Hollywood City felony records are public court files that show serious criminal cases filed in Los Angeles County. These records come from the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest trial court system in the United States.
Anyone can search these records online or visit the courthouse in person. The California Public Records Act gives you the right to view most felony case files. This page explains how to find Hollywood California felony court records, what each file contains, and where to look for the freshest data in 2026.
What Are Hollywood California Felony Court Records
Hollywood California felony court records are official documents created by the Los Angeles County Superior Court for serious crimes filed in the Hollywood area. A felony is a crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Examples include robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, drug sales, fraud, and homicide. These records track every step of the case from filing to sentencing.
Where Hollywood Felony Cases Are Filed
Most Hollywood felony cases are filed at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles. This is the main felony courthouse for LA County. The address is 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The court phone number is (213) 974-6060. Cases from the Hollywood area are assigned here because LA County handles all felony arraignments and trials at this location. Some preliminary hearings may happen at the Hollywood Courthouse at 5925 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, but the main felony docket lives downtown.
What Each Felony Record Contains
A felony record in Los Angeles includes several key documents. The complaint lists the charges. The arraignment shows the first court date. Motions filed by lawyers appear in the docket. Plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, and sentencing orders are all part of the file. Each document has a date stamp and a case number. The case number starts with the year, followed by a court code like “BA” for Los Angeles, then a sequence number. You need this number to pull the full file from the court clerk.
Who Maintains Hollywood Los Angeles Felony Case Files
Hollywood Los Angeles felony case files are kept by the Los Angeles County Superior Court Clerk. The clerk’s office stores millions of paper and digital records. The clerk also runs the online portal where you can search cases from any computer. Police arrest reports come from the Los Angeles Police Department, with the Hollywood Division handling arrests in the 90028, 90038, 90046, 90027, and 90068 zip codes. Statewide criminal history data comes from the California Department of Justice.
Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division
The LAPD Hollywood Division serves the Hollywood neighborhood. The station sits at 1358 North Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028. You can call the records desk at (213) 972-2971. Officers file arrest reports within hours of taking someone into custody. These reports include the suspect’s name, date of birth, charges, time of arrest, and the officer’s observations. The report becomes part of the public record after the investigation closes. You can request a copy of the police report by filing a California Public Records Act request with the LAPD.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Clerk
The LA County Superior Court Clerk is the official keeper of all court records for felony cases. The main clerk’s office sits at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, inside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. The clerk’s public phone line is (213) 830-0800. This office handles record requests, certified copies, and online access. You can search the court’s online database 24 hours a day through the LA Court portal. The clerk’s office also handles in-person record viewing during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays.
How to Search Los Angeles County Felony Case Lookup Tools
Los Angeles County felony case lookup tools are free and open to the public. The main search portal is the LA Superior Court website. You can also use the California Department of Justice system for statewide checks. Each tool gives you a different view of the record. Together they show the full story of a felony case from arrest to final disposition.
LA County Superior Court Online Portal
The LA Court online portal lets you search felony cases by name, case number, or filing date. Go to the court’s website and click on “Case Information.” Enter the full legal name of the person. Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow the results. The system will show all matching cases, including open and closed matters. Click on a case number to see the full docket, which lists every hearing, motion, and order in the file. The portal is free to use and updates daily. You can print the docket for your records.
California Department of Justice Criminal History Search
The California DOJ runs the statewide criminal history database. This system covers every county, including Los Angeles. You can request a copy of someone’s criminal record through the DOJ’s record review unit. Mail a request to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis, P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170. The phone number is (916) 227-3849. The fee is $25 for each name search. Results show arrests, charges, convictions, and dispositions across all California counties.
Rap Sheet and FBI Background Checks
A California rap sheet is the official term for a criminal history record. The state DOJ issues these documents. For federal-level checks, the FBI maintains the National Crime Information Center. You can request an FBI background check through the DOJ or a third-party channeler. Hollywood felony convictions appear on both state and federal records if the crime crossed state lines or involved federal charges. Most local Hollywood felonies stay in the California system unless they were charged in federal court.
