San Diego County CA Arrest Records Search | Jail & Court
San Diego County, California · Jail booking, warrant, bail and court-record guide
Find a San Diego Arrest and Verify the Superior Court Result
Search the Sheriff’s current jail system, save the booking number and facility, then use the San Diego Superior Court Index to locate the formal criminal case.
This guide also covers missing inmates, Chula Vista arrests, reports, warrants, bail, visits, mail, free phone calls, deposits, public defense, victim services, California DOJ review and record clearing.
SAN DIEGO RECORD ROUTER
LIVE CHECK
WHO’S IN JAIL
BOOKING
JAIL
REPORT
COURT
SUPERIOR COURT FILE
OUTCOME VERIFIED
BOOKING + CASE MATCHED
An arrest is not a conviction. Jail charges are allegations entered during booking. The prosecutor may amend or decline them, and the court can dismiss the case, acquit the defendant or enter another result.
Search requirement
Enter at least two letters in both name fields.
Release-date warning
Displayed dates may currently be inaccurate.
Central custody line
Call 619-409-5000 for all county facilities.
Court system
Misdemeanors and felonies use Superior Court.
Official review
Procedures checked July 29, 2026.
Which San Diego County source answers your question?
SHERIFF JAIL SEARCH
Is the person in custody?
Find the booking number, facility, charges, bail, projected release information and next court date.
Use first after a recent arrest.
ARRESTING AGENCY
What did officers report?
Request the crime, arrest, incident or probable-cause report from the agency that created it.
The jail may not own the police narrative.
SUPERIOR COURT
What happened to the charge?
Locate the filed case and obtain the complaint, dismissal, plea, judgment or sentence.
The Court Index alone does not show disposition details.
CALIFORNIA DOJ
What appears statewide?
Request your fingerprint-based California criminal-history record and challenge missing or incorrect information.
County jail data is not a statewide rap sheet.
Best sequence: Find the inmate, save the booking number and arresting agency, locate the court case, review the official file and request only the missing documents.
How to search San Diego County jail inmates
The Sheriff currently warns that release dates displayed in the system may be inaccurate while records are being recalculated. Confirm important release information through the facility.
Open the official Who’s in Jail system
Use the Sheriff-hosted application rather than a paid people-search site.
Open Who’s in Jail
Enter at least two last-name characters
The surname field requires a minimum of two characters.
Enter at least two first-name characters
Both name fields must meet the two-character minimum.
Complete the human-verification box
Refresh the page or switch browsers if the verification control does not appear.
Open every plausible result
Click the displayed last name even when it does not look like a traditional link.
Verify the booking number
Save it for mail, visitation, custody notifications and jail questions.
Compare birth date and arrest date
Separate same-name people and repeat bookings.
Record the facility
San Diego County operates several separate detention locations.
Read every charge and bail line
One paid charge does not automatically clear another hold or case.
Save the next court date and court location
Recheck the Superior Court calendar because court settings can change.
The Who’s in Jail site is normally taken offline each Wednesday at noon for maintenance and is usually restored within approximately 30 minutes.
Understand the San Diego inmate result
| Field | What it identifies | What it does not prove | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking number | The county jail intake event. | The final legal outcome. | Use it for mail, visits and custody questions. |
| Facility | The displayed housing location. | The person will remain there. | Recheck before visiting or mailing legal material. |
| Arrest date | The custody or arrest date entered in the system. | The complete incident timeline. | Compare with the arresting-agency report. |
| Charge | An allegation connected to the booking. | The prosecutor filed the identical offense. | Find the Superior Court complaint. |
| Bail amount | A financial release condition for a matter. | Payment clears every charge or hold. | Confirm the full booking before paying. |
| Court date | A scheduled court appearance known to the jail. | The setting has not changed. | Check the court calendar and file location. |
| Release date | A displayed or projected custody date. | The date is currently accurate or final. | Call the custody-information line. |
| Booking photograph | A photograph created during intake. | Guilt or identity by itself. | Match the booking number and birth date. |
Confirm identity before relying on a booking
Full first and last name match
Middle name, alias or suffix is consistent
Date of birth matches
Booking number matches another official record
Arrest date matches the known incident
Facility and arrest location are consistent
Court case follows the same arrest
Charges and agency details are consistent
Minimum identity standard: Match at least two independent identifiers before sending money, publishing an allegation or treating a booking as belonging to a particular person.
