individuals held in county facilities.

3. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator - This statewide database allows free searches for individuals currently incarcerated in state prisons.

4. California Megan's Law Website - Provides free access to information about registered sex offenders in Monterey County and throughout California.

Important Limitations:

While free options exist, users should be aware of these limitations:

• Free inspection does not include copies, which incur fees
• Online resources typically provide only basic information, not complete records
• Some databases may not include older records that haven't been digitized
• Certain records may be sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted from public access
• Comprehensive criminal history information ("RAP sheets") is not available for free public access due to privacy protections

For individuals seeking their own criminal records, the California Department of Justice charges a $25 processing fee plus Live Scan fingerprinting costs, with no free alternative available for complete criminal history reports.

What's Included in a Monterey County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Monterey County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained by various agencies and may include the following components:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest (including California Penal Code citations)
• Bail amount and status
• Detention facility information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Monterey Superior Court branch)
• Criminal charges filed by the prosecutor
• Statute citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea entered
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor information
• Judge assigned to the case
• Court appearance dates and outcomes

Disposition Information:

• Verdict or case outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details, including:
  • Incarceration terms and location
  • Probation conditions and duration
  • Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment program mandates
• Appeals filed and outcomes
• Probation or parole status and conditions

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or pending charges
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Probation or parole violations
• Modification of sentences
• Post-conviction relief applications

The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies depending on the maintaining agency. Court records focus primarily on case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records contain more detailed arrest and booking information. The California Department of Justice maintains the most complete criminal history summaries, integrating information from multiple agencies throughout the state.

Access to these records is governed by the California Public Records Act and various privacy statutes that may restrict certain information from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving juveniles, certain domestic violence matters, and cases that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order.

How Long Does Monterey County Keep Criminal Records?

Monterey County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California state law and local policies. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the maintaining agency. The California Government Code § 26202 provides the general framework for county record retention, while specific schedules are further defined by agency policies.

Court Records Retention:

The Monterey County Superior Court retains criminal case records according to the following general guidelines:

• Felony Cases: Case files for serious and violent felonies (including murder, rape, and kidnapping) are retained permanently.
• Other Felonies: Records for non-violent felonies are typically retained for 75 years from the date of final disposition.
• Misdemeanors: Most misdemeanor case files are retained for 5-10 years after final disposition, depending on the offense type.
• Infractions: Traffic and other infraction records are generally kept for 3-5 years.
• Dismissed Cases: Records for dismissed cases may be retained for shorter periods, typically 3-5 years.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain records according to these general timeframes:

• Homicide Cases: Investigative files for homicides and death investigations are retained permanently.
• Felony Arrest Records: Generally maintained for 75 years from the date of arrest.
• Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Typically retained for 5-10 years.
• Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Usually retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest records.
• Incident Reports: Retained for 2-7 years, depending on the nature of the incident.

California Department of Justice Records:

At the state level, the California Department of Justice maintains criminal history information according to the following guidelines:

• Serious and Violent Felony Convictions: Maintained permanently in the state database.
• Other Felony Convictions: Generally maintained for the lifetime of the individual.
• Misdemeanor Convictions: Typically maintained for 7-10 years, though certain offenses (such as domestic violence or firearms violations) may be retained longer.
• Arrests Without Conviction: May be purged after 5 years if no conviction resulted, pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may persist in various databases, third-party background check services, and news archives. Additionally, certain records may be sealed or expunged by court order before the standard retention period expires, making them inaccessible to the general public.

The California Judicial Council periodically reviews and updates record retention schedules for courts throughout the state, which may result in modifications to these timeframes.

Lookup Criminal Records in Monterey County

Monterey County Sheriff's Office

Monterey Police Department

Criminal Records - Request Your Own

Monterey County Superior Court