San Diego Felony Records

San Diego felony records are maintained by the county Superior Court and local law enforcement. The court offers a free online case index that shows basic details for criminal cases. San Diego Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident records for crimes within city limits. The Sheriff operates the county jail system and tracks custody status. You can search most of these records from home through official portals. Some documents require in-person visits or mail requests to obtain full copies.

San Diego County Superior Court

San Diego County Superior Court handles all felony prosecutions for the city. The court operates 15 courthouses across the county. Downtown San Diego has the main criminal division at 330 West Broadway.

Search for case numbers and locations using the free online index at courtindex.sdcourt.ca.gov. This tool shows case numbers, filing dates, parties, and basic charge info. The database includes civil, criminal, family court, mental health, and probate cases. Criminal case documents are not viewable online. You must visit the courthouse where the case was heard or request copies by mail.

The court warns that Civil Limited and Misdemeanor records may only be kept for 10 years at some locations. Juvenile cases, traffic citations, and cases from before 1974 are not in the Court Index. If your search comes up empty, call the criminal records department to ask if the case exists in older files.

To get copies of documents, fill out a copy request form. Send it to the courthouse listed on the case. Include a check for the copy fees. The court will process your request and mail the documents. This can take two to three weeks depending on the size of the file and current workload.

Requesting San Diego Police Reports

San Diego Police Department charges $12 for a copy of a police report. This covers crime reports, accident reports, and other records created by SDPD officers. Visit the department's report request page at sandiego.gov to start the process.

The city uses NextRequest to handle public record requests. Submit your request through the online portal. Include the report number if you have it. If not, provide the date, time, and location of the incident plus the names of people involved. The department reviews each request and sends an invoice if fees apply. Pay online and the report will be emailed to you within a few business days.

Some reports may be withheld or redacted if they involve ongoing investigations or sensitive info. The department will explain any denials in writing. If you disagree, you can appeal under the California Public Records Act. Call SDPD Records at (619) 531-2846 if you have questions about the request process or fee amounts.

Victims of crimes often get free copies of reports for insurance or legal use. Ask about fee waivers when you submit your request. The department may ask for proof that you were a victim or party to the incident.

San Diego County Custody Search

San Diego County Sheriff runs the jail system for the entire county. Use the Who's In Jail database at apps.sdsheriff.net/wij to find inmates. The search is free and open to the public.

Search by last name, first name, or booking number. Results show the booking date, charges, bail amount, and housing facility. The site warns that data should not be relied upon for legal action. It is for informational use only. The website goes offline for maintenance every Wednesday at noon.

For help with inmate searches, call the Sheriff's main office at (858) 974-2222. Staff can look up current custody status and provide basic info over the phone. The office is located at 9621 Ridgehaven Ct in San Diego.

If you need a local criminal history report, the Sheriff offers this service for $14. Add a $3 credit card fee or $2.50 debit card fee. This report shows only arrests compiled by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. It does not include arrests by city police or other agencies. Processing takes three to 10 business days. Submit requests by email at Booking.Records@sdsheriff.org or mail to PO Box 939062, San Diego, CA 92193-9062.

District Attorney Case Information

The San Diego County District Attorney prosecutes all felony cases in the county. The office also handles misdemeanors in unincorporated areas and most cities. Some cities like San Diego have their own city attorneys for minor offenses but felonies always go through the county DA.

Check case information through the DA's portal at caseinformation.sdcda.org. This site shows case status, hearing dates, and outcomes for cases filed by the DA. It does not replace the court's case management system but can provide helpful updates on pending matters.

The DA office has a Victim Services Division that helps crime victims navigate the legal process. Call (619) 531-4041 to reach victim services. They can tell you about upcoming hearings, plea deals, and sentencing dates. This service is free to victims and their families.

Legal Help in San Diego

Legal Aid Society of San Diego offers free legal help to low-income residents. They handle criminal record expungements, sealing of records, and other post-conviction relief. Visit lassd.org or call (877) 534-2524 for intake screening.

The San Diego County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford private counsel. If you are charged with a felony and meet income rules, the court appoints a public defender to your case. Their main office is at 450 B Street in downtown San Diego. Call (619) 338-4700 for general questions.

Several community groups run legal clinics and workshops on criminal records. The San Diego Library system hosts Know Your Rights sessions throughout the year. Check branch calendars for upcoming events.

Other Cities in San Diego County

Chula Vista and Oceanside are the other major cities in San Diego County with pages on this site. Both have their own police departments but all felony cases are processed through San Diego County Superior Court. Each city police department keeps its own arrest records and charges fees for report copies.