Why a San Diego County arrest may not appear
Booking is still underway
Fingerprints, medical screening, identification and data entry can delay publication.
The name is entered differently
Try a former name, hyphen variation, suffix, alternate spelling or shortened first name.
The person was released
The public search is primarily a current-custody tool, not a complete arrest-history database.
Chula Vista Police made the arrest
The Sheriff search specifically directs users to the Chula Vista Police arrest-information option for applicable cases.
The person is in juvenile custody
Juvenile records are restricted and are not handled like adult jail results.
The person is in federal custody
Check the Federal Bureau of Prisons or federal detention system.
The person was transferred
A state-prison, federal or out-of-county transfer may remove the person from county custody.
The browser blocked the search
Refresh, perform a hard refresh, update the browser or try another device.
Custody-confirmation call script
I am trying to confirm the custody status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. Can you confirm whether the person is processing, held, released, transferred or listed under another spelling or booking number?
Central custody information for all Sheriff detention facilities: 619-409-5000
Identify the correct San Diego detention facility
| Facility | Address | Primary role | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Central Jail | 1173 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101 | Primary intake location for adult males in central San Diego County. | 619-409-5000 |
| Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility | 451 Riverview Parkway, Santee, CA 92071 | Primary intake facility for adult females. | 619-409-5000 |
| Vista Detention Facility | 325 S. Melrose Drive, #200, Vista, CA 92081 | Primary intake for male and female arrestees in northern San Diego County. | 619-409-5000 |
| George Bailey Detention Facility | 446 Alta Road, Suite 5300, San Diego, CA 92158 | Maximum-security facility and the largest Sheriff-operated jail. | 619-409-5000 |
| East Mesa Reentry Facility | 446 Alta Road, Suite 5200, San Diego, CA 92158 | Medium-security housing with reentry, education and work programming. | 619-409-5000 |
| Rock Mountain Detention Facility | 446 Alta Road, Suite 5400, San Diego, CA 92158 | Maximum-security facility opened for county operation in 2023. | 619-409-5000 |
| South Bay Detention Facility | 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | South County court and detention operations. | 619-409-5000 |
Housing can change after booking. Recheck the current inmate page immediately before traveling, scheduling a visit or sending time-sensitive legal mail.
Follow a San Diego arrest into Superior Court
Law-enforcement incident
The Sheriff, San Diego Police, Chula Vista Police or another agency creates the incident and arrest records.
County jail booking
Staff verify identity, fingerprint and photograph the person and enter the initial allegations.
Initial judicial review
The court addresses custody, counsel, bail, protective orders and the next hearing.
Prosecutor review
The District Attorney or applicable prosecuting office decides what charges to file.
Superior Court filing
Infractions, misdemeanors and felonies are handled within the San Diego Superior Court system.
Pretrial proceedings
The case can include arraignment, readiness conferences, motions, preliminary hearings and plea negotiations.
Final disposition
Each count may end through dismissal, plea, acquittal, conviction, sentencing or another order.
Correction or record relief
Incorrect information can be challenged, while eligible California records may qualify for sealing or dismissal.
Which office holds each San Diego arrest record?
| Record needed | Likely custodian | What to provide | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current jail custody | San Diego County Sheriff Detention Services | Name, birth date, booking number and facility. | Calling the court for current housing. |
| Sheriff crime or arrest report | Sheriff station, Records and ID or Public Records Center | Report number, date, location and subject information. | Requesting a city-police report from the Sheriff. |
| San Diego Police report | San Diego Police Department | SDPD event or case number and incident details. | Assuming the county jail created the police narrative. |
| Chula Vista Police arrest record | Chula Vista Police Department | Name, date, location and CVPD report information. | Searching only the Sheriff inmate system. |
| Criminal court case | San Diego Superior Court | Case number, DA number or party information. | Treating the Court Index as the complete case file. |
| State criminal history | California Department of Justice | Live Scan or required fingerprint submission. | Using a local jail search as a California rap sheet. |
Request a Sheriff report without using the wrong route
Confirm the Sheriff created the report
Read the arresting-agency information before filing a request.
