Santa Barbara County Criminal Records

What Is Santa Barbara County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Santa Barbara County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13100-13103, these records document various stages of criminal proceedings from initial arrest through final disposition.

Criminal records in Santa Barbara County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement agencies that may or may not lead to formal charges. These records include booking information, fingerprints, and photographs.
• Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison for terms exceeding one year.
• Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines, probation, or county jail terms of less than one year.
• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18+ years) are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records are sealed pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827.
• Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant information.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Santa Barbara County, each responsible for different aspects of documentation:

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
4434 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-4100
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

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

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-4520
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara

The court maintains case files including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.

Santa Barbara Police Department
215 E. Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 897-2300
Santa Barbara Police Department

The Police Department maintains arrest records, incident reports, and investigation files for cases within city limits.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office
1112 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-2300
Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office

The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records, including charging decisions and case dispositions.

Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial arrest, formal charges, arraignment proceedings, plea entries, trial information, verdict or judgment, and sentencing details including probation or parole conditions.

Are Criminal Records Public In Santa Barbara County

Criminal records in Santa Barbara County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA) and established legal precedent. Government Code § 6250 et seq. establishes the fundamental right of access to information concerning the conduct of public business.

The California Public Records Act specifically 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 statutory framework creates a presumption of accessibility for most government records, including criminal records.

Public accessibility of criminal records in Santa Barbara County varies by record type:

• Adult Conviction Records: Fully accessible to the public through the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara.
• Court Proceedings: Open to public observation and documentation unless specifically sealed by court order.
• Arrest Records: Generally accessible, though subject to certain limitations regarding ongoing investigations.
• Booking Photos: Available through the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, though policies regarding distribution may vary.

Certain categories of criminal records maintain restricted access:

• Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under Government Code § 6254(f).
• Sealed Records: Cases ordered sealed by the court are removed from public access.
• Juvenile Records: Protected under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 827, accessible only to specific parties with legitimate interest.
• Expunged Records: Following successful petition under Penal Code § 1203.4, records may be removed from public access.
• Diversion Program Records: Successful completion of certain diversion programs may result in non-public disposition.

The California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, further governs electronic access to court records, establishing parameters for online accessibility of criminal case information through the court's public portal.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must balance their right to information against privacy protections established by law. While the presumption favors disclosure, specific exemptions protect certain information from public dissemination.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Santa Barbara County in 2026

Members of the public may access Santa Barbara County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures outline the current process for obtaining these records:

In-Person Requests at the Superior Court

1. Visit the Records Department at either courthouse location:

   Santa Barbara Courthouse
   1100 Anacapa Street
   Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   (805) 882-4520
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

   Santa Maria Courthouse
   312 East Cook Street
   Santa Maria, CA 93454
   (805) 614-6414
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2. Complete a Records Request Form, available at the public counter.

3. Provide case number if known; if unknown, provide the defendant's full name and date of birth.

4. Pay applicable fees: $0.50 per page for copies, $15 for certification of documents.

5. For extensive searches, court personnel may require additional time to locate records.

Mail Requests to the Court

1. Submit a written request to the appropriate courthouse address above.
2. Include defendant's full name, date of birth, and case number if known.
3. Specify exactly which documents are being requested.
4. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
5. Allow 10-15 business days for processing.

Sheriff's Office Records Requests

For arrest records, booking information, and jail records:

1. Visit the Sheriff's Records Division:

   Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
   4434 Calle Real
   Santa Barbara, CA 93110
   (805) 681-4100
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Complete a Public Records Request form.

3. Provide identification and specify the records being requested.

4. Pay applicable fees: $15 for first report, $5 for each additional report.

Police Department Records

For records from municipal police departments:

1. Contact the Records Division of the specific department:

   Santa Barbara Police Department
   215 E. Figueroa Street
   Santa Barbara, CA 93101
   (805) 897-2300
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

2. Complete a Records Request form.

3. Provide identification and specific information about the requested records.

4. Pay applicable fees as determined by the department.

Pursuant to Government Code § 6253(b), agencies must respond to records requests within 10 days, though complex requests may require a 14-day extension with written notification.

How To Find Criminal Records in Santa Barbara County Online?

Santa Barbara County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records electronically. These online resources offer varying levels of information and functionality:

Superior Court Case Records Search

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara maintains a comprehensive online case management system:

1. Navigate to the court's official Case Records Search portal.
2. Create a user account if required (free registration).
3. Search by:
   • Case number (most efficient method)
   • Party name (last name, first name)
   • Filing date range
   • Case type (select "Criminal")
4. Review search results showing basic case information.
5. Access available documents, noting that certain documents may require in-person viewing.
6. Pay applicable fees for document downloads ($1.00 per page).

This system provides access to case summaries, register of actions, party information, hearing schedules, and selected document images for non-confidential cases.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Inmate Information Center

For current custody information:

1. Visit the Sheriff's Inmate Information Center.
2. Search by inmate name or booking number.
3. View booking information, charges, bail amounts, and scheduled court dates.
4. Note that information is limited to currently incarcerated individuals.

California Department of Justice Criminal History Information

For official criminal history records (rap sheets):

1. Submit a request through the California Department of Justice.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Submit fingerprints via Live Scan.
4. Pay required fees ($25 state fee plus Live Scan operator fees).
5. Receive results by mail within 30 days.

