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Records and Warrants Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Records/Warrants office hours?
- We are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Can I see my arrest records?
- With proper identification, you can get copies of your criminal history within
Santa Cruz County for a $25.00 fee. Clearance letters
with "no record" are $10.00. If you have a
record, the cost is $20.00.
How do I get a copy of my Criminal History for the entire state?
- A form will be provided to fill out and mail to the Department of Justice in Sacramento.
They charge a fee for this service, and you must provide a copy of your fingerprints along with the request.
How do I take care of a warrant?
- Instructions will be provided by the
Records staff in the Sheriff's Office.
The process can range
from bail forfeiture to turning yourself in to the authorities, depending
upon the charges.
How do I get a copy of my traffic accident report?
- Contact the California Highway Patrol if
the accident occurred in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz
County or on the freeway. City police
take reports for accidents that occur within city limits. This also applies to driving under the influence reports.
Can I get a copy of a Sheriff's case, and is there a charge?
- Certain records are subject to limited access.
You must be involved in the case in order to get a copy.
If a case is being prosecuted, the DA's office must agree to the release of
the information. There is an $8.00 charge for a
report. For reports over ten pages in length, an
additional fee of $ .10 per page is charged.
Why can't I just read the report, instead of buying it?
- To see a report, it must first be purchased.
We guard our original
reports very carefully.
Aren't these supposed to public records?
- Police reports are not public
records. They are exempt from the Public Records Act
(see PC 6254f).
Why can't you give me the information over the phone?
- In order to be sure the right to privacy
is not violated, valid identification must be seen before the release of certain information.
Is my phone conversation with the office being recorded?
- Sheriff's Records does not record calls into the
office.
But, it's my son/daughter, why can't I have the information?
- The State of California Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 827 gives the
Juvenile Court control over the release by any law enforcement
official of all juvenile information to third parties.
How do I get my records sealed?
- Contact the arresting agency for the
petition to seal. Instructions are on the back of the
form. Mandates for
sealing minor records differ from mandates for sealing adult
records.
How do I get my property back?
- If the property is evidence, the District
Attorney's Office must authorize its release. Otherwise, you
must contact the Sheriff's Office Property Office at
(831)454-7398. The Property Office has hours designated for property release and will make an appointment
with you.
The Records/Warrants Division can be reached
at (831)454-2242.
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