Collect the strongest identifiers
Use the report number, date, time, location, full name and booking number.
Open the Sheriff report-request page
Request a Sheriff crime or arrest report
Choose the Public Records Center for online filing
Select the record type and describe the exact documents needed.
Contact the station that prepared the report when practical
A recent report may still be at the originating patrol station.
Use Records and ID for older or centralized files
The Records and ID office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with a noon–1:00 p.m. closure.
Provide identification when required
Access can depend on the record, requester and case status.
Ask for a cost estimate
Require approval before extensive research, redaction, duplication or media charges are incurred.
Copy-ready report request
Under the California Public Records Act and applicable criminal-record statutes, I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause documentation and identified supplements concerning [full legal name], date of birth [if known], for the incident on or about [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers are report number [number], booking number [number] and court case number [number]. Please provide a written estimate before processing if the total cost will exceed $[amount].
Active-investigation records, victim information, juvenile records, confidential-source data, medical material and protected evidence may be withheld or redacted.
Request your San Diego Sheriff arrest-history report
The Sheriff’s local criminal-history report covers arrests compiled by the San Diego County Sheriff. It does not automatically include arrests made by every municipal police agency.
| Item | Published requirement |
|---|---|
| Local criminal-history fee | $14, payable when the request is submitted. |
| Credit-card transaction fee | $3. |
| In-person debit-card fee | $2.50. |
| Identification | Government-issued photo ID in person or a copy with a mailed request. |
| Published processing goal | Approximately 3–10 business days. |
Open the local-history instructions
Open San Diego local criminal history
Download the Service Request Form
Complete every identity and contact field.
Choose email, in-person or mail submission
Email completed requests to Booking.Records@sdsheriff.org.
Attach or present identification
Use a driver’s license, passport, military ID or other accepted government identification.
Pay the correct fee
Make checks payable to San Diego County Sheriff.
Request other agencies separately
Contact the responsible police department for arrests outside Sheriff jurisdiction.
Records and ID Division
9621 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-974-2110
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed noon–1:00 p.m.
9621 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858-974-2110
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed noon–1:00 p.m.
Find the criminal case number and courthouse
The Court Index identifies that a case exists, its number, type, filing date, parties and location. It does not provide the charge details or final disposition.
Open the official Court Index
Open San Diego Court Index
Choose the best search method
Search by party name, court case number or District Attorney case number.
Use the case number when available
This reduces wrong-person matches.
Add the birth date in a party-name search
Use the filing-year range and court location to narrow results.
Confirm the case title and filing date
Match them to the arrest timeline.
Save the court location
Criminal cases are handled in Central, East County, North County and South County.
Obtain the official case file
Court Index results remain even when a case was dismissed, so review the underlying file.
Read the result for every count
One count may be dismissed while another ends in plea or conviction.
| Division | Address | Telephone | Business hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Courthouse | 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-844-2400 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| East County Regional Center | 250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 | 619-456-4100 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| North County Regional Center | 325 South Melrose, Vista, CA 92081 | 760-201-8600 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| South County Regional Center | 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 619-746-6200 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
Get the complaint, dismissal, judgment or sentence
Criminal documents can be viewed at the courthouse where the case was heard or requested by mail. For criminal cases filed on or after February 17, 2026, some imaged documents may be purchased online and mailed to the requester.
Locate the case number and court location
Use the Court Index before requesting documents.
Name the exact records
Examples include complaint, information, dismissal, plea, judgment, sentencing order or minute entry.
Open the court-copy instructions
Open court-file copy instructions
Choose in-person or mail delivery
The court does not ordinarily email or fax court files.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail
Provide sufficient return postage.
