Are Criminal Records in Ventura County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Ventura County criminal records are publicly accessible according to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). This Act guides access to public agency records while also providing restrictions. The public may obtain criminal records by submitting written records requests in person, by mail, or online. These requests must clearly state the records of interest and provide some details of the records for the search and recovery.

Requests may be denied by the records custodian when the requester fails to meet the standard request requirements, the requester is not authorized to access the records, the records are not in the agency’s archives, or the records are exempted or sealed. Records that are exempted or sealed are examples of restricted information as provided by the Act. Other examples include medical records, juvenile records, ongoing investigation details, trade secrets, personnel records, and financial records. Criminal records are well-detailed as they contain details of the arrest, court processes, and jail records.

Who is Eligible to Access Ventura County Criminal Records?

The following individuals and entities are eligible to access and obtain copies of public criminal records in Ventura County:

• Attorneys and law enforcement agencies may have broad access to records for client representation or official purposes.
• Employers may have limited access to criminal records, especially job-related information from criminal records, with the written consent of the records registrant.
• The general public may obtain most public criminal records when all conditions, such as a written request and payment of fees, are satisfied. However, the general public has restricted access to sensitive criminal records, such as victim details and juvenile records.

How to Request Criminal Records in Ventura County

Ventura County criminal records are easily accessible when you know the process and steps. Follow these steps to obtain these records from the relevant agencies:

• Identify your records needs and determine the agency to approach. Arrest records may be obtained from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Records Division, while court records may be obtained from the Ventura County Superior Court.
• Obtain and collate the information required for the request. This information may include the individual’s full name, birth date, case number, charges, type of offense, and more.
• Determine the mode of request most convenient for your records needs. Physical requests may provide results quicker than online and mail-in requests. Online requests may be made through the Superior Court’s Criminal Case Records or the Sheriff's Office’s Records and Licensing websites.
• Fill out the request form and submit it with the accompanying information using the selected mode of request.
• Verify your identity if required by the records custodian and pay the required fees for access.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Records Division, 800 S.
Victoria Avenue
Ventura, California 93009

Alternatively, record seekers may be able to obtain records using third-party search platforms like Californiacourtrecords.us, which offer online repositories for accessing criminal records in Hillsborough County. However, such sites are unregulated and should not serve as reliable options for finding criminal records.

What Information Is Contained in Ventura County Criminal Records?

Ventura County Criminal records contain details of the registrant of the record and the circumstances of each incident documented. Criminal records cover arrests, court trials, and sentences. Thus, these records have wide coverage of key details they contain, such as the full name of the individual, probation or parole conditions, supervision dates, plea entered during trial, case number, arresting officer, sentence, arrest date, charges, arresting agency, and more.

Such records generally contain information that is not restricted, meaning they are not subject to exemption, sealing, or expungement. Such restricted information includes medical/personnel/student records, juvenile records, victim information, and information from ongoing investigations.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Ventura County Criminal Records?

Yes, there are restrictions on accessing Ventura County Criminal records, which are in place to ensure public safety and protect personal security and individual privacy. These exemptions are drawn from the provisions of the California Public Records Act, and they include the following:

• Expunged or sealed records
• Records from ongoing law enforcement investigations
• Medical, student, or personnel records
• Privileged information such as attorney-client communication.
• Trades secrets

Some agencies and persons, such as the courts, law enforcement agencies, researchers, parole and probation officers, and authorized agents, such as child protection service officials, may have access to restricted criminal records in Ventura County.

What Happens if My Request for Ventura County Criminal Records is Denied?

Ventura County criminal records are publicly accessible, but records requests may be denied for reasons that include:

• Where the records are expunged or sealed
• Where the request does not meet the requirements
• Where the requester does not have the required authorization
• Where the agency does not have the records

Requesters who get a denial response from records custodians may appeal the denial by first reviewing the reason or letter of denial. File and appeal to the denial or a Petition for Writ of Mandate to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Collate all required documents to support the appeal before submission at the courthouse. You may contact the relevant agency for handling appeals and denials at:

Ventura County Superior Court Clerk
800 S. Victoria Avenue,
Ventura, California 93009

How to Expunge or Seal Ventura County Criminal Records

Ventura County criminal records may be sealed or expunged through the courts to protect the individual’s privacy or correct an error in filing. Expungement or sealing is available based on eligibility, and the requirements include the following:

• The offense qualifies for expungement or sealing, such as misdemeanors or specific felonies.
• The individual has completed the waiting period.
• The individual has completed the court’s sentence, which includes parole and probation.

The process for expungement or sealing begins with confirming if you are eligible, then obtaining and gathering all documents to aid the petition, after which you file a Petition at the Ventura County Superior Court. Serve a copy of the petition and supporting files on the State Attorney’s Office and attend the hearing that ensues, if any. After an order is made, obtain the order for expungement and ensure copies are served on law enforcement agencies and other relevant agencies.