Types of Hollywood Criminal Case Records You Can Find
Hollywood criminal case records fall into several categories. Each type tells you something different about the case. Knowing what you need helps you pick the right source. Open cases, closed cases, sealed cases, and expunged cases all have different access rules.
Open Felony Cases in Hollywood
Open felony cases are still moving through the court system. The defendant has not been sentenced, or the case has not been dismissed. You can view the docket entries for open cases on the LA Court portal. Sensitive documents like sealed affidavits may be hidden from public view. Most motions, minute orders, and court dates appear in the public record. Defense motions to seal evidence are common, and the judge decides what stays open. You can also attend the public hearings in person at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Closed and Convicted Felony Cases
Closed felony cases have reached a final resolution. This includes convictions, acquittals, dismissals, and diversions. Los Angeles felony conviction records show the final charge, the plea or verdict, and the sentence. Sentences may include prison time, probation, fines, or mandatory programs. Closed cases stay on the public record forever unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged. The LA Court portal shows closed cases just as easily as open ones. The full case file is available for viewing at the clerk’s office.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Sealed felony records are hidden from the public by a court order. You cannot view a sealed record through the online portal or at the clerk’s office. Expunged records are different. Under California Penal Code 1203.4, a person who completes probation can ask the court to set aside the conviction. After expungement, the record still exists in some databases but shows a dismissal. The California DOJ updates its records after receiving a court order for expungement. Most employers and landlords will not see the original felony after expungement.
Los Angeles County Online Felony Records Access Step by Step
Los Angeles County online felony records access follows a clear process. You do not need a lawyer or a special account. The court system built the public portal for everyday use. Follow these steps to pull a Hollywood felony case from your phone or computer.
Step One: Gather the Person’s Full Name and Date of Birth
Start your search with the full legal name of the person. Include first, middle, and last name. A date of birth helps you find the right match. Many people share common names, so the date of birth cuts down the results. If you have a case number, use that instead. Case numbers are faster and more exact. The format looks like 24BA123456, where 24 is the year, BA is the Los Angeles courthouse code, and 123456 is the sequence number.
Step Two: Open the LA Court Portal and Run the Search
Go to the Los Angeles Superior Court website at lacourt.org. Click on the “Case Information” link. Type the name into the search box. Add the date of birth if you have it. Hit the search button. The system will return a list of matching cases. Look for the one that matches the felony you are checking. Click on the case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every court date, motion, ruling, and order in the case.
Step Three: Read the Docket and Pull Documents
The docket gives you the timeline of the case. You will see the arraignment date, the pretrial hearings, the motion filings, the plea or trial, and the sentencing. Some documents are linked to the docket. You can view the complaint, the minute orders, and the sentencing memo. To get certified copies, you need to visit the clerk’s office or order them online through the court’s document service. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
Los Angeles County Court Felony Records Fees and Timelines
Los Angeles County court felony records are free to view. You only pay when you want certified copies or full document pulls. The clerk’s office charges set fees for each service. Knowing the fees helps you plan your budget before you visit or call.
Standard Record Request Fees
The court charges $1 per page for regular copies. Certified copies add a $2 fee per document. A full case file pull costs $50 for the first file and $25 for each additional file in the same request. If you need the file on a CD or USB drive, the court charges $5 for the media. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s window. Online payments through the portal include a small convenience fee.
California DOJ Record Check Fees
The California Department of Justice charges $25 for each name-based criminal history search. You must include a fingerprint card or use the Live Scan system for the most accurate results. The DOJ processes most requests within 15 business days. Expedited service is not available for name searches. If you need a notarized copy, add $5 to the fee. The DOJ accepts checks and money orders by mail. Credit card payments are available through the Live Scan vendor network.
How Long Does It Take to Get Records
Online docket searches are instant. You see results the moment you submit the form. In-person record viewing at the clerk’s office takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the case size. Certified copies are ready the same day in most cases. Older paper files from before 2000 may take 3 to 5 business days to pull from archive storage. California DOJ record checks take 15 business days from the date the request arrives. The court does not offer overnight mail for standard requests.
Hollywood California Felony Trial Records and Court Documents
Hollywood California felony trial records include the full transcript of the court proceedings, the exhibits introduced at trial, and the jury instructions. These records are stored separately from the main docket. The court reporter prepares the trial transcript. You can order a transcript by contacting the court reporter’s office at (213) 974-5396. Transcripts cost $3.85 per page. Exhibits are kept by the clerk and can be viewed in person or requested through the records office.