Use a not-to-exceed amount when page count is unknown
Make the check payable to Superior Court and write “Not to exceed $___” on the memo line.
Expect a research fee when a search exceeds 10 minutes
Older or off-site records may also require retrieval charges.
Pay the copy charge
Standard file or microfilm copies are currently listed at $0.50 per page, with additional fees for certification or retrieval.
Sealed and confidential files may not be available without a court order. Ask the receiving organization whether it requires a certified disposition rather than a plain copy.
Search and verify San Diego County warrants safely
The online database covers most adult criminal-defendant warrants issued by the San Diego Superior Court. It can be up to one hour behind current warrant status.
Open the official warrant search
Search San Diego warrants
Start with the last name
Partial first, middle and last names are accepted.
Open every plausible result
Confirm the full name, birth date and warrant details.
Do not rely on charge abbreviations
Use official California code references when interpreting the listed statute.
Confirm directly when the result affects you
Call the Warrant Office at 858-974-2110.
Check the issuing court
A warrant that has been handled may remain visible until the court updates or recalls it.
Request a written warrant check when needed
The Sheriff currently charges $14 and aims to process written requests within 3–10 business days.
Use a defense lawyer before surrendering
Counsel can advise about appearance, bail and the correct courthouse.
Scam warning: The Sheriff warns about callers demanding money to prevent arrest. Do not pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment links sent by text.
Never attempt to arrest or confront another person. Only peace officers can execute a warrant.
Confirm every case and hold before posting bail
Release without cash bail
The court may release an eligible defendant subject to appearance and safety conditions.
Cash bail
The full approved amount is deposited through the authorized court or jail process.
Surety bond
A licensed bail agent posts the bond and charges a generally nonrefundable premium.
Hold or mandatory appearance
Another warrant, case or court order may prevent immediate release.
Verify the booking number and birth date
Never arrange bail using only a common name.
List every charge and bail amount
One charge may be releasable while another blocks release.
Identify every warrant and outside hold
Ask which court or agency controls each matter.
Confirm the latest court order
Bail can change after arraignment or judicial review.
Use a licensed bail agent when choosing surety bail
Review the premium, collateral, indemnity and refund terms in writing.
Deliver a bail bond in person
Sheriff guidance states that bail bonds must be delivered to a custody-information office at a county detention facility.
Keep the bail receipt
Record the payer, defendant, case, amount and mailing address.
Allow release-processing time
Staff must clear every charge, hold and court instruction.
Cash bail paid at a Sheriff facility is forwarded to Superior Court. After the case ends and bail is exonerated, refunds are generally mailed to the payer named on the receipt.
Superior Court bail-refund questions: 619-450-7034, Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Schedule a San Diego County jail visit
Confirm the inmate’s current facility
Recheck Who’s in Jail immediately before scheduling.
Open the inmate details page
Use the eVisit option connected to the inmate record for in-person reservations.
Schedule at least one day ahead
Same-day reservations are not accepted.
Create a SmartInmate account for video visits
Create a Smart Communications account
Select the correct facility and inmate
Match the booking information before reserving.
Arrive early for an in-person visit
Most facilities require check-in 30 minutes early.
Arrive 60 minutes early at designated Otay Mesa facilities
George Bailey, Rock Mountain and East Mesa publish a 60-minute check-in requirement.
Recheck before traveling
Visits can be cancelled because of transfers, lockdowns, security or operational needs.
| Item | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| In-person availability | Five days per week, with no visits on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. |
| Visitors per visit | Maximum of three visitors, including children. |
| Advance scheduling | Reservations must be made at least 24 hours ahead. |
| Video-visit length | Thirty minutes. |
| Video-visit allowance | Two video visits per incarcerated person per week. |
| Video availability | Seven days per week, subject to housing and facility operations. |
Avoid a denied or cancelled jail visit
Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Use the exact approved visitor account
Arrive within the facility’s check-in window
Keep clothing appropriate and non-revealing
Do not display weapons, alcohol or drugs
Do not record, photograph or livestream
Do not allow unapproved people to participate
Keep minors with a qualified adult
Request prior authorization if on probation or parole
Follow all staff instructions immediately
Social visits are monitored. Video reservations and in-person schedules vary by housing unit, so use the inmate’s facility page rather than relying on an old screenshot.
