Criminal records in San Luis Obispo County, California, are available through several channels. SanLuisObispoCourt.us allows you to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official Superior Court system, the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, and the Clerk-Recorder's Office. Each of these institutions handles different categories of criminal data—from court cases to arrest records and inmate information.
How to Search Criminal Records in San Luis Obispo
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county. Here are the main methods:
Online Search
- SanLuisObispoCourt.us — start here to search for public information about criminal cases.
- re:SearchCA — The Superior Court of the county has launched the re:SearchCA platform for online case search. Registered users receive remote access to public court records. You will need the full name of the party or the case number to search.
- District Attorney Case Search — Public Case Search District Attorney provides information about cases handled by the prosecutor's office. Data may change, so check for updates.
- Sheriff's Office — The jail information page contains details about individuals held in the county jail.
- CDCR CIRIS — If the individual has been transferred to a state prison, use the CDCR inmate search system.
In-Person Visit
The Criminal Division Clerk of the court provides access to public records through terminals in the courthouse. The Criminal Division of the Superior Court accepts visitors during business hours.
You can also contact the Records & Warrants Division of the Sheriff's Office:
Mail Request
To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, you need to submit an application to the California Department of Justice. Fill out the Application to Obtain Copy of State Summary Criminal History Record form and send fingerprint impressions on the FD-258 card. Details are described on the DOJ request your own criminal record page.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search San Luis Obispo Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in California is assigned a unique number upon registration in court. In the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County, the case number typically has the following format:
- Letter prefix — indicates the type of case. For example, adult criminal cases often start with letters denoting the category (felony, misdemeanor, etc.).
- Year — a two-digit number corresponding to the year the case was filed.
- Sequential number — a sequential number assigned in the order of registration.
If you have the case number, enter it into the re:SearchCA system. This is the fastest way to find a specific case without additional filters. The case number is usually indicated in court summons, documents from an attorney, or a police report.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in San Luis Obispo
Charges
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) or another state code |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge — add new counts, drop some, or reduce the severity |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, proceedings are ongoing
- Active — the case is active, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is read the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing (for felonies) where the judge decides if there is enough evidence to continue the case
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial conference to discuss agreements, motions, and trial preparation
- Sentencing — a hearing for sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a review hearing to check compliance with the terms of the sentence (probation, etc.)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | The jury or judge acquits the defendant after a trial |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges — has the same consequences as a guilty plea but is not an admission in civil cases |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in San Luis Obispo
Certified copies of court criminal records are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court of the county. Here's how to request them:
Through the Court (Court Records)
- Visit the courthouse in person or use the online case search system to identify the required case.
- Contact the Criminal Division Clerk with a request for a certified copy.
- Provide the case number and valid photo identification.
- Pay the established certification fee.
The courthouse is located at:
Through the California Department of Justice (Statewide Criminal History)
To obtain a State Summary Criminal History Record, you need to:
- Complete the application (Application for Record Review)
- Provide fingerprint impressions on the FD-258 card
- Mail the documents to the Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis DOJ
This record includes arrests and convictions from across the state. Such a record is usually not issued to third parties without the individual's consent or legal grounds.
Through the Sheriff's Office
The Records & Warrants Division can provide information about arrests and warrants at the local level. Arrest record requests are submitted in accordance with the California Public Records Act.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in San Luis Obispo
Fees depend on the type of record and the issuing institution. Below are approximate amounts based on current California rates.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | Government Code § 70627 |
| Certification of court document | $40 for the first document, $25 for each subsequent (in the same request) | Government Code § 70626 |
| State criminal history request (DOJ) | $25 | California DOJ — request your own record |
| Live Scan fingerprinting (for employers, licenses, etc.) | $32 (DOJ) + $17 (FBI, if needed) + Live Scan operator fee | California DOJ |
Processing Times
- Online search via re:SearchCA — results appear immediately upon logging in
- Certified copies from the court — usually ready within a few business days for in-person requests; mail requests may take 1–2 weeks
- Criminal history record from DOJ — processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks from receipt of fingerprints
- Records from the Sheriff's Office — times depend on the complexity of the request; simple requests are usually processed within 10 business days in accordance with the California Public Records Act
Fees are accepted in cash, money orders, or checks — confirm acceptable payment forms directly with the institution. Some online services accept credit cards.