Accessing DMV Files Q: I am a California native and am currently having issues with Arizona. I am trying to get information from California as to why they told Arizona to suspend my driver’s license. I have since gotten my license back. What’s important to me for the still pending cases in Arizona is that I need the reason and proof as to why they took action. I need California DMV and/or the CJIS to
Unsealing exhibits cited in a judicial ruling Q: Exhibits attached to a motion to amend a civil complaint to include punitive damages were filed under an earlier order that sealed exhibits unless parties objected to disclosure within ten days after filing. The motion has been on file for months, and no objection is on the record. A judge issued a written ruling allowing punitives and citing all the exhibits, and quoting several of them. But
Naturalization records Q: Are California naturalization certificates (mainly pre-1906) available to the public to see and copy? Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties only let the public see index cards containing names and dates. A: Under the California Public Records Act (“PRA”), the public has a right to inspect and obtain copies of documents collected or maintained by state or local agencies. The PRA requires agencies to provide you with the documents requested, or notify you
Accessing adoption records Q: In California, is the DATE an adoption record is sealed confidential? If so, how does one petition the court to open the record if you don’t know when the action was filed or when the sealing order made? A: California Family Code Section 9200 provides, with respect to adoption records, that: (a) The petition, relinquishment or consent, agreement, order, report to the court from any investigating agency, and any power of
Police Reports and the CPRA Q: This message pertains to obtaining police reports taken. I have been told by LAPD that unless I am the one who files a police report I cannot get copies. How can this not be public information? If the report was filed against me am I entitled to a copy? I have had approx 50-75 police reports filed against me by my insane neighbor and I am preparing to file