Address inmate mail with the booking number and facility
Mail Processing Center
Incarcerated Person’s Full Name and Booking Number
Current Detention Facility
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Incarcerated Person’s Full Name and Booking Number
Current Detention Facility
451 Riverview Parkway, Building C
Santee, CA 92071
Verify current custody and facility
Search the inmate immediately before mailing.
Write the full booked name
Use the spelling shown in the Sheriff system.
Add the booking number
Mail without the identifier may be delayed or returned.
Write the current facility name
All ordinary jail mail uses the centralized Santee processing address.
Include the sender’s full name and return address
Missing sender information can cause rejection.
Use a reputable vendor for books or magazines
Publications must be sent directly by an approved commercial source.
Do not mail directly to the detention facility
Mail sent to the six jail locations may be rejected and returned.
All incoming and outgoing mail is opened, inspected and searched for contraband. Legal mail is checked for contraband but is not read when it meets privileged-mail requirements.
Recognize and receive San Diego County jail calls
Local, long-distance and international telephone calls from Sheriff detention facilities are free. Each call is generally limited to 15 minutes.
Incarcerated people can make unlimited calls, subject to access
Calls currently originate from 727-349-1561
Save the number to reduce spam filtering
Ordinary calls are recorded
Inmates cannot receive normal incoming calls
Do not discuss confidential legal strategy
Professional numbers require do-not-record verification
Use Smart Communications for service support
Attorney, physician and religious-advisor do-not-record verification: 858-285-2051
Send an electronic message from the inmate page
Search the incarcerated person
Use the official Who’s in Jail application.
Open the correct last-name result
The last name may not visually appear to be clickable.
Verify the booking information
Confirm the birth date, facility and booking number.
Select the message or email option
Complete the sender information and message fields.
Keep the message non-confidential
Electronic messages are reviewed and should not contain legal strategy.
Do not advertise or solicit business
Unsolicited commercial messages will not be delivered.
A message sent after the person has left custody will not be delivered.
Send money only after verifying the booking
Confirm the exact inmate and booking number
Recheck Who’s in Jail immediately before paying.
Open the Sheriff’s commissary page
Use the county-linked deposit or gift-pack option.
Open Sheriff commissary services
Select the correct incarcerated person
Compare the full name and booking number before submitting.
Review the amount and provider charge
Fees and transaction limits can change.
Save the receipt
Keep the date, amount, booking number and transaction confirmation.
Use any county jail lobby for an in-person deposit
The Sheriff states that it does not have to be the inmate’s housing facility.
Mail only an approved money order
Do not mail cash or a personal check for inmate-account deposit.
Do not deposit money for someone claiming that the payment will guarantee release, preferred housing, medical treatment or favorable court action.
Understand what inmate-account funds purchase
Food and snacks
Approved convenience items can be purchased according to housing and ordering schedules.
Hygiene and personal items
Products can include toiletries, stationery, reading glasses and other approved goods.
Gift packs
Friends and family can order facility-approved packages through the Sheriff-linked e-commerce service.
Commissary availability can be limited by housing, classification, discipline, medical restrictions or insufficient funds. Profits support the Incarcerated Persons’ Welfare Fund.
Report an urgent health concern with useful details
Call the central custody line
Use 619-409-5000 and select the facility.
Provide the exact name and booking number
Include the current facility and housing information when known.
Describe the specific concern
State known diagnoses, medications, symptoms and recent events.
Provide treating-provider or pharmacy information
This can assist staff in verifying an existing prescription.
Do not mail medication
Detention medical staff must evaluate and administer approved treatment.
Use emergency services for immediate outside danger
Call 911 when the emergency is occurring outside the jail or requires emergency response.
Medical privacy laws can limit what jail staff disclose to family members. Staff may accept information without being able to provide a detailed response.