Sentencing Memos and Probation Reports
After a conviction, the probation department prepares a report for the judge. The report includes the defendant’s background, criminal history, and the probation officer’s recommendation. The sentencing memo comes from the lawyers on both sides. These documents are part of the public record unless the judge seals them. You can view them at the clerk’s office or pull them through the online portal. Sentencing memos give you a clear picture of how the court weighed the case.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
If the defendant appeals a Hollywood felony conviction, the case moves to the California Court of Appeal. The appellate court has its own case number and docket. You can search appellate cases through the California Courts Appellate Court portal. Post-conviction relief motions, like habeas corpus petitions, stay in the trial court record. These filings appear in the main docket of the original felony case. The Court of Appeal address for the Los Angeles area is 300 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
California Felony Records Search Best Practices
California felony records search best practices help you get accurate results every time. Small mistakes in spelling or date format can hide the case you need. Use these tips to avoid common errors. They work for Hollywood cases and every other county in California.
Verify Spelling and Use Legal Names
Always use the person’s full legal name as it appears on court documents. Nicknames and shortened names will not match. If the person changed their name, search both the current and former names. Double-check the spelling of every part of the name. Common misspellings cause the most search failures. If you do not know the exact spelling, try different versions and review all results. Date of birth errors also create problems. Confirm the date before you run the search.
Check Multiple Sources for a Complete Picture
The LA Court portal shows court records. The California DOJ shows statewide criminal history. The LAPD shows arrest reports. Each source has gaps. A case may show up in the court portal but not in the DOJ system if the conviction was vacated. An arrest may show up in LAPD records but not in the court system if charges were never filed. Running all three sources gives you the most complete answer. Save the results from each search for your records.
Know When Records Are Restricted
Some felony records are not public. Juvenile cases are sealed by law. Cases involving minors as victims may have portions sealed to protect the victim. Mental health diversion cases under California Penal Code 1001.36 are sealed after successful completion. Diversion programs for veterans and people with substance abuse issues follow similar rules. Sealed records do not show up in the public portal. You need a court order to view them, and only the parties to the case can ask for access.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Felony Filings and Judicial Records
Los Angeles County Superior Court felony filings are the starting point of every case. The filing happens when the District Attorney’s office files a complaint. The complaint lists the charges, the defendant, and the date of the alleged crime. The clerk stamps the complaint with a case number and adds it to the public docket. Judicial records include the judge’s orders, the minute orders from each hearing, and the final judgment. All these records are public unless a specific order seals them.
District Attorney’s Office and Case Filing
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office files felony charges after reviewing the police report. The DA’s office sits at 211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The main phone line is (213) 974-3512. The DA’s office does not handle record requests for closed cases. The court clerk handles all record requests. The DA’s office only releases information about pending cases to the parties and their lawyers. For older cases, the clerk’s office is the only source.
Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
You can use the public access terminals at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse for free. The address is 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The terminal room opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. on court business days. The terminals let you search by name, case number, or filing date. Staff at the public service desk can help you if you get stuck. You can print documents for $1 per page right at the terminal. Bring a photo ID to enter the courthouse.
Hollywood Felony Case Status and Updates
Hollywood felony case status updates happen every time a court action takes place. The LA Court portal updates within 24 hours of a new filing. The minute orders from each hearing appear in the docket the next business day. You can set up alerts on the portal for specific cases. The alerts send an email when a new document is filed. This service is free and works for as many cases as you want to track.
Hearing Dates and Continuances
Hearing dates are set when the case is filed and updated as the case moves. Continuances happen when one side asks for more time. The judge grants or denies the continuance at the hearing. The docket shows the new date if the continuance is granted. You can check hearing dates by looking at the “Future Hearings” section of the docket. This section lists every court date that is already on the calendar. Past hearings appear in the “History” section of the docket.
