Criminal records in Ventura County, California, are available through several channels — from online tools to official court systems and law enforcement agencies. VenturaCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in this county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the Ventura County Superior Court case search system, the sheriff's office criminal records divisions, and the court clerk's office.
How to Search Criminal Records in Ventura
To start your search, prepare at least one of the following:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth
- Case number
Here are the main ways to search for criminal records in Ventura County.
Through VenturaCourt.us
Visit VenturaCourt.us to find publicly available information about court cases. Simply enter a name or case number.
Online through Official Portals
- Ventura County Superior Court Case Search — the Case Inquiry page allows you to search criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Note: The data on this site is not the official court record.
- Inmate Search — the Inmate Search on the sheriff's office website shows individuals in custody at the local jail. For more information, call: (805) 654-3335.
- Statewide Inmate Search — the CIRIS system of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) helps locate individuals in state prisons.
In Person
The Records Department of the Superior Court in the Hall of Justice in Ventura maintains criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors) as well as traffic cases. You can visit the court records department and use the public access terminals.
Requests can also be submitted at the sheriff's criminal records divisions located in Ventura and Thousand Oaks. Hours: Monday — Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
By Mail
Send written requests for name searches to the court's address. The fee is $15 per request (up to 15 names per request).
To obtain a statewide California criminal history summary, you must submit fingerprints via Live Scan. More details are on the California DOJ Criminal Records page.
Search Ventura Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in California typically includes:
- Filing Year — two or four digits (e.g., 2024)
- Case Type Code — a letter prefix indicating the category. For criminal cases, designations like "CR" (criminal felony) or "M" (misdemeanor) are often used
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned by the court clerk's office
For example, a number might look like 2024CR012345. If you have the exact case number, enter it on the Superior Court's Case Inquiry page — it's the fastest way to find a specific case. Without the number, you'll need to search by name, which may return multiple results, especially if the name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Ventura
Each criminal record contains several key elements. Below are explanations of the main ones.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a section of the California Penal Code (e.g., PC 459 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charges — add new ones or reduce the severity |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the case is concluded (sentence, closure, or dismissal)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Ventura County:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant is read the charges
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (felonies only)
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial hearing where parties discuss agreements and procedural issues
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a review hearing to check compliance with conditions (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case dismissed (closed without a verdict) |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by court or jury decision |
| Nolo Contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges, which legally equates to a guilty plea |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Ventura
Certified copies of criminal records are officially certified documents accepted by other institutions and courts. Here's where to go.
Records Department
To obtain certified copies of criminal court cases, contact the court records department in the Hall of Justice.
What you need:
- Case number or defendant's full name
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment of applicable fees
Requests are accepted in person, by mail, or through the online case search system.
Sheriff's Criminal Records Division
The sheriff's office processes requests for police reports and other law enforcement records. Requests can be submitted through the sheriff's public records portal or in person.
Statewide Criminal History
The California Department of Justice issues a State Summary Criminal History Record only to the individual. To do this, you must submit fingerprints via Live Scan and complete an application form. Live Scan services are available at most police departments and sheriff's offices.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Ventura
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name search (court, by mail) | $15 per request (up to 15 names) | Ventura Superior Court |
| Copy of court document (uncertified) | Depends on the number of pages; usually $0.50–$1.00 per page | Ventura Superior Court |
| Document certification | Additional fee per certified copy (check with the clerk's office) | Ventura Superior Court |
| State criminal history request (DOJ) | Approximately $25 (Live Scan processing fee) | California DOJ |
Processing times depend on the submission method:
- In person — copies are usually prepared the same day or within a few business days
- By mail — 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the clerk's office workload
- State criminal history (DOJ) — processing may take several weeks after fingerprint submission
Exact fee amounts should be confirmed directly with the court clerk's office or the sheriff's website, as rates may change.