Request the correct San Diego County public defender
The court may appoint counsel to a financially eligible defendant who cannot afford a private attorney. The Primary Public Defender, Alternate Public Defender or assigned private counsel may handle the case depending on conflicts.
Ask for counsel at the first court appearance
Clearly state that the defendant cannot afford a private lawyer.
Complete the court’s financial evaluation
Provide accurate income, household, asset, debt and expense information.
Identify the court division
Use Central, North County, South Bay or East County based on the case location.
Contact the matching Public Defender office
Find the correct Public Defender branch
Have the booking and case numbers ready
Include the defendant’s full name, birth date and next court date.
Use confidential attorney communication
Do not discuss evidence or legal strategy on ordinary recorded jail calls.
| Office | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | 451 A Street, Suite 900, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-338-4700 |
| North County | 495 La Tortuga Drive, Suite 100, Vista, CA 92081 | 760-945-4000 |
| South Bay | 303 H Street, Suite 400, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 619-498-2001 |
| East County | 250 E. Main Street, Sixth Floor, El Cajon, CA 92020 | 619-579-3316 |
Get case information, court support and custody alerts
Collect the police and court identifiers
Keep the report number, defendant name and court case number ready.
Call the District Attorney’s Victim Services program
Services are free and do not require U.S. citizenship.
Call 619-531-4041
Ask about court and case notifications
Advocates can explain hearings, case status, plea, sentencing and restitution.
Register for VINE custody notifications
Search the inmate and use the notification link on the details page.
Open VINELink
Use the VINE telephone option
Call 877-411-5588.
Ask about California victim compensation
Advocates can assist with eligible medical, counseling, funeral, relocation, income-loss and security expenses.
Crisis intervention
Emergency assistance and referrals
Criminal-process orientation
Court support
Case-status information
Victim-compensation application help
Restitution guidance
Property-return assistance
Request your fingerprint-based California criminal history
California criminal-history records are confidential. You may request your own record for review, but third parties cannot use this personal Record Review process to obtain another person’s rap sheet.
Open California DOJ Record Review
Request your California criminal history
Download form BCIA 8016RR
California residents use Live Scan fingerprints.
Select Record Review
Enter “Record Review” as the application type and reason.
Visit a certified Live Scan provider
The provider’s fingerprint-rolling fee is separate from the DOJ fee.
Pay the DOJ processing fee
The current DOJ fee is $25, with a fee-waiver process available for eligible applicants.
Review every arrest and disposition
Compare San Diego entries with the official Superior Court file.
Do not give the personal review to an unauthorized employer
California law limits demands for and disclosure of this personal record.
California DOJ Record Review Unit: 916-227-3849
Correct inaccurate San Diego or California information
Identify which database is wrong
Compare the jail entry, arresting-agency report, Superior Court file and DOJ record.
Save the incorrect result
Record the URL, date, booking number, report number, case number and disputed field.
Obtain controlling proof
Use a certified dismissal, amended order, judgment or corrected agency report.
Correct the arrest record through the submitting agency
The Sheriff or police department may need to amend its data.
Correct the court disposition through Superior Court
Missing or incorrect judicial results must be fixed through the court record.
Submit the DOJ challenge after Record Review
Use form BCIA 8706 included with a record containing criminal information.
Attach supporting documents
Explain the exact inaccuracy and include corroborating proof.
Recheck every connected system
A court correction may not immediately update the jail page or a private screening company.
Correction and record relief are different. Correction fixes factually inaccurate information. Sealing or dismissal changes how an accurate record is treated under California law.
Choose the correct San Diego record-clearing process
California “expungement” usually means a petition for dismissal—not destruction of the record. Arrest sealing, factual innocence and automatic relief are separate legal processes.
| Situation | Possible route | San Diego form or resource |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible arrest not resulting in conviction | Petition to seal an arrest record under applicable California law. | CRM-304 and general information form CRM-305. |
| Claim of factual innocence | Petition to seal and destroy arrest records under Penal Code section 851.8. | CRM-220 information and CRM-221 petition. |
| Eligible misdemeanor conviction | Petition for dismissal under Penal Code sections 1203.4 or 1203.4a. | Misdemeanor packet PKT-026. |
| Eligible felony conviction | Petition for dismissal under Penal Code section 1203.4 or other applicable statute. | Felony packet PKT-027 or PKT-039. |
| Eligible automatic relief | DOJ and court relief under Penal Code sections 851.93 or 1203.425. | Verify the DOJ record and court file after automatic processing. |
Obtain your California DOJ record
Identify every arrest, case number and disposition.
