Domestic violence (DV) cases are a serious issue that affects many people and families in Los Angeles. When DV occurs, it's essential to understand the legal process and whether they are considered public records. Let's review the accessibility of domestic violence case records in California and how they can impact anyone involved.
In California, domestic violence cases are typically considered public records. This means anyone can access the information through the court system, but certain restrictions might apply depending on the specifics of the case.

While domestic violence case records are public records, they are subject to confidentiality rules and regulations. This means certain details or documents might be sealed or kept private to protect the safety and well-being of the people involved.
For example, personal identifying information or sensitive evidence might not be accessible to the general public.
Also, while domestic violence case records are public, it does not mean that every detail of the case will be readily available online. Sometimes, people might need to visit the courthouse or request specific documents to access certain information.
Suppose you are interested in accessing domestic violence case records in Los Angeles. In that case, you'll need to contact the court where the case was filed and ask about the process for obtaining these records. Each court might have its procedures and requirements for accessing public records.
Being arrested and charged with a domestic violence crime can be highly disruptive to your life, even before you're convicted. DV charges carry significant implications that can profoundly affect your personal and professional life.
There are legitimate concerns about the DV case becoming a matter of public record, potentially affecting your ability to find work, obtain housing, and other issues.
What are Public Records?
Public records in California are documents or information that is not considered confidential and accessible to the general public. These documents include:
- Court documents,
- Criminal records (arrests, charges, convictions) and
- Other documents filed with governmental agencies.
The California Public Records Act (CPRA) governs accessibility with the goal of ensuring transparency and accountability in government.
Simply put, California criminal records are usually available to the public, but certain types of information might be restricted based on privacy concerns or legal protections.
Law enforcement agencies and the California Department of Justice normally maintain criminal records. Employers, landlords, and other entities that are conducting background checks can access these records.

Domestic violence charges, like most criminal charges, are part of the public record once they are filed with the court and are accessible to the public, including:
- Case details,
- Criminal charges,
- Court proceedings,
- Case outcome.
Other parties can acquire certain information through online databases or by request from a relevant agency for the following:
- Police reports,
- Restraining orders, and
- Other court documents related to domestic violence cases.
Criminal background checks might also include some information. Arrest records are typically public, but specific personal information might be redacted to protect the privacy of the people involved.
In California, restraining orders typically appear on criminal background checks. While most restraining orders are civil issues, they are still included in background check reports because they are court records.
Suppose a restraining order is violated. In that case, it's a separate crime that will show up on a criminal background check. This means restraining orders or violations are publicly visible to employers, landlords, and others conducting background checks.
How Can Domestic Violence Case Records Affect You?
The public accessibility of domestic violence case records can have various affects effects on the people involved, such as the following:
- Employer background checks. Domestic violence case records that are accessible to the public can impact your employment opportunities. Employers might conduct background checks and discover domestic violence records, which will probably impact their hiring decisions.
- Divorce and child custody proceedings. In cases involving child custody or divorce, domestic violence case records can play a vital role, especially if there were significant injuries and you were conceived of a DV felony. These records can provide evidence of a history of domestic violence and could impact the outcome of custody and visitation arrangements.
- Reputation and personal safety. Public access to domestic violence case records can also pose risks to your reputation and personal safety. Details of the DV case, including allegations and evidence, could be posted online, causing judgment or even physical harm to the victim's family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you access domestic violence records online? Sometimes, they might be available online through the court's website or a public records database. Still, not all courts provide online access, and certain information is restricted.
How long do the case records stay on file? The length of time will vary depending on the court. Still, typically, domestic violence records are maintained for a significant period, but they might be archived or destroyed based on retention schedules.
Can domestic violence case records be sealed or expunged? Sometimes, it's possible to request sealing or expungement of domestic violence case records. Still, eligibility and the process will vary depending on the jurisdiction and case details.
What are the Consequences of Domestic Violence?
California has strict domestic violence laws. Penal Code 13700 PC says, "Domestic violence means abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship."
It also includes direct and indirect threats, such as acts that cause the victim a reasonable fear of imminent harm. Crimes of violence against intimate partners are treated differently than the same crimes committed against others. Consider the following facts:
- A common domestic violence charge in Los Angeles is Penal Code 273.5 PC, corporal injury to a spouse. It's described as any willful infliction of corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a current or former spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, or parent of one's child. Abusive behaviors include physical assault, emotional abuse, threats, and coercion.
- Another common charge filed in Los Angeles is Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC, domestic battery. It's described as willfully inflicting physical force on an intimate partner, whether or not injury occurs as a result. This is the most common of domestic violence and is always a misdemeanor.
Misdemeanor DV penalties include up to one year in county jail, fines, mandatory counseling programs, and community service. Felony DV convictions can result in longer jail sentences, larger fines, and more strict probation conditions. Looking past the legal penalties, a domestic violence conviction can significantly disrupt family relationships.
What are the Options to Limit the Impact of DV Records?
A California criminal defense lawyer can take some steps to either reduce the impact on your public record or remove it from public view.
- We can negotiate a reduced charge or reach a favorable plea agreement. Reducing domestic violence charges to lesser offenses might not have the same public record implications.
- Perhaps we can negotiate a case dismissal. If there is insufficient evidence, we could get the case dismissed and then clear the records later.
- Perhaps we can pursue a pre-trial diversion program., especially for first-time domestic violence offenders. Completing the terms of a diversion program will result in a dismissal of the charges.
- California law allows certain offenses to be sealed from public view after a certain amount of time, including domestic violence arrests or charges that didn't result in a conviction.
- Perhaps we can pursue an expungement after you have completed your sentence. You might also be eligible for record sealing.
As discussed, domestic violence cases in California are usually considered public records, but there are certain restrictions and confidentiality rules.
The accessibility of DV records can impact you in various ways, such as child custody and divorce proceedings. You should contact the relevant court for additional information on accessing domestic violence case records. Contact our law firm for a free case review. Cron, Israels & Stark is based in Los Angeles, CA.
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