Note that this service provides records only to the subject of the record or authorized representatives.

California Courts Portal

For appellate case information:

1. Access the California Courts Appellate Case Information System.
2. Select "Second Appellate District" for Santa Barbara County cases.
3. Search by case number or party name.
4. View appellate case status, briefs, and opinions.

Online access limitations include:

• Sealed or confidential cases are not available electronically.
• Certain document types require in-person viewing.
• Juvenile records are not accessible online.
• Cases prior to system implementation (approximately 2010) may have limited online information.

For comprehensive criminal history information, authorized agencies and individuals may access the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), though this system is restricted to law enforcement and approved entities.

Can You Search Santa Barbara County Criminal Records for Free?

Santa Barbara County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(a), public records must be open to inspection during regular office hours at no charge, though fees may apply for copies or specialized searches.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

Members of the public may inspect criminal records without charge at the following locations:

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-4520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Santa Maria Courthouse
312 East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 614-6414
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

At these locations, individuals may:

• Review case files at public terminals
• Examine non-confidential court documents
• View registers of actions and case summaries
• Check court calendars and hearing schedules

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms provide free access to limited criminal record information:

1. Superior Court Case Index Search: Basic case information is available without charge, though document downloads incur fees.

2. Sheriff's Inmate Information Center: Free access to current custody information, including charges and court dates for incarcerated individuals.

3. Court Calendar Information: Free access to upcoming court appearances searchable by date, department, or case type.

4. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Case Information: Limited information on significant cases and prosecution outcomes.

Cost-Associated Services:

While inspection is free, the following services incur fees:

• Document copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $15.00 per document
• Background checks: Fees vary by agency
• Extensive record searches: May incur research fees
• Electronic document downloads: $1.00 per page

The California Public Records Act permits agencies to charge fees that cover the direct costs of duplication or statutory fees, but not costs associated with the search and retrieval of records. However, when records require special processing, data compilation, or extraction, agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing such services.

For individuals with financial hardship, fee waivers may be available through court application, particularly for parties to active cases who qualify under income guidelines.

What's Included in a Santa Barbara County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Santa Barbara County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Identifying Information

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

Arrest Information

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer identification
• Booking number and facility
• Statutory charges at time of arrest
• Probable cause statement
• Bail amount and status
• Detention facility information
• Property/evidence collected during arrest

Court Case Information

• Court case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Santa Barbara Superior Court division)
• Criminal charges filed by prosecution
• Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
• Enhancement allegations
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor assignment
• Judge assignment
• Court appearance dates

Disposition Information

• Final verdict or judgment
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Dismissal information (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and fees imposed
  • Restitution orders
  • Treatment requirements
  • Protective orders
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and conditions
• Compliance/violation history

Additional Record Components

• Active warrant information
• Restraining/protective orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI offense history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal matters
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior conviction history
• Risk assessment information
• Victim notification requirements

Criminal records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara focus primarily on court proceedings, while the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and custody records. The Santa Barbara Police Department retains investigation reports and arrest documentation for incidents within city limits.

Pursuant to California Penal Code § 13125-13128, criminal history information must be maintained with accuracy, completeness, and proper security. Individuals have the right to review their own criminal history records and request correction of inaccurate information through established procedures.

How Long Does Santa Barbara County Keep Criminal Records?

Santa Barbara County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by California Government Code § 68152 and local administrative policies. These retention periods vary based on record type, offense severity, and final disposition.

Court Records Retention

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara retains criminal case records according to the following schedule:

• Felony Cases:

  • Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention
  • Felony cases resulting in imprisonment: 75 years from date of disposition
  • Other felony cases: 50 years from date of disposition
  • Dismissed felony cases: 10 years from date of dismissal

• Misdemeanor Cases:

  • DUI misdemeanors: 10 years from date of disposition
  • Domestic violence misdemeanors: 10 years from date of disposition
  • Other misdemeanors: 5 years from date of disposition
  • Infractions: 3 years from date of disposition

• Juvenile Records:

  • Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 781, juvenile records may be sealed after specific waiting periods and upon petition
  • Once sealed, physical records are destroyed after 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies

Law Enforcement Records Retention

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments maintain records according to the following general guidelines:

• Arrest Reports:

  • Felony arrests: 7 years after final disposition
  • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years after final disposition
  • Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest

• Investigation Files:

  • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
  • Sexual assault cases: 25 years
  • Felony cases with known suspects: 10 years
  • Unsolved felonies: 25 years
  • Misdemeanor cases: 5 years

• Booking Information:

  • Photographs and fingerprints: 5 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies
  • Booking logs: 7 years

Prosecutor Records Retention

The Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office maintains case files according to these general guidelines:

• Homicide prosecutions: Permanent retention
• Felony prosecutions: 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor prosecutions: 5 years after case closure
• Declined prosecutions: 3 years after decision

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices and summary information may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained indefinitely even after destruction of physical documents.

Pursuant to California Penal Code § 851.8, individuals arrested but not charged, or charged but not convicted, may petition for factual innocence and destruction of arrest records. If granted, these records must be destroyed within one year of the court order.

Lookup Criminal Records in Santa Barbara County

Case Records Search

Santa Barbara Police Department

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office

Court Records