Obtain the complete San Diego court file
Correct missing or inaccurate disposition information first.
Choose sealing, factual innocence or dismissal
The correct process depends on whether charges were filed and how the case ended.
Open San Diego criminal forms
Open record-clearing forms
Complete every form and case field
Use the exact case number and arresting agency.
File at the courthouse where the matter was adjudicated
The court’s clearing-your-record page requires filing in the court that handled the case.
Serve the prosecuting agency when required
The petitioner is responsible for proper service.
Attend a hearing when ordered
Bring the DOJ history, court disposition and supporting evidence.
Obtain certified copies of the signed order
Keep a permanent copy and follow agency-service instructions.
Verify implementation
Recheck Superior Court, the arresting agency, DOJ and private background reports.
A dismissed or sealed record may remain available to criminal-justice agencies and in legally authorized situations. Private news reports and copied databases may require separate correction or removal requests.
San Diego jail, court and records contacts
County Jail Custody Information
Select the correct detention facility.
Sheriff Records and ID
9621 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
San Diego, CA 92123
Sheriff Main Office
9621 Ridgehaven Court
San Diego, CA 92123
San Diego, CA 92123
Sheriff Non-Emergency Dispatch
Call 911 for an emergency.
Central Superior Court Criminal
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego, CA 92101
Public Defender Main Office
451 A Street, Suite 900
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego, CA 92101
District Attorney Victim Services
Free victim and witness assistance.
California DOJ Record Review
Fingerprint-based personal criminal-history review.
Map to San Diego Central Jail
Map to San Diego Central Courthouse
Confirm before traveling: Recheck the inmate’s facility, the court location, office hours, identification requirements, payment methods and appointment rules.
What users can complete from this guide
Jail and booking actions
Search custody, decode the booking, find the facility, confirm release information, schedule visits, send mail, receive free calls and deposit money.
Report and court actions
Identify the arresting agency, request police records, find the Superior Court case, order copies and verify warrants or bail.
Record-review actions
Request a local Sheriff history, obtain the California DOJ record, correct inaccuracies and choose the proper sealing or dismissal route.
San Diego County arrest-record questions answered
How do I search a San Diego County inmate?
Open the official Who’s in Jail page, enter at least two letters in the first-name and last-name fields and verify the booking number, birth date, facility, charges and court date.
Why is the inmate lookup not working?
Refresh the page, complete the human-verification box, update the browser or try another device. The site is also normally offline for brief maintenance each Wednesday at noon.
Are the displayed release dates reliable?
The Sheriff currently warns that release dates may be inaccurate while records are recalculated. Confirm through the facility at 619-409-5000.
Where do I find a San Diego criminal court case?
Use the Superior Court Index and search by party name, case number or District Attorney number.
Does the Court Index show the disposition?
No. It identifies the case and location but not the charges or final result. Review or request the official court file.
How do I request a Sheriff arrest report?
Use the Sheriff Public Records Center, the station that wrote the report or the Records and ID Service Request Form.
How much is a local Sheriff criminal-history report?
The current fee is $14, with additional transaction fees for certain card payments.
How do I search San Diego warrants?
Use the official Sheriff warrant database. It is updated hourly, but recent status changes may take up to an hour to appear.
What is the jail mailing address?
Use the inmate’s name, booking number and facility at Mail Processing Center, 451 Riverview Parkway, Building C, Santee, California 92071.
Can I seal or dismiss a San Diego arrest record?
Some cases qualify. Choose the correct San Diego Superior Court packet for arrest sealing, factual innocence or petition for dismissal and file it at the court that handled the case.