Warrant and Bench Warrant Searches
Active warrants do not always show up in the public docket. The court seals some warrant information to protect investigations. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk’s office or the LAPD non-emergency line at (877) 275-5273. Outstanding warrants appear in the California Department of Justice system. The warrant shows the case number, the type of warrant, and the bail amount. You can clear a warrant by contacting a criminal defense lawyer or turning yourself in at the courthouse.
Los Angeles County Court Contact and Location Details
The Los Angeles County Superior Court serves all felony cases in the Hollywood area. The main felony courthouse is the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The phone number is (213) 974-6060. Court hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except court holidays. The Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 handles civil, family, and probate cases. The clerk’s main phone number is (213) 830-0800. The LAPD Hollywood Division is at 1358 North Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028, with a records phone line at (213) 972-2971. The California Department of Justice record request address is P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170, and the phone number is (916) 227-3849.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hollywood City Felony Records
The following questions cover the most common issues people face when searching for Hollywood felony records in Los Angeles County. Each answer gives you the direct facts you need without legal jargon. These answers reflect the current state of the law and the court system as of July 2026. If your question goes beyond what is listed here, contact the court clerk or a licensed attorney for help.
Can Anyone View Hollywood Felony Records for Free
Yes. The California Public Records Act and the California Rules of Court give the public the right to view most felony case files. The LA Court online portal is free to use for docket searches. In-person record viewing at the clerk’s office is also free. You only pay for copies, certified copies, or full file pulls. Some records are sealed by court order, and those are not public. Juvenile records, mental health diversion cases, and certain victim-protection cases stay sealed. You do not need to be a lawyer or a party to the case to view public felony records.
How Do I Find a Felony Case Number in Los Angeles County
You can find a felony case number by searching the LA Court portal with the defendant’s full legal name. The docket entry will show the case number in the format 24BA123456, where 24 is the year, BA is the Los Angeles courthouse code, and 123456 is the sequence number. If you have court paperwork from a lawyer, the case number is on the first page. You can also call the clerk’s office at (213) 830-0800 and request a case number lookup. The clerk may ask for the defendant’s date of birth to confirm the identity before giving out the case number.
What Is the Difference Between Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in California
Sealed records are hidden from the public by a court order. The court physically closes the file and removes it from the public docket. Only the parties to the case, their lawyers, and certain government agencies can view a sealed record. Expunged records are different. Under California Penal Code 1203.4, a person who completes probation can ask the court to set aside the conviction. The case is dismissed, and the person can legally say they were not convicted of that crime in most situations. The record still exists in some law enforcement databases but is no longer a public conviction.
How Long Does a Felony Stay on a California Criminal Record
A felony conviction stays on your California criminal record forever unless you get it expunged, sealed, or pardoned. The California Department of Justice does not delete felony records based on time alone. Even decades-old convictions appear on a DOJ background check. Expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 is the most common way to clean up an old felony. A governor’s pardon can also remove a felony from your record. Some job applications only look at convictions from the last seven or ten years, but the full record stays in the system for life.
Can I Search Hollywood Felony Records by Name Without a Date of Birth
Yes. The LA Court portal lets you search by name only. The results list every case tied to that name. Common names return many results. The system does not require a date of birth. Adding the date of birth narrows the results and helps you find the right person. If you do not know the date of birth, you can review the full list of matches and check the case details. Each case entry shows the defendant’s date of birth, the filing date, and the charges. You can match those details to the person you are researching.
What Happens If a Hollywood Felony Case Was Dismissed
If a Hollywood felony case was dismissed, the dismissal appears in the public docket. The case still shows in the court record, but the disposition says “dismissed.” A dismissed case is not a conviction. The arrest record may still exist in LAPD files, but the court record closes without a finding of guilt. You can ask the court to seal a dismissed case under California Penal Code 851.8. After sealing, the arrest and court records are hidden from the public. A certificate of factual innocence is another option if you can show the case should never have been filed.
Are Federal Felony Records Different From California State Felony Records
Yes. Federal felony records come from the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The address is 350 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The phone number is (213) 894-1565. Federal cases involve violations of federal law, like drug trafficking across state lines, federal fraud, or immigration crimes. State felony cases in Hollywood go through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. You search federal records through the PACER system or the court’s public terminal. State records stay in the California system. The two systems do not share data, so you must check both if the case might be federal.